Name: Visitation for Brian Earl Jackson
Start: 2015-11-28T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-11-28T18:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Mary's Catholic Church Hall

Brian's love for the outdoors and adventure started at a young age. Born in 1976, and raised in Marshall, Wis., Brian spent his early years competing in wrestling tournaments, exploring the woods surrounding his family's hobby farm, swimming in the nearby pond and befriending wild animals. Brian attended UW-Platteville and received his BS in Agriculture. After a short time living in Loyal, Wis., Brian and his four-legged best friend, Josie, packed up everything he owned and headed to Alaska. The outdoors felt like home to Brian and he started his life in Fairbanks, Alaska. Brian completed his Master's degree at UA-Fairbanks. His hard work was evident in all he did, including building his own home in the outskirts of Fairbanks. Brian was always planning a backwoods trip with friends or packing for his next adventure. Whenever he was skiing, hiking, floating or hunting in the backwoods of Alaska, he was the happiest and most content. He met the love of his life, Cassie Thacker (Neenah, Wis.), a middle school teacher in Fairbanks. Brian and Cassie made a life together, while falling deeper in love with Alaska. He married Cassie Thacker on July 26, 2014, at Kennicott Mine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska. Brian was employed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water-North Slope Team as a Natural Resource Specialist. Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Cassie; is the beloved son of Gary Jackson (Kathleen Jackson) and Mary Ann Jackson (Kerry Denson) of Wisconsin; his brother, Nathan (Heidi); and sister, Danielle Butorac (Peter); niece, McKinley Jackson; step-siblings, Douglas (Christina) and Patrick Denson, Evan (KattieWollin) Starks and Jessica Starks (Neal Doyle); niece, Rylie Denson; and nephew, Everett Denson. Further survivors include his mother and father-in-law, Mike and Laura Thacker; and sisters-in-law, Kelly and Erin Thacker. Brian passed away on Nov. 22, 2015, as the result of a hunting accident in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Brian Jackson Memorial Fund c/o Farmers & Merchants State Bank, PO Box 660, Marshall, WI 53559. Visitation will be held at the St. Mary's Catholic Church Hall in Marshall, Wis., on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, from 10 a.m. to noon. A Celebration of Life for Brian at noon, followed by a luncheon. A later memorial celebration will be held in the spring in Fairbanks, Alaska.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Nov. 28, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Jackson

16 Entries

Bill Rockwell

December 3, 2015

Dear Jackson Family,

I want to express my deepest sympathy and love to you in the passing of your son. I worked with Mary Ann, Brian's mom for 19 years and briefly Brian's dad through work meetings and want to especially pray for your peace.

You are on my mind and heart and in our prayers.

God's peace to you.

December 2, 2015

Dear Jackson family,
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of peace help you endure. Php. 4:6, 7

Steven Hanson

November 30, 2015

Dear Cassie,
Thinking of you with heavy heart. Please know that many prayers are going out for you. May you find strength from God and comfort in knowing that the friends of a lifetime think highly of you.
Steve Hanson,

Bryce Lake

November 28, 2015

To the Jackson family: I met your son this past spring at a gathering he held at his and Cassie's home to celebrate the end of Cassie's school year. My fiancee is a teacher at Cassie's school. As I arrived, I was introduced to Brian and we struck up a conversation. I realized pretty quick he was my kind of people. We talked about things we both liked - Alaska, Packers football, the outdoors, fishing, and hunting. We could have talked for hours nonstop easily, but Brian had duties as a host . I will truly miss not being able to continue that converstation. My heart goes out to you for your loss.

To Cassie: I can't imagine the sorrow you must feel. If ever there is anything you need, Michelle and I are here to help.

Bryce Lake and Michelle Sopoliga

November 28, 2015

My heart goes out to you for the deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Brian. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and one another.
Psalm 66:19,20

Robin Beebee

November 27, 2015

To Cassie and Brian's family, know that so many of us share your heartache and grief. Brian's enthusiastic smile and good humor warmed my toes and numbed my blisters many times out skiing and hiking. His love of life made us all love life a little more, especially when it was cold and windy and otherwise miserable. I'll miss him so much.

Nicole Kordasiewicz

November 27, 2015

Cassie, I am saddened to hear such devastating news. My heart aches with yours. Wishing you comfort and courage during this difficult time.

Linda Ahles

November 27, 2015

Cassie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
A heartfelt love to you all.

Bergen Pickett

November 26, 2015

My Cassie, we're sending all of our love to you and continue praying for you every day! ♡ Ajay & Bergen

Barbara Schaller

November 26, 2015

Dear Cassie....our hearts are saddened by the news of Brian's passing ! Please know that we send you love and our prayers ...
Most Fondly,
John and Barb Schaller

November 26, 2015

Cassie I am so sorry. My heart is just aching for you. Know that there are so many people praying for you Want to hold you and hug you..
Love & b
God Bless
Jan Krueger

Randy Fulweber

November 26, 2015

I met and first got to know Brian while we were in grad school at UAF. A hard working and sharp student with great drive and sense of humor. I have fond memories of playing with Brian in farm softball games and the infamous Bunny Boot Bowl. Such a great dude to be around. My thoughts go out to his family and friends in Wisconsin and Alaska.

Deb Cushing

November 26, 2015

Brian bowled with a team from the School of Natural Resources for Big Brothers each spring. Listening to the banter from Action Jackson was counted on and will be very much missed. His love of life and enthusism for adventure will be long remembered.

Nancy Tarnai

November 26, 2015

Brian had the best outlook on life I have ever seen. I never heard him complain; he was always upbeat with a "can do" attitude. We are so incredibly heart broken over your loss and will keep you in our prayers.

November 26, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Cassie and family. Brian was a very nice man and we were honored to know him. We wish you peace at this very difficult time. Love to all, Steve and Rhonda Gillen

Isabeau & Owen Coskey

November 25, 2015

The Coskeys are deeply saddened and will miss Brian dearly. Brian embodied everything good in a person. His sense of adventure, quick wit, hard work, sincerity, loyalty, and easy nature made him an absolute joy to be around. He lit up rooms and brought broad smiles to many faces. He was a fantastic colleague and an even better friend. He really was the quintessence of life, and he will be with us always.

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