Jim loved a good surprise.
Long will the Jackson children remember such terrifying holidays as the dreaded April Fools Day, or that horrific childhood game, Hide and Seek. He could do a spooky laugh in a vent like no other. But his favorite moment was the POP! at the end where we would have no idea what happens next.
James Michael Jackson died quite suddenly of a heart attack on July 28th, 2020, at a foot spa, of all places. He was a sucker for a good Groupon.
Jim was a Michigan man, born and raised. Vernors, U of M, Tigers, and Yates cider mill donuts were his love language. He could tell stories about dragging Woodward and painting the Bloomfield Hills LDS stake center. One of the crowning moments of his life was singing at the Detroit temple dedication, directly behind President Gordon B. Hinckley.
He attended C.S. Mott high school in Warren, Michigan, where he was prominent in the A Capella Choir, Madrigals, Herr Razors (a barbershop quartet), German Club, Math Club, Drama Club (where he often had the lead), Debate team, Speech team, Student Government, and the Theoretical Political Thought Club. He was an avid Scouter. Oh, and he tap danced. He should have joined the Overachiever Club too.
After killing it in high school, he went to BYU, then served a mission in Austria. He would scold his children in German forevermore.
Jim soon married his kid sister’s friend, Demas Burry, in the Washington D.C. temple. While eventually ending in divorce, they remained actually super awesome around each other. His kids will be forever impressed and grateful.
Jim was a computer geek. We’re still not really sure what he did for a living. He “did computer stuff” and was really good at it. He had a lot of letters after his name.
He loved Jesus, his kids, John Adams, attending his grandchildren’s sports, shopping sales, TBB baseball, fixing everyone’s computers for free, sausage, the peanut man outside Tiger stadium, Star Trek, Thai food, showing goofy internet videos to his grandkids, Elton John, cooking gourmet foods, buying the latest technology, Steve Martin, and making elaborate homemade gifts. He could fix or build anything, which caused marriage expectation difficulties in some of his children. He loved teaching the gospel – especially to teenagers – and had a gift for making the scripture stories come alive. He made everybody mad when, as bishop, he closed off the overflow so the congregation had to sit closer together. He was a world class Primary Chorister. He never went to a family event without a few board games tucked under his arm. He was the bestest grandpa.
And wow, that man could sing.
He performed for thousands as Todd in Saturday’s Warrior for two years. He owned the stage in My Turn on Earth, traveling all over the Midwest. He loved the Michigan Concert Choir so much that when his eye imploded due to glaucoma, he finished the rehearsal before going straight to the ER. He played Satan (perhaps his favorite role) in The Story of Job, and basically no one else will be able to do that part again, ever. He memorized all the parts to Rob Gardner’s “The Lamb of God,” and played John onstage. He was obsessed with The Greatest Showman and bought a keyboard just so he could learn to play the music. He participated in the famed Millennial Choir in Arizona – though quit because it wasn’t “fun enough.” And countless, countless community theater roles and random choirs and barbershop quartets.
Right up to the end he was traveling (Groupons to Thailand!), serving (Family History mission!), and cracking jokes. The Jackson kids just had to “look for the laugh.” If you know, you know.
James Michael Jackson was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Charles Jackson and Eleanor Bernice Smith Jackson. He leaves behind three siblings, Susan (Dan) Mendenhall, Tim (Dana) Jackson, and Julie Myers. And his kids, The Jackson Five: Rebecca (Steve) Watson, Michael (McKell) Jackson, Douglas (Sami) Jackson, Steven (Jessie) Jackson, and Abigail (Scott) Woodbury. Grandchildren are Nathan, Isaac, Jordan, Andrew, Christopher, Jacob, and Emily Watson; Daven, Calvin, Leah, Nolan, Lincoln, and Myla Jackson; Holly and Oakley Jackson; and Emmett Woodbury. That’s sixteen. And there are at least two more in heaven right now, no doubt getting crushed by Grandpa in Trivial Pursuit.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 8th at 10:30. While it is a private, family-only service due to current regulations, the broadcasting link is https://suu-edu.zoom.us/j/9843469522.
“Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. This is enough.” – John Adams
Such a wonderful tribute to Elder Jackson. He was the missionary tech who helped me with my first case in Family History Center Support. Afterwards he said, “There you go. You actually had a case.” (covid closures) Now I wish that he had sung his assistance!
Blessings to his extensive, loving family and their next board game!
