It was a joy to know Jackson, to be in the same cohort throughout the BLA program, to be on the ASLA board together, go to New Orleans, to collaborate with him on a project, and to be his friend. I’m very grateful to have experienced many moments of joy, laughter and celebration together, and I’m also grateful that his presence was there during moments of stress and difficulty.
Jackson was a very bright, radiant being who carried an enthusiasm for life that I feel will continue to emanate and be reflected in the lives of those who knew him. I’ll always remember his passion for landscape architecture, his deep appreciation for the Nebraska grasslands, his positive spirit, and his kind smile and laughter.
This photo was taken of the ASLA board at First Friday with the duck!
Jack was truly one of a kind and one of, if not, the biggest blessings in my life. Looking back at my childhood, almost all the good memories involved Jack. Jack, Alex and I were know as the three amigos and we did everything together. We went to camps, games, played sports and all that but it wasn’t only just us. Jack always had new friends and us amigos knew that any friend of Jack was a good one. I’ve never know a person with so much love in his heart but it helped to open heart. Jack helped make me who I am today and I now have a poster with a quote from Jack hung up him my classroom to remind me to always love. Jack made life so much fun whether it was from Gaga Ball at Camp Kitaki or the late nights playing Castle Clasher or his creative birthdays of an escape room. There are so many more memories that I could write a 100 page essay about, but at the end of the day Jack always felt more than a friend to me but almost like a brother. We were called the twins growing up and sometimes it felt like we couldn’t be split apart. I always wished I stayed more connected after high school but I’ll never regret knowing Jack and having him be a part of my life. Jack was the greatest person ever and he always had a special place in my heart. I miss him but his memory and impact will live on forever. I love you so much Jackson
I made a instagram page recently, nothing major only to show my photographs. The first day I had posted my photos I had 0 comments, that made me honestly a little sad, this hobby of mine was important to me, I never took it too seriously but I enjoy it, it’s away to show my creative side. 2 hours after I had made that first post Jackson commented a 👹 emoji, the person I took a photo of was making a similar face. That one emoji lifted my spirits, someone has seen my work, it made me want to continue posting on instagram. I still do to this day but less. Jackson took the step to show up for his family members always.
Jackson was truly one of a kind. When I think of him, I think of a happy young man who was growing into his own. He was always smiling, making people heard, and being there whenever anyone needed a friendly face. I’ve been meaning to write this for awhile, but now after his beautiful service, it feels like the right time to share my thoughts, stories, and memories of Jackson.
The first time I met Jackson was at our intramural flag football game, Junior year at Oregon. I had heard of him through Archie, but this was the first time I actually met him. I showed up only knowing Archie, but Jackson welcomed me with open arms and we clicked right away. Throughout that intramural season, I looked forward to Monday nights so I got to see him, hangout, and bond over playing flag football like a bunch of middle schoolers. After a couple of weeks, we had a team BBQ in his backyard and getting to hangout with him outside of intramural football was a lot of fun. As always, he welcomed the team into his house and grilled up some unbelievable steaks. Something I know he loved to do was cook, he always had fancy terms and knew different techniques on how to make food taste better.
Senior year was where our friendship hit a new level. Still was a part of the intramural team, but we would go out to dinner and more importantly… the pizookie Tuesday tradition began. Myself, Jackson, Archie, Henry, Jeremy, and Luke would get together and go to BJ’s for what would end up being 2+ hours every single Tuesday our final college year together. We’d joke about the Corn Boys podcast getting back to weekly uploads, upcoming trips/events we had, and the dreaded updates on the job search. Just shooting the shit… but never ever talked about homework. The way it should be. Over the weeks we had some hilarious interactions with our servers. Just some real odd balls every single week. We were so fed up, that one time Jackson got the server’s name to “report” to the manager on duty. He also broke the news to us when he got his job with Studio Outside down in Dallas.
Although we only had a few true one on one hangouts, I’m so glad Jackson wanted to have more intimate time with friends one on one. We got lunch at Fuller’s and talked for about an hour about anything that came up. I wish I could go back to that time with him. Some one on one car rides, but not enough, I wish I had more.
