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Ian Jackson Obituary
With great sadness, the family of Professor Ian T. Jackson MD, FRCS, FACS, announces that the renowned craniofacial and reconstructive surgeon died on Sunday the 2nd of August 2020, at his home in Michigan, USA, after more than a decade living with Alzheimer's Disease.
Jackson, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Medicine in 1959 and became a consultant plastic surgeon in 1968. Working at Canniesburn Hospital in Glasgow, he became known for his development of new techniques and innovative approaches, advancing Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial and Reconstructive surgery into a new era.
In 1979, Jackson moved to Rochester, MN becoming Chairman of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Mayo Clinic. He instituted both a Clinical Fellowship and Research Fellowship and continued to develop his craft. He loved teaching, and was visited by many students from around the world. His bibliography was extensive. He moved to Michigan in 1989 and founded The Craniofacial Institute at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. in the early nineties.
Throughout his career he was known for pushing the boundaries of reconstructive and craniofacial surgery to better the lives of his patients: babies born with cleft Lip and Palate, craniofacial deformities, adults with base skull tumors, and deformity resulting from disease and trauma. Included was David, the Peruvian child who came to Prof. Jackson as a patient and was subsequently adopted into the Jackson family.
Professor Jackson was well known around the world for his charitable work. He loved teaching and was never happier than when he was sitting down surrounded by students and young surgeons.
Ian Jackson is survived by his wife, Marjorie, children (Linda, Susan, Sarah, Andrew and David), son and daughter-in-law (Modathir Bougrine, Shelley Miller Jackson) and his three grandchildren, Max, Isabel and Morag.
At Prof. Jackson's specific request there will be no services. The family requests no flowers and asks that any donations go to 'Smile Train.'
The family asks that you respect their privacy at this sad time. There will be no further statements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ian Jackson
Beth McRobb
Yesterday
We'll never forget Ian because of all he did for our beloved late daughter, Lesley. However at the time of an anniversary it is the family we should think of too - and we do. Look after each other.
Beth
Terry Turner
August 1, 2024
Ian Jackson was a Remarkable Surgeon to this layman. I was honored to be blessed by one who was trained by GOD and others to do this tedious work on me. I went to Rochester MN to the MAYO Clinic on Wednesday, April 1, 1987 met him on Thursday, after the Cat Scans we met again on Friday with Surgery on Monday and I left on Thursday with my Dad. One letter later that he did answer in sometime around June and that was all I ever did with Ian Jackson. I have mention him Many Many times.
Terry Turner
January 13, 2024
I met Dr Jackson before he rebuilt my Orbit. He was recommended by Dr´s at Emory in Atlanta, GA. When I sent him a letter asking questions, he answered my question. He was a very professional to me, and a very nice man. I am sorry for your loss!
Ellen Blau
December 19, 2023
I was a patient of Dr Jackson in 1990. He did a remarkable job on my face. His kindness will never be forgotten. He was an extraordinary man. My best to Marjie and his family. Forgive my tardiness as I was traveling and did not hear of his death.
Stacy L Fleming
October 26, 2023
Dr Jackson was my surgeon. In the 90's he also hired my mother and me to work for his office. He will be missed
Peter Felbeck
December 5, 2022
One of the World's greatest and most brilliant of surgeons. Truly a surgeon's surgeon. The loss of Dr. Jackson is truly a loss for all of humanity. I worked with Dr. Ian Jackson for over 15 years and he was always the kindest, gentlest and most compassionate physician that one could ever imagine. It saddens me deeply to learn of his passing. However the spirit of Dr. Jackson shall live on in all of those who worked with him, and in all of the thousands of patients who lives were touched by his work.
