Don was born in Weiser, Idaho to John and Nell Jackson on October 25, 1926. Don is survived by a brother James Jackson, his three children Bill (Nancy) Jackson, Terry Jackson, and Tom (Pam) Jackson, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Don graduated from Stockton High School where he was the student body president and graduated in three and half years in 1945. He then joined the Navy and received scholarships to attend U.C. Berkeley where he lettered all four years in track, and was member of the Beta Theta Chi Fraternity. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While attending Berkeley, he married Dorothy Rodden and joined his father-in-law, V.A. Rodden, in his livestock operation in the Oakdale area. Don was an active member of the community and served on committees and boards for the Oakdale Elementary School Board, Oakdale Rural Fire Board, St. Matthias Episcopal Church and Vestry, FFA/4-H, Boy Scouts of America, Oakdale Team Roping Committee, and Del Rio Country Club. He was also associated in different leadership duties in the livestock industry such as, California Cattle Feeders Association, California Beef Council, Stanislaus-San Joaquin California Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Association, Meat Export Federation, National Livestock and Meat Board. In 1990 he was chosen as California Livestock Man of the Year.
Later in life Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was a resident of Samaritan Village in Hughson where he received wonderful care. If so moved, please make a contribution in his honor to Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center, 675 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085 or Community Hospice Foundation, 5368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or your favorite charity.
Per Don’s request there will be no services.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
April 19, 2017