Donald J. Jackson Obituary (1935 - 2020)

View Funeral Webcast Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend passed away Monday, August 10, 2020 at his home in Murray, Utah. He was 84 years old. Don was born September 4, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to James T. Jackson and Lillian Frickberg Jackson. Don’s young childhood was spent in the Sugar House area and then the family moved to Highland Park where he attributes much of his growth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to many special people in the Stratford Ward. Many lifelong friends were made there. He became active in the scout troop, enjoyed many great experiences such as a trip to Valley Forge and received the rank of Eagle Scout. It was at this time that he met his soulmate and sweetheart, Diane. They attended South High School where Don was active in the A Cappella Choir and working at Snelgrove Ice Cream Parlor after school. After graduation from South High School he was active in the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir and graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Don was called to serve in the West Central States Mission which included Montana and North and South Dakota. Upon return from his mission he proposed to his sweetheart Diane and they were married December 5, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple. They continued to reside near the Highland Park and Sugar House areas. Don’s commitment to church service increased after marriage. He loved working with the youth. He was called to be a counselor in 4 Bishoprics, several High Councils, as Bishop, Gospel Doctrine Instructor, and Counselor in the Stake Presidency. Don had the privilege of serving in both the Salt Lake Temple and Nauvoo Temple as an ordinance worker. This was a highlight of his church service. Throughout all of these callings he found time to coach his boys’ Little League baseball teams and also found time for his love of golf and boating with his family. He had a great love of music and participated in the Saltaires Barbershop Chorus for 10 years. He enjoyed singing and conducting choruses and choirs throughout his life. Don’s work life began at a young age with lawn cutting jobs, paper routes and the ice cream parlor. After marriage, Don worked at Sperry Univac for 11 years. He then had several opportunities to use his creativity and art skills in other job experiences. He worked as a salesman for Blaine Hudson Printing for many years. In 1979, Don and Diane began their own business, Jackson Printing. Don was the salesman and Diane the accountant. For 41 years, Don was devoted to his customers and they were all lifelong friends. He appreciated those vendors who helped him satisfy the needs of his customers. Some of his favorite things include his wife Diane and his 4 children: Jim, Steve, Scott and Julie. He loved his 21 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren, harmonizing Happy Birthday to each one in his family, watching his boys take down the tables and chairs, Snickers milkshakes, fish and chips, his cars, his boats, the Utah Jazz, the Yankees, the Indy 500, Sissel, being at Pineview Reservoir with the family, pulling a skier behind the boat or hearing the grandchildren laugh and giggle as they rode on the tube. Don loved life, his wife, his family, the gospel of Jesus Christ and his Savior Jesus Christ. All were very precious to him. He will be sorely missed but with the knowledge of the gospel that we all have, we know we will see him again. Don is survived by his wife, Diane; 4 children: Jim (Corinne), Steve (Florie), Scott (Jennifer), Julie Gibb (Gary); sister, Barbara Taylor (Steve); 21 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Private family services will be held Friday, August 21, 2020. Due to the COVID 19 virus there will be no public visitation. Please share a memory and see a video of the private service which will be online for 30 days at www.jenkins-soffe.com In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund. View Funeral Webcast