Levi Hilton MD
October 31, 2022
Levi Hilton MD
October 31, 2022
Levi Hilton MD
October 31, 2022
Oh I´m so sorry for your loss. We were brought to Detroit and Dr Jackson by our Almighty Father in Heaven. I was shadowing him when we found out our baby would have a cleft lip and palate. He happily agreed to perform his surgery. Almost a year later we were prepping for his lip surgery when the hospital administration said he wouldn´t be able to do any more surgeries. We all begged them for just one more surgery, my little boy. They reluctantly agreed. We had the great honor of having our son be his last surgery. He couldn´t really remember what happened in the OR after the fact, but his long term memory was still razor sharp and he did an excellent job. There were a dozen separate miracles that brought us to Detroit for medical school and rotating with Dr Jackson when we received our diagnosis, not to mention the greatest miracle of being his last surgery. He was a friend and a mentor, I looked up to him, he shaped not only our son´s face but my medical career and path in life. Love you Dr Jackson, God bless you for your life of service and excellence.
Jodi (Mackie) LaJoie
October 25, 2022
I am so sorry for your lose. Dr Jackson was an amazing, caring, personable and above all loving man. He was my sons surgeon and transformed my sons birth defects into a beautiful, handsome young man he is today. I´m sorry this message is two years old. Know that I could never thank the Jackson family enough for the warm greetings, care and professionalism they gave my son and family over all the years my sons was under the care of Dr Jackson. We always felt love and at home when we arrived at the clinic. Know that our hearts weep for your lose of a great man. My God wrap his arms around you always. Much love and thoughts, Caylib Mackie and Family
Kenneth Cornelius
April 2, 2022
I´m sorry for the loss.. I was born with an ear deformity. And he started surgery with me when I was about 5 or 6 in Rochester then Detroit til my last surgery at 17. I´m 36 now. Dr. Ian was always so good and comforting to a kid scared of everything. So sad to hear of his passing. He was a great man who not only changed my life but the lives of so many other children
Martha Andriekus
March 8, 2022
With my undying gratitude I was able to meet and become a recipient of his remarkable talents. My experience was so trivial compared to the remarkable life changing surgeries people have received because of his great gift and just as much, his kindness...a rare combination in the medical profession.
Though years since my experiences I never forgot Dr. Jackson and would check on how and what he was doing. Walking down the hallways at the office was fascinating, the places, the people, the awards and education mesmerized me, how could one individual have all these experiences and all the accolades?!
I never have been as sad as when his departure from this world came up on the screen, however, his cause of death left me shocked! Having been my mother's care giver, watching her deteriorate and eventually taking her life, I somewhat understand the journey you have been through. Alzheimer's is so unfair and targets anyone.
Sprinkling the world with his knowledge, ability, sharing, generosity and love there is a now sparkle every place one looks.
My referral came from one of his residency students who practices in East Lansing. I hope he realizes the gift he was given and carry on with the legacy of Dr. Jackson.
Martha Andriekus
Joelle horton-shaw
June 5, 2021
I would like to send my condolences. I’m just finding out about his passing. Dr. Jackson changed my life in the late 90’s when he completely removed a huge mass from my right leg and hip. He was always so kind to me and I appreciate everything he did to help better my quality of life. He will be missed.
Joelle horton-shaw
June 5, 2021
I would like to send my condolences. I’m just finding out about his passing. Dr. Jackson changed my life in the late 90’s when he completely removed a huge mass from my right leg and hip. He was always so kind to me and I appreciate everything he did to help better my quality of life. He will be missed.
Mary and Eli Khouri
May 19, 2021
His memory will be eternal. Our heartfelt sympathies with your entire family. Mary and Eli Khouri
Ronald Hodson
November 18, 2020
Great surgeon with a heart of gold-met him at Canniesburn hospital 1977 when he operated on my son——
Ronnie Hodson (dad) Graeme Hodson son)
Gillian lee
September 3, 2020
Pleasure as a 16 year old to have him as my surgeon..while he was still in his native Glasgow..true gentleman..RIP..
Paul McLaughlin
September 1, 2020
I am sorry for your loss.
