Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
1936 - 2024
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:00a.m at Heritage Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior.
WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS REMEMBERING JAMES E JACKSON
May 1936 – April 20th 2024
Jim was born in George Iowa. He was the first of four children born to Wayne and Alma June Jackson. He was a curious little guy who loved dogs, all earthly creatures and nature. During his early school years the family moved around a lot as his father was a salesman. This was difficult for him and his siblings growing up but it taught Jim how to make friends.
He attended Augustana College for 2 years then transferred to Bethel College in St. Paul, MN. There he earned his bachelor of science degree. He continued his studies while teaching high school science. He studied on Boston, Utah and SDSU, earning his masters degree plus 30. He mainly taught biology and ecology in the Sioux Falls Public Schools. He was awarded by the National Association for Outstanding Biology Teacher in 1992.
For seven summers he worked at Camp Warren, a YMCA camp in northern Minnesota. Jim was one of three men in charge of the boys who were broken up into 3 age groups. Jim was in charge of the intermediate section. The family stayed on site in the family camp. Despite the very basic cabin with running water but no bathroom, the family thrived. Jim worked long hours 6 days a week so the rest of the family could enjoy the camp, woods and lake.
One of his later challenges was to help start the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls while still teaching. Jim along with Thea Ryan and Game, Fish and Parks Department were able to see it operational.
Finally, he was a family man and a Christian. During his last years, he was in and out of the hospital frequently. He was not afraid to share his faith with his many caregivers. He felt blessed by all the visitors that would come to see him. He would comment when they would leave, “but I’m just an ordinary guy”.
Jim often expressed to visitors, “I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens”. Jim passed on to his heavenly home on April 20th, 2024. He will bring much joy to heaven. He was loved by many and yes, even his stories will be missed.
To watch virtually please click on the below Zoom link:
Heritage Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Jim Jackson funeral
Time: Apr 29, 2024 10:45 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84925903531?pwd=sHoHgTsR3bHrVv0MN7UMHBwbaDybkD.1
Meeting ID: 849 2590 3531
Passcode: 345987
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I had Mr. Jackson as a Science teacher in high school though I don't recall at which school since I attended all 3 public high schools. He is one of the few teachers I remember. I remember his passion for teaching about nature and he inspired me to be more curious about it. I didn't know he helped start the Outdoor Campus. Cool to know. Grateful I got to be one of his students.
Sarah Wallin
May 05, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Student
Mr. Jackson took me and a group of ecology students to northern Minnesota in 1976 for career week at Washington High School. He was so kind giving and knowledgeable about ecology. But his kindness and humor throughout the week is what we remember most. He was a great teacher and human. Heaven gained a wonderful man.
Connie Sivertson
May 02, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Student
Jim and his family gave John and me many beautiful memories from summers at camp Warren. He loved kids and family and all of nature. His faith was a living example of love in action. I feel so fortunate to have know Jim . He was the best of the best. Sincere love and sympathy to his dear family
Elaine Crabb
May 01, 2024 | Friend
I stumbled across this obituary too late to pay my respects at the services. I am really sorry for that. Jim was a wonderful man with unimpeachable values. He was my 7th grade biology teacher at Axtell Park Junior High and my 8th and 9th grade track coach. He loved the outdoors, biology, and his students and that really showed through in his teaching of all of us. Jim has left a lasting mark on me and I know on some of my classmates who continue to mention him across the years. I continue to...
N. Dean Nasser, Jr.
April 30, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Student
I have a PhD in wildlife biology. Mr. Jackson was my 7th grade science teacher in 1965 at Axtell Junior High School. He was the most influential teacher I ever had and started me on the path of science I have followed ever since. I reckon he was about 29 years old at the time but his interest and energy remains one of my fondest memories. I shared his passion for the outdoors and had the opportunity to be a guest instructor in one of his class sessions at Roosevelt HS. He was indeed a...
Lorin Hicks
April 30, 2024 | Sun Lakes, AZ | Student
Jim was a fantastic encourager, and a friend to a rookie youth worker for many years. His kindness and ability to bring levity to many situations is still appreciated by me to this day: I loved his playful attitude and actions at our summer camp, alongside his deep care for those around him. I cherish the years I served alongside Jim and the bus driver crew at Camp Judson, along with our service at Central Baptist. Rest well Jim- I know you have found a stream where the trout are rising...
Dave Decker
April 29, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
LuAnn and family. I sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I did not know him well but I do remember helping at a couple of garage sales and Jim telling me a few good stories from his hunting days. I will say his turkey stories were the best and I am sure you all will be missing them but you will have his memories and it sounds like a lot of them were made. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you continue on the last trip with him in your goodbyes. I will not be able to attend his services...
Margaret Wrigg
April 28, 2024 | SIOUX FALLS, SD | Friend
Jim Jackson was truly a great man that touched and enriched many lives, mine included. He loved the outdoors and the thrill of hunting and fishing when ever he got the chance to venture out and enjoy Gods marvelous creations. He was an accomplished writer and wrote many fine articles about hunting, fishing and conservation. He had a true passion for turkey hunting and I loved to read or listen to his stories about his trips afield. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family. Jim left...
Ron Schauer
April 28, 2024 | Friend
I had Mr Jackson as a biology teacher many years ago. I wasn't the easiest student to have but for some reason Mr Jackson sensed this and him and I got along great and it was my favorite class all through my educational years. Rest in peace Mr J
Scott Hoffman
April 27, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD
