John Kenneth Jackson

John Kenneth Jackson, age 82, passed away January 29, 2023 at his home in Orem, Utah. He was born June 2, 1940, also at home, in Loa, Utah, to loving parents, Ray and Armelia Clay Jackson. He was welcomed by his four older brothers who, with the arrival of John, were often referred to as the original “Jackson Five”.  

John had fond memories of his early life in the 1940’s and 50’s growing up in Payson, Utah.  He graduated from Payson High School where he met and married his “missing rib”, a younger classmate, Judy Gee.  He felt as if their spirits had always known each other and were destined to be together.  They were sealed on October 14, 1959 in the Manti Temple. John and Judy’s 63 year love story revolved around their commitment to each other, their seven children, and their unwavering testimonies of the Savior.

John’s life of hard work and dedication was marked by an always trustworthy, kind, forever unassuming nature and disposition. Amongst so many other learned trades, he was a farmer, a mechanic, a craftsman, a self taught welder, a draftsman, and an electrician.  He instilled a “can do” attitude in his children.  If he didn’t know how to do something, he would go to work to find a way and then do whatever he did well.  

John, a man large in stature, but humble in spirit, had a strong conviction of the power of the priesthood of God.  He was grateful to be a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was a man of great integrity whose word was his bond.  He never sought to be in the limelight.  He loved those dear to him fiercely and without conditions, and was quick to encourage those around him who were broken in spirit.  Children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews were always made to feel important and special and will remember epic water fights, time spent camping, hunting, and fishing; but most especially life lessons they learned around the dinner table and campfires, on hiking trails, and the shores of Utahs lakes and streams.  

John left a great legacy and will be missed dearly until we meet again.  He was preceded in death by his son David Jackson, parents Ray and Armelia Clay Jackson, all of his brothers Farrell, Dale, Glen, and Karl, a daughter-in-law Amy Reed Jackson and a grandson, Nathan Jackson.  He is survived by his sweetheart, Judy, and children Kevin (Cheryl) Jackson of Somerset, California; Alexandria (Chuck) Noble of Orem, Utah; the late David Jackson (Marcy) of Saratoga Springs, Utah; Rick (Valerie) Jackson of Rancho Cordova, California; Debby (Brian) Osborne of Bothell, Washington; Gary (Becky) and the late Amy Jackson of Santaquin, Utah; and Brent (Marcella) Jackson of Corvallis, Montana, as well as 31 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.  

A viewing will be held at the Suncrest 1st Ward Building, 891 West 130 North, Orem, Utah, on Thursday, February 2nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, February 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to funeral services at 11:00 a.m. held in the same building.  Interment will follow at the Payson City Cemetery.  

A zoomlink to the services will be provided below for those unable to attend.