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Stephen Collins Jackson

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University of Utah

Stephen Jackson Obituary

Stephen Collins Jackson 1940 ~ 2004 Steve was a teacher to his last day. During his illness, he taught us patience, courage, diligence, and faith. Stephen Collins Jackson died peacefully, at home, March 21, 2004, of cancer. He was born February 11, 1940, in Salt Lake City, to T. Collins Jackson and Ruby Glauser Jackson. He graduated from East High, served an LDS mission in California, served in the US Army, and graduated from the University of Utah. Married Janice Silver in the Salt Lake Temple, August 2, 1974. He loved truth and was an eager student of the scriptures. He taught the Gospel Doctrine class everywhere he lived. Served as a Stake Missionary five times and also worked in Cub Scouts and High Priests. He spent 30 years in the classroom, teaching physics at Granite High in Salt Lake and Viewmont High in Bountiful. He developed hundreds of original demonstrations. His students had the nation's highest pass rate on the Advanced Placement Physics Exam. He won numerous awards for teaching, including the Huntsman Award. He and Jan often hosted science shows in their home, gathering neighborhood families together to get acquainted and enjoy a fun evening of science demos. In the 70's, he took a hiatus to run his Bottle Stretching business. He invented the machine that stretched pop bottles into pop art, and sold the machines throughout the world. This business gave him the financial freedom to spend the rest of his years in the classroom with the students he loved. He loved Utah's mountains, climbing most of the peaks on the Wasatch front and getting in at least a short hike almost every day. He took his children on many adventures to share with them his love of God's beautiful world. He will be remembered as a great teacher. He touched thousands of lives. He is survived by his wife Jan, his son Clifton (C.C.), his daughter Jessica, father T. Collins, sister Marilyn (Lynn) Barton, brother David (Kris) Jackson, sisters-in-law Carol Kerbs and Nancy (Clyde) Needham. Preceded in death by his mother Ruby and brother James. He would be honored by contributions in his name to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Funeral Services will be held Sat. March 27, 11:30 a.m. at the Bountiful Utah North Canyon Stake building at 965 E. Oakwood Dr., Bntfl. (just west of Bntfl. Blvd. & 3300 S.). Friends may greet the family Fri. March 26, 6 to 8 p.m. at Deseret Mortuary, 36 E. 700 S. in Salt Lake and at the church Sat. morning 10-11 am. Burial, Lake view Cemetery in Bountiful. Donations may be made to the Steve Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund, 120 W. Viewmont Dr. Bountiful, UT. 84010

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Mar. 24 to Mar. 26, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Jackson

28 Entries

Kathy Wendel

March 30, 2004

Three of my four children took several of Mr. Jackson's Physics classes. They have become an attorney (after a 3 year stint doing genetic heart research), a musician, and a costume designer. Their knowledge base is greater for having been taught by a Master Teacher like Mr. Jackson. May you find solace in knowing his life influenced so many people for good. His influence will live on through many generations yet to come. Thank you for sharing him with the world.

Tyler Keate

March 30, 2004

Mr. Jackson has influenced so many lives. When ever I bump into one of my Viewmont friends, we cannot have a conversation without quoting Mr. Jackson. He has become a part of us. He demanded a lot from us and prepared us for future success. I'm sure many of his students are now PhDs, MDs, or have other advanced degrees and are trying to be influential teachers in their respective fields. He will always be remembered and loved by all of us. My condolences to the family.

Dan Baker

March 29, 2004

I took Physics from Mr. Jackson in 1995, and it was the best class I had! Mr. Jackson was an amazing teacher, and we all loved him. I still quote "Jacksonisms" to some of my friends from the class. His teaching got me off on a good start towards my electrical engineering degree. I feel lucky to have known him.

Heidi Prescott Smith

March 27, 2004

I want to thanks Mr. Jackson's family for giving his students so much of his time. He has influenced my life in so many ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. The greatest lesson he taught me was having confidence in my abilities. You are in my prayers and they prayers of so many others.