Graduating with him was a super special experience. I’m so fortunate I was able to be at his grad party and celebrate him, and then sit next to him on graduation day in the 105 degree heat in Autzen. Brutal heat, but as Jackson always did… he kept a smile on his face and told us we would get out of the heat soon. When he moved down to Dallas, he sent me a video of his new apartment and it was so Jackson. His apartment was dressed up better than any other 22 year old boy’s first apartment would ever look like. Art pieces in the bathroom, clothes organized by occasion, and decorations galore. It all worked, because that’s what Jackson always did. He made it work and was always a positive light.
I would not have guessed that going to Kearney for the first time would be in memory of him. His family hosted a beautiful celebration of life. Seeing all of Jackson’s friends, family, and loved ones from his entire lifetime arrive in a small town in Nebraska was what I expected from him. A guy like that has touched so many people that I was not surprised to see all these people come thousands of miles away to support him and his life.
I wish I got to create more memories with Jackson and develop our friendship more. It’s unfair he was taken from us this quickly and this abruptly, but I know he’s got that big bushy mustache (and smile) looking down at all of us smiling like he always did. Miss you dude.
Jackson was truly one of a kind. When I think of him, I think of a happy young man who was growing into his own. He was always smiling, making people heard, and being there whenever anyone needed a friendly face. I’ve been meaning to write this for awhile, but now after his beautiful service, it feels like the right time to share my thoughts, stories, and memories of Jackson.
The first time I met Jackson was at our intramural flag football game, Junior year at Oregon. I had heard of him through Archie, but this was the first time I actually met him. I showed up only knowing Archie, but Jackson welcomed me with open arms and we clicked right away. Throughout that intramural season, I looked forward to Monday nights so I got to see him, hangout, and bond over playing flag football like a bunch of middle schoolers. After a couple of weeks, we had a team BBQ in his backyard and getting to hangout with him outside of intramural football was a lot of fun. As always, he welcomed the team into his house and grilled up some unbelievable steaks. Something I know he loved to do was cook, he always had fancy terms and knew different techniques on how to make food taste better.
Senior year was where our friendship hit a new level. Still was a part of the intramural team, but we would go out to dinner and more importantly… the pizookie Tuesday tradition began. Myself, Jackson, Archie, Henry, Jeremy, and Luke would get together and go to BJ’s for what would end up being 2+ hours every single Tuesday our final college year together. We’d joke about the Corn Boys podcast getting back to weekly uploads, upcoming trips/events we had, and the dreaded updates on the job search. Just shooting the shit… but never ever talked about homework. The way it should be. Over the weeks we had some hilarious interactions with our servers. Just some real odd balls every single week. We were so fed up, that one time Jackson got the server’s name to “report” to the manager on duty. He also broke the news to us when he got his job with Studio Outside down in Dallas.
Although we only had a few true one on one hangouts, I’m so glad Jackson wanted to have more intimate time with friends one on one. We got lunch at Fuller’s and talked for about an hour about anything that came up. I wish I could go back to that time with him. Some one on one car rides, but not enough, I wish I had more.
Graduating with him was a super special experience. I’m so fortunate I was able to be at his grad party and celebrate him, and then sit next to him on graduation day in the 105 degree heat in Autzen. Brutal heat, but as Jackson always did… he kept a smile on his face and told us we would get out of the heat soon. When he moved down to Dallas, he sent me a video of his new apartment and it was so Jackson. His apartment was dressed up better than any other 22 year old boy’s first apartment would ever look like. Art pieces in the bathroom, clothes organized by occasion, and decorations galore. It all worked, because that’s what Jackson always did. He made it work and was always a positive light.
I would not have guessed that going to Kearney for the first time would be in memory of him. His family hosted a beautiful celebration of life. Seeing all of Jackson’s friends, family, and loved ones from his entire lifetime arrive in a small town in Nebraska was what I expected from him. A guy like that has touched so many people that I was not surprised to see all these people come thousands of miles away to support him and his life.
I wish I got to create more memories with Jackson and develop our friendship more. It’s unfair he was taken from us this quickly and this abruptly, but I know he’s got that big bushy mustache (and smile) looking down at all of us smiling like he always did. Miss you dude.
Jackson was truly one of a kind. When I think of him, I think of a happy young man who was growing into his own. He was always smiling, making people heard, and being there whenever anyone needed a friendly face. I’ve been meaning to write this for awhile, but now after his beautiful service, it feels like the right time to share my thoughts, stories, and memories of Jackson.
