Jack Dee Jackson

Jack Dee Jackson, age 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Saturday, December 13, in Salida, Colorado.

Jack was born on October 9, 1935, in Republic, Missouri. As a young boy, he traveled west by train with his two brothers, beginning a journey that would shape the rest of his life and eventually lead him to Pomona, California. Those early years instilled in Jack a deep respect for hard work, hard play, and the value of a dollar-principles he carried with him throughout his life.

Jack was a man of quiet strength and unwavering integrity. He understood what an honest day's work meant and lived by it. Though he came from humble beginnings, he gave abundantly, offering wisdom, guidance, loyalty, and unconditional love. He was known for his generosity, steady presence, and willingness to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. A mentor to many and a loyal friend to countless others, Jack was a father whose pride in his children was always evident.

Affectionately known as "The Legend" by friends and family, Jack earned the title in many ways-through his meticulously told stories of life's adventures, his lifelong positivity despite an upbringing with little guidance, his natural ability to collect friends, and his gift for making life more fun simply by being present. He also earned the name through his courageous battle following a stroke at age 69. Jack insisted he could still walk right up until the end-and no one was brave enough to tell him otherwise.

Jack met his future life partner, Carole Nancy Hillen, in an algebra class at Pomona High School. Though life initially took them in different directions, they reconnected six years later and immediately knew they were meant to be together. They were married on July 22, 1962, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Together, Jack and Carole built a life rooted in love, shared purpose, and adventure. They explored the back roads and rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert, later creating countless memories on their ranch in the Providence Mountains-a place that perfectly reflected Jack's spirit. A true historian of the desert, Jack knew the history and location of nearly every old mining town and mine in the Mojave. He often drove hundreds of miles out of the way on dirt roads to visit a new one, confidently assuring his passengers it was a "shortcut."

Jack was a provider in every sense of the word-not only materially, but emotionally. He spent many years in the steel production business as a manager before starting his own company building large commercial steel projects. He wasn't outwardly religious, but his life reflected profound virtues of character, kindness, and compassion. To those who knew him best, Jack truly had a heart of gold.

Jack was especially proud of reaching his 90th birthday, a milestone made possible in part by the compassionate care of his physician, Dr. Amy Beuprez.

Jack is survived by his son Jeff Jackson (Karen) of Eagle, Idaho; his daughter Julie Jackson Bernard (Peter) of Salida, Colorado; grandchildren Jason (Brooke), Jake Jackson, and Jack and Josh Bernard; and great-grandchildren Jolene and Jett, who was born just one week before Jack's passing.

Jack now joins his beloved Carole, reunited after a lifetime of love and partnership. In accordance with their wishes, their ashes will remain together near their cherished place in the desert.

Jack Dee Jackson will be remembered as a man of character, humility, wisdom, and deep devotion to his family-a true original, and a legend in the hearts of all who loved him