This is what Mr. Jackson meant to me. I was referred to Canniesburn Hospital in the early 70’s. I was 4 or 5. I was born with a double cleft palate and a hare lip. These memories are through the prism of childhood, so beg my forgiveness if there are any slight inaccuracies.
My mum was adamant I would get the best care and help and she wasn’t accepting Yorkhill Hospital diagnosis.
Enter Mr Jackson, (always Mr. Jackson, never Dr Jackson, my mum drummed this into me, from an early age). I always remember him bustling about with a group of younger people behind him and him asking them questions, to my young eyes and ears, this meant, he must be important.
My mum and I, walked from the Westeron train station at bottom of the hill to Canniesburn Hospital in all sorts of weather, but I never complained because my mum explained to me Mr Jackson was there to make me better. (I’m sure, I often rebelled, but these memories are clouded by time).
Canniesburn was my day out, an adventure to a different place where I would meet a man who seemed to have an aura about him , that at the age I was, I couldn’t comprehend, later I worked it out, he was the best and people around him, knew it.
I remember when my mum told me he was leaving to go to America, I felt a strange sense of loss, as though he was abandoning me, but of course, that was just a childish reaction.
I will always be thankful to him for all the help he gave me and many others.
I worked out recently, people used to ask me who were my heroes growing up were, was it, McNeil, Dalglish, McGrain or Macari, and I couldn’t answer them, because I didn’t remember seeing the footballers.
My heroes were and always will be my mum and Mr. Jackson.
Paul McLaughlin
Marlene Palma
August 25, 2020
El Dr Ian Jackson tomó el caso de mi niño, Manuel García Palma, en 1997, quien tiene Sindrome de Crouzon, se encargó de cada detalle desde nuestro arribo desde Perú y le dio una mejor calidad de vida.
Siempre fue muy generoso con nosotros, Manuel fue operado por èl en el Institute Craniofacial and Reconstruction Surgery, Michigan.
Siempre estaremos eternamente agradecidos con él y nos sentimos muy tristes por su partida.
Dios siempre bendecirá su obra, fue un extraordinario ser humano.
Nuestras oraciones hasta el cielo, eterno GRANDE AMIGO
Marlene Palma
August 25, 2020
El Dr Ian Jackson operó a mi niño, Manuel García Palma, quien tiene Sindrome de Crouzon,hoy él tiene 26 años.
Fue un maravilloso ser humano, lo atendió en el Instituto Craniofacial and Reconstruction Surgery en Hospital Providence, Michigan.
Nosotros somis peruanos y fuimos bendecidos con la atención del doctor Jackson.
Nos entristece profundamente esta noticia.
Nuestras oraciones para él.
Siempre estaremos agradecidos.
Roger Morrison
August 19, 2020
For the last few years on 19 Aug, I would send Ian a thank you for rebuilding my left hand after a motorcycle accident this day in 1979. Surgery was at Canniesburn Hospital.
Today, I just learned of his passing.
Like many others posting, he changed my life, he saved my career and I will be grateful to this great man until my own passing.
I send my love, respect and thanks to Marjorie and the family,.... behind every great man there is a family team supporting him. Thank you.
Ella Montgomery
August 16, 2020
I'm very grateful to this man for changing my life all those years ago. When I was 18 years old that was when all my operations started. The first thing he said. I won't make you a Miss World but. I will make you like the World and that was what he did. I didn't suffer any pain took it all in my stride. After it was all finished. My local Ranger Guide Company wrote to Headquarters and. I managed to be awarded with a Star of Merit
IM
August 12, 2020
It is with great sadness that I just learned today that Dr. Ian Jackson died.
I have such wonderful memories of him at Mayo Clinic when I was a patient of his almost 35 years ago. After I moved away from Minnesota about the same time he moved to Michigan, I had the privilege of seeing him for a small follow-up procedure in Providence.
What an amazingly brilliant, compassionate, and skilled physician.