The first time I met Jackson was at our intramural flag football game, Junior year at Oregon. I had heard of him through Archie, but this was the first time I actually met him. I showed up only knowing Archie, but Jackson welcomed me with open arms and we clicked right away. Throughout that intramural season, I looked forward to Monday nights so I got to see him, hangout, and bond over playing flag football like a bunch of middle schoolers. After a couple of weeks, we had a team BBQ in his backyard and getting to hangout with him outside of intramural football was a lot of fun. As always, he welcomed the team into his house and grilled up some unbelievable steaks. Something I know he loved to do was cook, he always had fancy terms and knew different techniques on how to make food taste better.
Senior year was where our friendship hit a new level. Still was a part of the intramural team, but we would go out to dinner and more importantly… the pizookie Tuesday tradition began. Myself, Jackson, Archie, Henry, Jeremy, and Luke would get together and go to BJ’s for what would end up being 2+ hours every single Tuesday our final college year together. We’d joke about the Corn Boys podcast getting back to weekly uploads, upcoming trips/events we had, and the dreaded updates on the job search. Just shooting the shit… but never ever talked about homework. The way it should be. Over the weeks we had some hilarious interactions with our servers. Just some real odd balls every single week. We were so fed up, that one time Jackson got the server’s name to “report” to the manager on duty. He also broke the news to us when he got his job with Studio Outside down in Dallas.
Although we only had a few true one on one hangouts, I’m so glad Jackson wanted to have more intimate time with friends one on one. We got lunch at Fuller’s and talked for about an hour about anything that came up. I wish I could go back to that time with him. Some one on one car rides, but not enough, I wish I had more.
Graduating with him was a super special experience. I’m so fortunate I was able to be at his grad party and celebrate him, and then sit next to him on graduation day in the 105 degree heat in Autzen. Brutal heat, but as Jackson always did… he kept a smile on his face and told us we would get out of the heat soon. When he moved down to Dallas, he sent me a video of his new apartment and it was so Jackson. His apartment was dressed up better than any other 22 year old boy’s first apartment would ever look like. Art pieces in the bathroom, clothes organized by occasion, and decorations galore. It all worked, because that’s what Jackson always did. He made it work and was always a positive light.
I would not have guessed that going to Kearney for the first time would be in memory of him. His family hosted a beautiful celebration of life. Seeing all of Jackson’s friends, family, and loved ones from his entire lifetime arrive in a small town in Nebraska was what I expected from him. A guy like that has touched so many people that I was not surprised to see all these people come thousands of miles away to support him and his life.
I wish I got to create more memories with Jackson and develop our friendship more. It’s unfair he was taken from us this quickly and this abruptly, but I know he’s got that big bushy mustache (and smile) looking down at all of us smiling like he always did. Miss you dude.
Here are some pictures from the preschool / Mommy and Me era of our kids’ lives. Jackson was such a cute and sweet baby and toddler. We loved seeing you guys at Mommy & Me, at the park, at playdates at each other’s houses, and at birthday parties. We all learned how to be parents together in those days. Those were magical, amazing, sometimes difficult (sometimes very difficult!), but super fun days and I’m so glad that we got to share them with you. I remember when you told us that you were moving and we watched a video that I think Melissa and Bruce made for you and it showed all our kids running around together with Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down” in the background. Someone said, “Oh, these lyrics,” and I realized that Jack Johnson was singing, “Please don’t go away” over and over. And then we all cried.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. It is truly incomprehensible. I didn’t know about the Cornboys podcast until recently and I’ve been listening to it lately, and Jackson as an adult is funny, smart, a good friend, and such a caring person. I love his and his friends’ sense of grabbing the moment, no matter what is going on, and just being spontaneous and having the most fun they can, while supporting each other and not taking themselves too seriously. It’s a great way to live no matter what your age, and very inspiring.
I’m sending our love to you from the Harris family. Please know that we are all thinking of you out here in Burbank, sending our love to you, and grieving with you.
I’ll add some info on the photos. The pictures of the four kids in their Halloween t-shirts were when a group of us were hanging out and eating lunch after Mommy and Me at the Burbank Adult School. Left to right are (my son) Jack, Bella, Sydney, and Jackson, the fall that they were all turning two.