Brad Williams

March 27, 2004

I had the privelage and plesure to have been educated by Steve Jackson. He made such a strong impact on my life and I will never forget his teachings. He was the greatest man I ever knew; for that I thank him.

Ashley

March 27, 2004

I never had the chance to have Mr. Jackson as a teacher at Viewmont. I was able to go to a fireside of his one time. I also got to learn a lot about him through students that had him, and through teachers at Viewmont. My boyfriend last year was one of Mr. Jackson's students. I could tell that he was a wonderful man through everything that was said about him, and from going to his fireside. He was strong in the church and I know that he is where he is most needed now. My condolences go out to his whole family, I can tell he is loved very well. I don't know one person who didn't like him. He touched my heart even though I never was in one of his classrooms. I am very grateful for that.

Dan Parker

March 26, 2004

Mr. Jackson had a tremendous influence on my life and is the best teacher I’ve had. He had a real gift of making complex things simple and fun. I’ll never forget him saying, “Look like you’re here!” “KRONK” and his jokes, “What’s smaller than a tiny weenie fly?” One of my favorite memories is when I ran into him in the Bountiful Temple. Beneath his rough exterior he had a heart of gold. I’m grateful to have known him.

‘Till we meet again

James Barton

March 26, 2004

I was in Mr. Jackson's class in 1986. I agree with the many opinions that have been expressed here that he was the greatest teacher that I have had in all my years of education (almost thirty years now). He not only cared that you learned the information, but he wanted to make it fun, so it was remembered. I still share the great stories from his class today. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Thanks for sharing him with all of his students.

Kendall Page

March 26, 2004

I wish to offer my condolences to the family of the one of the most influential and the most dynamic teacher that I had the honor and privilege of knowing.

class of 1985

John Harrison

March 26, 2004

Steve Jackson is the most inventive, creative teacher that I have had the pleasure of knowing. His ability to infuse a subject that many would consider boring with excitement, humuor, and explosions is unsurpassed. Though he had years of experiments and demonstrations to draw from he was always inventing something new. In three years of his classes I rarely saw the same thing twice. He was always coming in to class with an idea that he had dreamed up that day and scrawled on a napkin.

Not only was his class fun, but he was a demanding teacher who got his students to excel. His passing is a great loss for the community. I wish his family the best.

Matt Harrison

March 26, 2004

My condolences to Mr. Jackson's family. You already know that he was a great man and influenced many. My most memorable High School experiences were spent in his classroom, preparing for the Physics assembly, and studying for his tests. How amazing is it that I've met many Viewmont alumni, and we can always reminisce about our Jackson experiences (I wish there was a book). Thank you again! You will be missed. The world needs more people/teachers like you.

Emily (Schick) Maughan

March 26, 2004

I was in Mr.Jackson's class at Viewmont in 1999. I loved him and his class. I never missed a day fearing I would miss something memorable becuase every day was memorable in that class. I still haven't wiped the smirk off my face but I will always remember the amazing influence Mr. Jackson had on me.

Trevor Willey (Viewmont, '91)

March 26, 2004

Mr. Jackson fueled his students' interest in science. His influence contributed ultimately to my decision to pursue a career in physics. He was included in the acknowledgments of my recently completed PhD dissertation; I am grateful for his mentorship. I extend condolences and best wishes to his family.

Rachel Wendel

March 26, 2004

I was greatly saddened to hear of Mr. Jackson's passing. He inspired so many of us and we will always think of him and his classes with distinct fondness. His engaging teaching style, humor, and gruff personality were unique and will be sorely missed! My condolences to his family, his friends, and the thousands of lives he has touched.