Elder Jackson was so helpful to me my first day a a Service Missionary. Lived his sense of humor and his dedication to the Mission. I only wish I could have heard him sing. He will be greatly missed by all and we will have fond memories of him. Prayers to his family and friends
What a beautiful tribute that brought back so many memories. Rest in heaven uncle Jim. Say “Hi” to grandma and grandpa for me. Until we meet again.
They broke the mold when Jim came along. He was a one of a kind guy. I’ve known him for 20 years now and still didn’t know of some of the hidden talents lusted in his obituary. To me, he is a Star Tenor, a fellow Latter-day Saint (he was the one who taught me not to capitalize “day”) and most of all, a true friend. How grateful I am to have made so many wonderful memories with him in the Michigan Concert Choir! There are no COVID restrictions on choral singing in heaven, and I suspect that has something to do with his surprise exit from this earth.
Such a lovely tribute to a lovely man, full of light. Love to all the Jacksons from the Tario’s (who secretly liked the closed overflow).
RIP my friend. You’ll always be remembered by your contagious laugh you had. And your singing was impeccable.
Elder Jackson came to my FamilySearch support team a bit over a year ago. He was a dedicated servant of God and a big help to so many people. I too wish I could have heard him sing. Now I’ll have to wait till the next life. Thank you for a life well lived, and service generously given. We will miss you on this side.
‘Friends in the gospel never say goodbye for the last time.’
What a wonderful tribute! Jim was an amazing man, but I confess to being ignorant to 90% of what I just read. It makes me wish I’d known him better. Jim made an indelible mark on this earth, and we are all better for having known him. I’m confident Jim is in a beautiful place right now celebrating his “graduation.”
I believe that is the greatest obituary I’ve ever read! Jim was such a precious and one of a kind man! He was the most talented actor I’ve ever worked with. He was made for the part of Satan, in The Story of Job! His singing was truly amazing, but he was also such a beautiful person–always so happy to help a friend in any way he could. I remember a time when he and Demas dropped everything they were doing to come and help me. And they never just helped–they also lifted, and listened, and joked, and counseled! Those kind of friends are so rare and so unforgettable! My love to his beautiful family– And Jim, you will be in my heart forever!
I remember when he came to LaraLee’s group. I was just coming back from a medical leave and I finally got my days and times right to be at our weekly meeting. Elder Jackson asked if I was new and at the same time I was asking if he was new. What a presence he reflected in everything he did At FamilySearch. One shift I wanted to be grumpy for whatever reason and in a one line comment he lifted me way up high. The last meeting I missed I made a comment about I got the times right finally but I never know what day it is. Like lightening, I received a link for a place that had the cutest selections of “Day” clocks. I ordered one. It will arrive in a week or so. I will look at that clock everyday and feel his presence, and smile. Elder Jackson, we will see you on the other side. Thank you…. Sister MaryCatherine Ham, Tucson, AZ
I have known Jim since we attended Primary together. His parents and mine were close friends. We did scouts together and had a blast. He is such a talented friend and brother. It was always a pleasure to be around him and feel of his spirit and love of the Lord. He will be greatly missed, but has left his mark on all that had the pleasure to know him. A loss for us, but a gain for heaven. See you on the other side my friend.
We were grateful to have a man like Elder Jackson in our Family History Service Mission. He will be sorely missed. God bless his family and loved ones until they meet again.
He was such a hilarious, talented, amazing man. I was fortunate to know him for 2 years, as I directed our ward choir and he was the best participant. I too am a musician and when him and I met, we instantly hit it off. I may be many years younger than him, but my old soul enjoyed his humor and truly enjoyed listening to his amazing singing voice. He was such a sweet friend and the day I found out he had passed, him and I were supposed to participate on an online virtual choir- I was devastated to hear we would not be participating together. My heart is just broken for his kiddos and grandbabies- he constantly talked about his precious kids and how much he truly adored them all. Thank you for this amazing obituary that legit shines light on this amazingly uplifting, happy, outgoing, talented person that was Jim Jackson. I will miss you dearly, friend .
I remember his kindness. I remember the Jackson home being one I was always welcome in. I hope he’s singing in Heaven right now. All my love to the Jackson family.
We will certainly miss Jim and the whole family as we have ever since they all moved away from Troy, Michigan, but of course, we moved away when our youngest left the nest for his mission and we moved to Chicago.
Those were 17 good years next door to the Jackson’s. Abby was a newborn when we arrived in June 1995. Nevertheless, they brought a meal over the first Sunday we were there. Jim came over and helped Larry move and remove a huge piece of furniture several times without complaint. When I had to make a run to the school he came over and kept an eye on Ben and his buddies continuing the cutting exercises I had them doing. Jim came and helped me in the kitchen with Scout activities and graduation parties. In all ways and at all times they were loving and exemplary people. Their children were their treasure and their life’s work and the kids were very carefully reared. We loved and admired the whole family. They brought nothing but good into our lives. We will not like a world without Jim in it.