The next picture is of Kathy and Jackson at one of Jack’s birthday parties at the Dinosaur Park, with Chuck, Anne, & Zoe on the left and Vivienne on the right, and waaaay in the back is my husband Craig feeding our son Charlie a bottle. The next photo is Kathy and Jackson hanging out in my backyard. And the next is Melanie and Kathy, with my son Charlie in Kathy’s arms and Jackson being curious about what it will be like to be a big brother.
The next two photos are from Mommy and Me, and the people I recognize are Kathy and Jackson, Diane and her nanny Magaly holding Kaylee and Ryan, Liz and Sydney, Me and Jack, Melisa and Bella, in one of the photos is Anne and Zoe, and in front are Jo and Harrison, Chereva and Sara, and on the right is Melanie and Aidan. I’m sorry that I can’t remember everyone else.
We had a great Mommy and Me group, where we supported each other and were able to be ourselves, no matter how tired and overwhelmed we were with being new moms, and our kids learned how to make friends, eat cheerios, and be kind. But Jackson always knew how to be a kind, sweet boy. I will always treasure those days.
We feel so grateful to have had the experience of hosting Jackson, Archie, and Henry for a few days, and VERY grateful to have reconnected with him and his family at their graduation party. It is with deep sadness that we know he has left his earthly existence so soon. He left us with a beautiful thank you note that we still have out on a table to notice—he is still with us. Love to the family.
Jackson was the first person I befriended in the BLA cohort, as we became desk neighbors in our first studio! As we went through our first term designing the Lawrence Hall courtyard, I was struck by his ambition and curiosity. On our first day, we had a site analysis. I had written half a page of observations, and when I looked over, he had the full page documented and more! He was so detail-oriented and looked at every square inch of the courtyard. Later in the term, we built physical models and stayed up until 3 a.m. laughing as he tried to figure out the structural integrity of his second floor while I chopped and glued balsa wood benches.
As we went through our four years of classes and studio, we continued to sit together, and it was such a joy to watch him flourish as both a designer and a person. The best part was being able to call him a best friend.
Even though I saw Jackson ~60 hours a week in studio… we continued to hang out outside of school! We went on many trips, including the Oregon Coast, New Orleans, and Mt. Hood. Jackson quickly became my adventure buddy. We craved the adrenaline of climbing giant rocks and overlooking the ocean horizon while talking and talking about our futures. We would make driftwood forts, play lacrosse, and cook so much food! He also taught me how to do a headstand! Headstands became a big part of our friendship, haha. My favorite memory will always be at Mt. Hood, when he kept leaving our Airbnb at night to talk to the Highland cows.
Jackson has been and will always be a huge inspiration to me, not just with his work but with his approach to life. He was always curious, interested, and optimistic about every opportunity. I felt like he had a new side job or commitment every other week. All of these experiences shaped him into one of the most brilliant guys I’ve ever met.
I miss Jackson every day. As I continue to work in the field and become an adult, I know he’s proud and watching over me.
I was lucky enough to spend my earliest years growing up alongside Jackson and the Bokenkamp family. We were born in the same hospital, two days a part. Many of the glimpses of my early childhood I’m still able to hold on to have Jackson in them. From birthday parties, to spending time outside and at the park, to mommy & me activities Jackson was an enormous part of my childhood. Looking back at photos it is clear how he was one of my very first friends, and it is even clear how kind and patient of a kid he was through just pictures. One of the stories my parents have told me numerous times was that when Jackson went back to Nebraska for the first time, how upset and distraught I was. I kept asking my mom “where’d Jack go?” While I don’t remember some of our earliest memories together, it is clear that our childhoods were inextricably shaped by our shared experiences together.
By the time Jackson and the Bokenkamps returned to Burbank, we had both grown up to be preteens. He was a sporty, athletic kid, who was proud of being from Nebraska, constantly wearing bright athleisure. I remember being so excited that he was back, and also that I was now an awkward middle schooler trying to navigate friendships, feelings for boys, and the little bit more independence that was gained. I regret that throughout these couple years, gender dynamics kept us from being closer, but the hugest takeaway from this time period for me was that Jackson was kind. I would say that most middle schooler boys, and even girls for that matter, aren’t always the most thoughtful or kind. But, during these years Jackson was kind, self-assured, and a loving kid. There is truly nothing bad that I, nor anyone I know could ever say about Jackson.