Ron Webb

March 26, 2004

I never got above a C in any of his classes, but I never missed a day and I learned more from him than any other teacher I ever had. He was awesome. Granite High Class of 72. [email protected]

David Skousen

March 25, 2004

A loving farewell to my boyhood friend who lived next door. His energy and focus always kept me on my toes and he made me think. We share the same birthday and we still share the same path, one from the high road, the other from the low . . . until we meet again.

Shelly Dunroe Prinster

March 25, 2004

Mr. Jackson was one of my favorite teachers. He made science so much fun! I actually enjoyed going to his Physics and AP Physics class. I never forgot him as I taught math at the junior high level later on. I used to tell my advanced students about him and they greatly looked forward to having him as a teacher when they reached Viewmont High School. Years later, they would see me in the grocery store and tell me how wonderful of a teacher he was. What a blessing he was in so many lives! I know that he is currently blowing up hydrogen balloons in Heaven and thankfully, not in pain any longer. May this help bring you peace at such a tough time in your lives. He was loved by so many!

Shannon Whipple

March 25, 2004

Mr. Jackson is one of the most influential teachers I have ever known. I didn't have the opportunity to be one of his students but I have heard story after story of his classrooms and the famous explosions that rocked Viewmont High from his classroom. Viewmont won't be the same without him. He will be missed. I am studying to be a teacher and I can only hope that I will be half the teacher that he was. Thanks for sharing him with us for so long! God be with you!

Justin Van Ausdal

March 25, 2004

As both a student and teaching assistant for Mr. Jackson, I saw the great desire he had for all students to learn and appreciate physics. His devotion to the classroom was impecable, and his love for the students never-ending. Mr. Jackson's students will never forget the explosions, shocks and laughs expereinced in the classroom. We will all have "The Yellow Rose of Texas" playing forever in our hearts. Mr. Jackson truly was our "Old Buddy."

Steve Jones

March 25, 2004

Mr. Jackson was my physics teacher at Granite High School more than 30 years ago. He was a wonderful teacher. His imaginative teaching style fixed his lessons indelibly in my mind. I will never forget him or his class.

Anthony Peters

March 25, 2004

Mr. Jackson had an amazing impact on my education. He taught me that learning is a lot of fun. I will never forget him.

Diane Morris Wilson

March 25, 2004

To the Family of Steve Jackson.

I had him as a teacher in 1970, before he was married and before he struck it big with the bottles. He was such an incredible physics teacher...made learning an adventure. I remember that he finagled Mr. Bird, the Principal at Granite, to allow us to do a Physics Assembly. We had the "Amazing Drinking Machine" that challenged students from the audience, the "Spinning Machine" where a student held bricks extended on a rotating stool, and the Hydrogen baloons. Other experiments I am sure. When he set off the baloons, it literally blew out some of the windows in the auditorium. He nearly caused a riot. It was a party every day in his class. I cherish the memories of those days. May you feel peace and comfort in the days and years to come as you reflect on your love and his goodness.

Sincerely, Diane Wilson

Julie Murphy

March 25, 2004

With love to the family!

The Warner Murphy Family

Riley Balling

March 25, 2004

He was the best teacher I have had. He greatly influenced my life.

Sonja Hurley

March 24, 2004

Many of us at the school I teach at have had Mr. Jackson as a teacher or have had children in his classes. We all feel a tremendous loss at his passing and a terrific gratitude at the chance of being influenced by him. I will never forget this incredible educator. God bless his family at this time. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many amazing years.

Mark Creer

March 24, 2004

One of my most influential teachers. He will be remembered.

Mark & Luree Harris

March 24, 2004

Dear Jan, We have followed the illness of Stephen with your sister Nancy and her husband Clyde. What a wonderful, spiritual man he was and how blessed you were to have been able to share your life with him.

May God bless you and your family.

Love Mark and Luree Harris

Gina Hansen Hirst

March 24, 2004

Mr. Jackson had a profound impact on my life. I will never forget all that he did for all of his students. He is one of the main reasons that I pursued a technical career.

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