Ben was only two when we moved there and idolized four year old Steven who treated him most kindly and later they became real friends. Desiree had an interest in their oldest son, Michael, off and on until they left home. Their relationship gave each of them experience getting used to the difficulties of male/female interactions.. The kids drove younger siblings of both families to and from seminary. Harmony had a best friend in Becky who was a lovely girl inside and out. Ben had his first outside the family kiss with little Abby. Demas watched Ben every morning while I walked the neighborhood hills. In return I helped with Abby. Demas helped our 4 daughters altering prom dresses to be more modest at great expense to her hands. In fact, they made many sacrifices to serve us in our times of stress. It was Demas who told our girls of Larry’s deadly disease when they were at Girl’s Camp. It was Demas whom I called when I found myself unexpectedly pregnant at age 45 (it did not progress to term.) She came to me to confide her troubles with the marriage and how badly she wanted it to work out. So many wonderful memories. I’m glad we moved not long after they did. It was the close of a nearly two decade relationship and it just wasn’t the same without them. We saw many of the family in Arizona in recent years along with other transplants from Troy. It’s a pleasure to see all the children in fine marriages and raising happy children. Jackson’s, we share your sorrow and will look forward to seeing Jim in the happy hereafter later on.
Jim Jackson has meant a lot to me as I have had the pleasure of knowing him over a large span of my life.
In my very first choral experience around 30 years ago, I had the pleasure of singing next to him in the tenor section. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn, look up to, and be inspired by his beautiful talented tenor voice.
He was my teacher in church seminary and has taught me a lot about the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a sacrifice and contribution he made for us, to wake up and teach a bunch of teenagers at 5 in the morning. When he was the Bishop, he also married my wife and I 19 years ago. His marriage advice to my bride to be and myself included some quotes from the movie, The Princess Bride, which was awesome. But mainly taught us that marriage is not easy. And you have to work at every day.
He was also able to help guide me to obtain my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification that has helped my career immensely.
I also sang and performed with him in the Michigan Concert Choir for around 12-13 years. Jim not only contributed his vocal talents to the MCC, but also his computer, technical, and communication skills that has continued to help our choir today. His performances in The Story of Job and The Lamb of God will forever live in my heart and memory.
It was wonderful to sing with Jim in the Michigan Concert Choir. He always kept us laughing and was the first to memorize his music. He had more talents than I knew about. Thanks for sharing those with us. He no longer is “singing in the rain” below but in the light above. He was a great listener who showed interest in those around him and a willingness to help. All who knew him were blessed.
No one could make me laugh in MCC with a look but Jim. I remember sitting in the church waiting for performance tryin to see which one of us had the most “Satan ” laugh. We never finished because we kept laughing. He always laugh when I supported the Lions he would say, “Some body has to love them”. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Jim was a true neighbor in every sense of the word, especially in the “love your neighbor as yourself sense”. We were privileged to live next to Jim and his family from the time we moved to Troy until they moved near the end of our 17 year stay there. They were the best neighbors we’ve had anywhere. Jim was ready to help with whatever whenever we called. Besides help with our computer and moving furniture, I especially remember when he volunteered to BBQ for us for our 40th anniversary / graduation party. He not only made great food but also had people laughing when he served them. We truly missed Jim and his family when they moved.
I was greatly saddened by his passing. I am sure he is happy where he is now.
My Uncle Jim was the game master. He taught me how to play so many games and also that it is an insult to eat steak with ketchup. He loved my kiddos and was so patient with their many many questions. I still can’t believe he is gone but I am forever grateful for the knowledge that I will see him again. Love you Uncle Jim.
What a lovely tribute to a man who is loved by family and friends. May everyone continue to have fond memories of this man who is a son, brother, husband, father and friend.
Jim became my very close friend soon after he first became a member of the Meridian Ward. We served together in the now dissolved high priests group. We would argue in a good-natured way about the relative merits of our college football teams, his Michigan Wolverines and my Washington Huskies. I always tried to sit next to him in sacrament meeting to enjoy both his friendship and his singing. I miss Jim greatly already.
Such a wonderful tribute to Elder Jackson. He was the missionary tech who helped me with my first case in Family History Center Support. Afterwards he said, “There you go. You actually had a case.” (covid closures) Now I wish that he had sung his assistance!