He truly saved my life and made it possible for me to look forward to a wonderful future. My condolences go out to his family who he cherished. May you be comforted by sharing your memories of this very special man.
IM
Rodney Johnston (www.rodneyjohnston.uk)
August 10, 2020
Sorry to hear your sad news. Mr Jackson operated on my fingers 45 years ago when I was aged 10 in Canniesburn HospitaI, Glasgow. I was on the same ward as David and was operated on the same day I remember looking over as David was lying on the table with dozens of ventilator tubes my finger bandage did not seem so important. I remember fondly Mr Jackson’s reassuring voice and professionalism. The photo is just as I remember him thoughts are with you all I will be forever grateful.
Beth McRobb
August 10, 2020
It is with the greatest sadness that we learned this morning of the loss of Ian Jackson and we want to pass on our sincere condolences to Marjorie and the family. Ian simply gave our wonderful daughter, Lesley (see photograph), her life. The surgeon she was initially referred to at birth in 1978 said there was nothing that could be done for children born with Apert's Syndrome but thankfully we heard about Ian's work and managed to get a referral. She was only four months old but he told us that it was vital that the surgery be carried out immediately if she was to have any chance of having quality of life and possibly to actually save her life. The craniofacial surgery took about 12 hours and was followed by more as she grew - but the difference it made was incredible. Tragically Lesley died in 2014 aged 35 years - but Ian would have been so proud to know that his work gave us a wonderful daughter who travelled the world with us and lived the fullest life possible, rich in experiences and dearly loved and cherished. All of this thanks to a quite remarkable, brave and very honest man and there is nobody I hold in higher regard. Lesley's story was published - 'Every Petal a Memory' and Marjorie is also mentioned in the book as we spoke to her when we were trying to find out if it was true that Ian would consider seeing her. Her knowledge told us more on the phone than the surgeon we had previously been seeing weekly. Their love of David and their other children is what the family will be most grateful for but to us Ian is simply the man who gave us 35 amazing years with our beloved Lesley and we honour his memory and salute the greatest of men.
Lee Barris
August 9, 2020
I was referred to Dr. Jackson by a dermatologist in the same (Providence) Hospital complex. Since it was right there where I was, I walked over to Dr. Jackson's office. The office was large--and packed with patients.
Dr. Jackson happened up to the reception desk, and took a look at the growth just below my right eye. He identified it as a probable basal cell cancer; and to my pleasant--and grateful--surprise escorted me into an office.
He had me prepped for the surgery and attended to me within minutes of the numbing.
And what a gracious manner accompanied his competent demeanor. He had three or four of his young surgeons in training observe the procedure, instructing them as he excised the growth.
Before leaving the room to arrange a followup visit, Dr. Jackson in a kind voice of knowledgeable authority told me I could expect " a good result".
That was in August 1996. Not even a trace of a scar, no evidence at all, of the tumor.
Dr. Ian Jackson, extraordinary surgeon...and quite a mensch
Ernest G Hilliard
August 8, 2020
He operated on my left foot in 1967 at Canniesburn Hospital. I was just 17, but this man stood out among his retinue. I followed the story of The Boy David. I think of Ian T. Jackson as a hero! I'mm now 70 years old, living in East Ayrshire. For my 70th birhday, I was gifted a Storyworth book deal. I've had a lot of troubles, yet have made it to 70. In my book, I've already written a story for the book, on Ian T Jackson. 'Canniesburn Hospital 1967' tells the story of the plastic surgery he did , a cross-leg-flap, to give me a new heel, as I had damaged it and it wouldn't heal. I've written that he was a great man and so he was. The legacy he left behind, is immense! I feel priviled to know him, albeit fleetingly.
BLaise and Ethel Audet
August 8, 2020
After their move to Michigan Marjorie and Ian became our best friends.
They were exceptional people and he was a remarquable man and surgeon. Marjorie has always been his strong supporter. He will be missed by many. To Marjorie and family we offer our most sincere condoleances.
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