When he returned once again to Kearney, I remember again being disappointed. I wouldn’t get to graduate middle school or start highschool with him. Nor would I get to see him at the many events hosted by our parents’ friend group. But, as the years went on, I got to hear his life updates through the eyes of my mom, which was something I really did cherish. Once we got to college, the updates got more and more exciting. I got to hear about how he thrived at Oregon, how he excelled in his program, and about all of his ambitions for the future. I loved being able to watch his life in pictures. And with pretty much 0 contact between us, he continued to wish me happy birthday each year.
It was during these recent years, that I grew to think of us as so similar. We both loved the environment and earth, both had ambitious career goals, and both loved to travel among other things. I truly looked up to him, and will continue to do so. I was so happy to see Jackson starting his new life and job in Texas. In his graduation thank you card to my parents, he mentioned the possibility of me visiting him in Dallas someday. I so deeply regret not sending him a text after that note, and even more so that I did not get to know the wonderful person he clearly was as an adult. I really believed that our paths would cross again someday, that I would see him over the holidays, grab a coffee with him, or someday be at eachothers weddings. I have been so grateful to get to learn more about him over the past weeks, and none of the amazing stories about his impact on his friends and all those who have crossed his path surprise me.
It truly takes a special kind of person to be as kind and generous as he was in the world we live in. The world is surely worse off without Jackson in it. I cannot imagine the grief of those he was closest to. I am heartbroken that Jackson isn’t coming back this time. I will always carry his kindness, thoughtfulness, intentionality, inviting demeanor, and care for the world with me in each day I am lucky to have.
Thank you Jon, Kathy, and Eleanor. You raised, shaped, and led such a fine young man. I believe we are created by God with giftings and talents. But you, as a family, helped to bring those things in Jackson to fruition. You helped him to know that he would affect those around him. And he did. Much to their benefit. As an educator at Park Elementary, it was so special to see Jackson’s kindness, to hear him bring laughter to his classmates, to see his eyes light up. I remember when Jon came and spoke in Mrs. Jasnoch’s class. Jackson was beaming with pride. Every time Kathy came to volunteer, his eyes sparkled with love. Later, I was able to enjoy speaking to him once in a while at youth at Kearney Grace. Thank you for bringing blessing to so many people as you shared your wonderful son and brother with the world. I am so very sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy, Kathy Griffith
I was a freshman in high school which would have made Jackson a senior at the time. I met Jackson through FBLA and tennis, and from then I’m guessing I followed him around like a lost puppy. He and that whole crew were incredibly welcoming towards little old me, and I truly felt I like I was just one of their close friends. I could describe the qualities that made Jackson such an admirable for a long time, but I believe they are seen easily in this story. As I said I joined FBLA that year, because of that class. I thought so highly of all them, but had grown especially close with Jackson, he was incredibly easy to be around and I aspired to be him. The trip that year for FBLA was in Milwaukee, where we went to an NBA game. I also at the and a couple years before that had grown quite terrified of escalators, couldn’t tell you why and it is a fear I have since gotten over, but for some reason I hated the things. Throughout the entire trip and that game especially, Jackson saw to it to be next to me throughout it all. He’d stand right with me trying to get my mind off it or help me look for an elevator or stairs. He would never make me feel like a little scared kid, but always as a person of whom he had taken up the mantle to help. He hiked a number of stairs with me that weekend, because to him it wasn’t a chore. Helping this little freshman who thought of him so highly, was something he just did without a second thought. I will always look up to Jackson, because at that young age and even now 5 years later he is who I wanted to be growing up. Jackson was one of the best people I have and will ever meet. His kindness throughout that time and others times throughout the years when we would catch up is nothing I will ever take for granted. The way Jackson conducted himself through his thoughtfulness, leadership, and charm are what I will strive to achieve through the entirety of my life. Rest easy Jackson, as you made the world a better place through your actions and the effect you fostered in others.
I wrote this in my journal to help process and I wasn’t sure about my sharing because I feared my writing wouldn’t do my memories as Jackson’s classmate and friend justice.
I decided to share because no matter what Jackson always gave the confidence smile to those when needed it most.