Blessings to his extensive, loving family and their next board game!
Elder Jackson was so helpful to me my first day a a Service Missionary. Lived his sense of humor and his dedication to the Mission. I only wish I could have heard him sing. He will be greatly missed by all and we will have fond memories of him. Prayers to his family and friends
What a beautiful tribute that brought back so many memories. Rest in heaven uncle Jim. Say “Hi” to grandma and grandpa for me. Until we meet again.
They broke the mold when Jim came along. He was a one of a kind guy. I’ve known him for 20 years now and still didn’t know of some of the hidden talents lusted in his obituary. To me, he is a Star Tenor, a fellow Latter-day Saint (he was the one who taught me not to capitalize “day”) and most of all, a true friend. How grateful I am to have made so many wonderful memories with him in the Michigan Concert Choir! There are no COVID restrictions on choral singing in heaven, and I suspect that has something to do with his surprise exit from this earth.
Such a lovely tribute to a lovely man, full of light. Love to all the Jacksons from the Tario’s (who secretly liked the closed overflow).
RIP my friend. You’ll always be remembered by your contagious laugh you had. And your singing was impeccable.
Elder Jackson came to my FamilySearch support team a bit over a year ago. He was a dedicated servant of God and a big help to so many people. I too wish I could have heard him sing. Now I’ll have to wait till the next life. Thank you for a life well lived, and service generously given. We will miss you on this side.
‘Friends in the gospel never say goodbye for the last time.’
What a wonderful tribute! Jim was an amazing man, but I confess to being ignorant to 90% of what I just read. It makes me wish I’d known him better. Jim made an indelible mark on this earth, and we are all better for having known him. I’m confident Jim is in a beautiful place right now celebrating his “graduation.”
I believe that is the greatest obituary I’ve ever read! Jim was such a precious and one of a kind man! He was the most talented actor I’ve ever worked with. He was made for the part of Satan, in The Story of Job! His singing was truly amazing, but he was also such a beautiful person–always so happy to help a friend in any way he could. I remember a time when he and Demas dropped everything they were doing to come and help me. And they never just helped–they also lifted, and listened, and joked, and counseled! Those kind of friends are so rare and so unforgettable! My love to his beautiful family– And Jim, you will be in my heart forever!
I remember when he came to LaraLee’s group. I was just coming back from a medical leave and I finally got my days and times right to be at our weekly meeting. Elder Jackson asked if I was new and at the same time I was asking if he was new. What a presence he reflected in everything he did At FamilySearch. One shift I wanted to be grumpy for whatever reason and in a one line comment he lifted me way up high. The last meeting I missed I made a comment about I got the times right finally but I never know what day it is. Like lightening, I received a link for a place that had the cutest selections of “Day” clocks. I ordered one. It will arrive in a week or so. I will look at that clock everyday and feel his presence, and smile. Elder Jackson, we will see you on the other side. Thank you…. Sister MaryCatherine Ham, Tucson, AZ
I have known Jim since we attended Primary together. His parents and mine were close friends. We did scouts together and had a blast. He is such a talented friend and brother. It was always a pleasure to be around him and feel of his spirit and love of the Lord. He will be greatly missed, but has left his mark on all that had the pleasure to know him. A loss for us, but a gain for heaven. See you on the other side my friend.
We were grateful to have a man like Elder Jackson in our Family History Service Mission. He will be sorely missed. God bless his family and loved ones until they meet again.
He was such a hilarious, talented, amazing man. I was fortunate to know him for 2 years, as I directed our ward choir and he was the best participant. I too am a musician and when him and I met, we instantly hit it off. I may be many years younger than him, but my old soul enjoyed his humor and truly enjoyed listening to his amazing singing voice. He was such a sweet friend and the day I found out he had passed, him and I were supposed to participate on an online virtual choir- I was devastated to hear we would not be participating together. My heart is just broken for his kiddos and grandbabies- he constantly talked about his precious kids and how much he truly adored them all. Thank you for this amazing obituary that legit shines light on this amazingly uplifting, happy, outgoing, talented person that was Jim Jackson. I will miss you dearly, friend .
I remember his kindness. I remember the Jackson home being one I was always welcome in. I hope he’s singing in Heaven right now. All my love to the Jackson family.
We will certainly miss Jim and the whole family as we have ever since they all moved away from Troy, Michigan, but of course, we moved away when our youngest left the nest for his mission and we moved to Chicago.
