JOSEPH B. JACKSON

JACKSON MD, JOSEPH B. Dec. 23, 1946 to Nov. 3, 2010 Joseph B. Jackson MD died unexpectedly on November 3, 2010. He was 63. He will lovingly be remembered by family and friends whose lives he touched for his love, his wit, his scientific approach to life and his love of animals. He never knew how much he gave to others. Born December 23, 1946 in Brunswick, Georgia, he was the firstborn son of Joseph Argonne and Maxine (Ross) Jackson, both from Minnesota. In 1956 the family moved to the La Mesa area of San Diego, as Joe's father was transferred while serving in the the U.S. Navy. The family grew with the arrival of brothers Steve and Mark and little sister Sarah. Joe attended and graduated from Grossmont High School, was a Merit Scholar and was on the track team. He went on to U.C.Berkley for a year before returning to SDSU where he excelled in his academic achievements and, track in particular, the high jump. He earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry. His analytical mind was put to work when he was hired as a criminalist for the San Bernadino Sherrif's Department. He started medical school because of what he called "serendipidious circumstances" at Loma Linda University where he graduated in 1973. He married Cathleen Goddard while in medical school and they were blessed with the birth of daughter Tracy and son Brian. Joe completed his internship in Santa Clara, California before returning to San Diego. As a Family Practice physician, he had a private practice near Doctor's Hospital (Sharp Cabrillo). Later he was the Director of Emergency Room Services at that location. He worked for a time in Ramona and East County Community Clinic but he has spent the past nearly 20 years with Family Health Center (FHC) clinics of San Diego. He was the Chief of Adult Medicine at the Logan Heights Clinic where he built relationships with patients and staff over many years and life events. At the Ciaccio Memorial Clinic in North Park he felt especially enriched. His work with HIV patients brought him challenge and a a renewed yearning for knowledge. His work brought him joy. He was compassionate to those most in need of support and care. He married his second wife Nancy Scott in 2004. With that marriage he shared the responsability of raising her grandson Corey with whom he shared a special relationship. In this marriage they all gained an extended family. Together they started a new life in Point Loma where they regularly gathered with family and friends to recognize and celebrate life's gains and losses and the Superbowl. Joe was sought out by many for companionship and counsel although he would say,"well I can offer you two bits of advice; do what you will and never ask me for advice". He was embraced by the new Irish family he married into though he spoke of himself as a Nordic. He would announce at family gatherings in a tall commanding stance,"well I'm a Viking and you know, we conquered the Irish, didn't we". He gained two daughters and a son when he married this time. In the 14 years since meeting Nancy, Joe was brought into the fold. Her family loved him and immediately recognized his humor, wit and brilliance. He was the smart, quiet guy who loved to cook, read and answer the obscure questions on Jeopardy. Joe was a patron of the arts. He enjoyed the company of a local group of artists and authors where he watched, listened and relaxed with this eclectic band of artisans. There was a special bond and a sacred love shared. Joe liked to travel having been to many places including Tahiti, Austrailia, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada. He was a gourmet cook who would say, "it's just chemistry, combine this and that and add heat". He enjoyed fine dining and local faire, then he'd replicate the recipe by experimentation. He was pleased when he had success. His favorite pastime was going to "the Church of Costco; a place you visit every week and tithe 10% of your income". They will miss his abundant generosity. A tall ruggedly, handsome man with a great grin, he was more of an observer than a participant. He never saw an iPad he didn't like. He had friends who loved to hug him in spite of his towering frame. He will be missed. In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his two children, Tracy (Forrest) Clark of El Cajon, son Brian (Mea) of Temecula and children by marriage, Sarah Kohmescher, Rebecca Kohmescher and Travis (Tabitha) Kohmescher of San Diego; six grandchildren; sister Sarah (Steven) King of Cheyenne, Wyoming; brothers Steven Jackson of Driggs, Idaho and Mark Jackson of Murietta, CA. Former wife Cathy Danielson of Spring Valley. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at The Abbey, 2825 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA.