Roy Layton Jackson was born July 23, 1943 in Fargo, N.D., was a member of the Fargo Central Class of ’61 and proudly served in the North Dakota National Guard. Roy lost his struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on November 30, 2018 in the care of Jan, his loving wife of nearly 48 years.
After a long career as a corporate executive and small business owner, Roy and Jan settled in Arizona in 2001 and began a new career selling real estate. Gold Canyon has been home since 2003. But in spite of some long distance moves, Roy never forgot the friends he made along the way. He was a very loyal man and for him, a friend was forever.
Besides his wife, Roy is survived by 3 children, Patty (Trent), Joe (Traci) and Tim (Stephanie), all of Minnesota. He loved his children and was extremely proud of the wonderful adults they grew up to be. He was thrilled with the 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren they blessed him with. Roy is also survived by his brother Lloyd (Karen) and mother-in-law, Charlotte Holmes of Arizona and brother-in-law Wayne Holmes (Jackie) of Florida, and many nieces, nephews and cousins across the country.
Special thanks to all of the wonderful people at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Roy’s fellow poker players, and to everyone who called or visited Roy at our home. Those things meant so much to him and surely made his final days a little easier. Thanks to Hospice of the Valley for making it possible for Roy to be at home where he was most comfortable to spend his last days.
Roy was loving, kind, loyal, ambitious, patient, funny, generous and patriotic. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
All are welcome to attend an informal Celebration of Roy’s Life to be held Friday, December 7, 2018 at 10:00am at Mountain View Funeral Home. 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, Az.
Roy was a gentle man & he will be missed. I feel fortunate to have known him and send my sympathy to his wife & children.