Those were 17 good years next door to the Jackson’s. Abby was a newborn when we arrived in June 1995. Nevertheless, they brought a meal over the first Sunday we were there. Jim came over and helped Larry move and remove a huge piece of furniture several times without complaint. When I had to make a run to the school he came over and kept an eye on Ben and his buddies continuing the cutting exercises I had them doing. Jim came and helped me in the kitchen with Scout activities and graduation parties. In all ways and at all times they were loving and exemplary people. Their children were their treasure and their life’s work and the kids were very carefully reared. We loved and admired the whole family. They brought nothing but good into our lives. We will not like a world without Jim in it.
Ben was only two when we moved there and idolized four year old Steven who treated him most kindly and later they became real friends. Desiree had an interest in their oldest son, Michael, off and on until they left home. Their relationship gave each of them experience getting used to the difficulties of male/female interactions.. The kids drove younger siblings of both families to and from seminary. Harmony had a best friend in Becky who was a lovely girl inside and out. Ben had his first outside the family kiss with little Abby. Demas watched Ben every morning while I walked the neighborhood hills. In return I helped with Abby. Demas helped our 4 daughters altering prom dresses to be more modest at great expense to her hands. In fact, they made many sacrifices to serve us in our times of stress. It was Demas who told our girls of Larry’s deadly disease when they were at Girl’s Camp. It was Demas whom I called when I found myself unexpectedly pregnant at age 45 (it did not progress to term.) She came to me to confide her troubles with the marriage and how badly she wanted it to work out. So many wonderful memories. I’m glad we moved not long after they did. It was the close of a nearly two decade relationship and it just wasn’t the same without them. We saw many of the family in Arizona in recent years along with other transplants from Troy. It’s a pleasure to see all the children in fine marriages and raising happy children. Jackson’s, we share your sorrow and will look forward to seeing Jim in the happy hereafter later on.
Jim Jackson has meant a lot to me as I have had the pleasure of knowing him over a large span of my life.
In my very first choral experience around 30 years ago, I had the pleasure of singing next to him in the tenor section. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn, look up to, and be inspired by his beautiful talented tenor voice.
He was my teacher in church seminary and has taught me a lot about the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a sacrifice and contribution he made for us, to wake up and teach a bunch of teenagers at 5 in the morning. When he was the Bishop, he also married my wife and I 19 years ago. His marriage advice to my bride to be and myself included some quotes from the movie, The Princess Bride, which was awesome. But mainly taught us that marriage is not easy. And you have to work at every day.
He was also able to help guide me to obtain my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification that has helped my career immensely.
I also sang and performed with him in the Michigan Concert Choir for around 12-13 years. Jim not only contributed his vocal talents to the MCC, but also his computer, technical, and communication skills that has continued to help our choir today. His performances in The Story of Job and The Lamb of God will forever live in my heart and memory.
It was wonderful to sing with Jim in the Michigan Concert Choir. He always kept us laughing and was the first to memorize his music. He had more talents than I knew about. Thanks for sharing those with us. He no longer is “singing in the rain” below but in the light above. He was a great listener who showed interest in those around him and a willingness to help. All who knew him were blessed.
No one could make me laugh in MCC with a look but Jim. I remember sitting in the church waiting for performance tryin to see which one of us had the most “Satan ” laugh. We never finished because we kept laughing. He always laugh when I supported the Lions he would say, “Some body has to love them”. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Jim was a true neighbor in every sense of the word, especially in the “love your neighbor as yourself sense”. We were privileged to live next to Jim and his family from the time we moved to Troy until they moved near the end of our 17 year stay there. They were the best neighbors we’ve had anywhere. Jim was ready to help with whatever whenever we called. Besides help with our computer and moving furniture, I especially remember when he volunteered to BBQ for us for our 40th anniversary / graduation party. He not only made great food but also had people laughing when he served them. We truly missed Jim and his family when they moved.
I was greatly saddened by his passing. I am sure he is happy where he is now.
My Uncle Jim was the game master. He taught me how to play so many games and also that it is an insult to eat steak with ketchup. He loved my kiddos and was so patient with their many many questions. I still can’t believe he is gone but I am forever grateful for the knowledge that I will see him again. Love you Uncle Jim.
What a lovely tribute to a man who is loved by family and friends. May everyone continue to have fond memories of this man who is a son, brother, husband, father and friend.
Jim became my very close friend soon after he first became a member of the Meridian Ward. We served together in the now dissolved high priests group. We would argue in a good-natured way about the relative merits of our college football teams, his Michigan Wolverines and my Washington Huskies. I always tried to sit next to him in sacrament meeting to enjoy both his friendship and his singing. I miss Jim greatly already.