Donald G. Jackson III

1951 - 2025

Donald G Jackson III

August 13, 1951 - January 23, 2025

Puyallup, Washington - Donald George Jackson III passed peacefully January 23, 2025. Don was born August 13, 1951, in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Puyallup High School in 1969, then attended Green River College, transferring to Central Washington State College where he earned a degree as a Special Education teacher. Don taught in the Vancouver, WA, School District through 1993, then transferred to the Puyallup School District until retirement in 2022. His teaching career was spent devoted to students with special needs. Don was awarded Special Education Teacher of the Year from the Vancouver School District and Elementary School Teacher of the Year from Puyallup School District.

Don had a variety of interests. He served as a camp counselor, bred and raised canaries, and played clarinet in the Second Time Around Again Marching Band. He was an avid gardener and active member of the Cascade Pygmy Goat Association and the National Pygmy Goat Association, breeding and raising many champion Pygmy goats. He was a wonderful cook and had a flair for formal entertaining and holiday decorating, especially at Christmas. He loved traveling. Cannon Beach, Leavenworth, WA, and Disneyland were favorite destinations and he also visited many countries. He had a love for all things British, particularly the royal family.

Don was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR. He was preceded in death by his son (and former student) Timothy Sorensen and parents Don and Frances Jackson. Don left a large and loving family which included life partner Scott Miles, brother Dennis (Candy), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He had great love of family and was loved and respected by all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Christ Episcopal Church of Puyallup, 210 Fifth St. SW, Puyallup, WA, 98371. Remembrances can be sent to the American Cancer Society or The Muscular Dystrophy Association.