I meet Jackson as his Studio assistant for his Pre-program studio at UO. I remember the studio fondly because we had 42 students and 20 open spots for the program. This stressed the studio students out. As their studio assistant, I felt the stress from them too and as they should be. They all were working so hard and wanted to do their best.
Jackson was stressed out too, but you couldn’t always see it. He was calm and focused. I wasn’t surprised when he made it into the program. I don’t know when I stop being seen as studio assistant and became a friend to Jackson and his landscape friend group. I guess it came naturally. I remember Jackson always reaching out and checking in throughout our time in the program and beyond together.
Between the check-ins, groans about studio, presentation watching , studio visits, committee meetings; Jackson and his friends became friends to me.
Jackson was friend to all who let him be. He is kind and intelligent; thoughtful and caring. He had the ability to make anyone day brighter; which if anyone in our program knows that is pretty big feat when you’re tired and stressed.
I was a year above Jackson in the BLA program. So, often we found ourselves talking about our passions and our determination for our program and our peers. So it came at no surprise, that Jackson decided run to be my successor for Faculty liaison for the student group for the Oregon ASLA for his senior year.
I was so happy when he won and knew he would do amazing. As it goes, when the current committee ends their term ; they help pass the torch through meetings and giving the run down. So at the start of his term; he ask me to attend the first faculty meeting with him in person just in case.
I don’t think he needed me at all after being in that meeting. I learned and knew we both shared a determination to help our students and to make our program better. The job of messenger isn’t always easy sometimes especially when the news isn’t really great news. But we both shared a confidence in our ability to speak up for our peers and ourselves and find solutions and no doubt both gave our genuine input. But though we had this in common, he had something that I didn’t possess; which made I realized that he would far beyond succeed my work in the role and I was so proud to see it!
He had this ability to not let his frustration and emotions make him stumble or second guess what he was saying. He always had a way of speaking with eloquence and confidence. And of course in true Jackson fashion; he did amazing job in the faculty liaison.
Jackson always made a point to show up for his friends and peers. Not only to cheer them on, offer support, but for his love of learning.
I remember him distinctly coming to most of all my year’s final comprehensive presentations. I remember because when it was my turn to go up; I looked around nervous the room and found comfort having Jackson and my other landscape friends with me.
Though I graduated and moved up to Portland throughout Jackson’s senior year he would check in with me on how I was doing and asking about the job hunt and how my cohort was doing. Though my answers weren’t always full of great news; I think Jackson knew he could ask me because we both knew would give each other honest answers and support for each other .
I had the ability to in return watch Jackson and his friends present their projects. I was so excited for them and seeing how much work they done and how talented. I had the ability to see Jackson’s project about Kearney and his amazing design for prairie restoration and recreational use for his hometown. His ability to connect deeply to work and listen to the world,environment, and people around him is why Jackson is an amazing designer. He always was looking for ways to connect with people through landscape architecture and outside. He was always kind to the people around him.
So I want to
thank Jackson for loving the world
Thank you for your kindness
Thank you for your brightness
Thank you for your light
I will always remember your kindness and I will try my best to continue spreading light as much as possible; as you showed it to me .
Jackson was so calm, smart, and kind from the start. We have many fun memories of hanging out together with your family. St. joes babywise, Burbank Adult School, Mountain View (Barney) Park, play dates, birthday parties. We are so grateful for the time together. Learning how to embrace all the changes that come with being a mother/parent for the first time. Zoe recalled how “very nice & sweet” Jackson was in middle school – which really stands out because as she said “that’s when people were mean”. Our heart is broken and words are not enough. We grieve with you.
I had the great privilege of teaching Jackson in his comprehensive project studio during his final year at the University of Oregon. Jackson designed by telling stories. He would map them first in his sketchbook and on layers of tracing paper, then return to them again and again—testing, revising, and deepening his ideas. His project, Productive Prairies, grew from his love for Kearney and his desire to help others see the beauty and complexity of the Nebraska landscape. Where others might see an ordinary stretch of prairie, Jackson saw a living world of relationships, change, and possibility. He believed that people—especially children—could learn from the land through play, movement, and wonder.
The prairie keeps much of its life beneath easy seeing. Its roots extend farther than its grasses rise, holding the soil and holding one another. I have found myself thinking of Jackson this way. He was quiet and serious, but his care ran deep. He gave freely to his friends, his classmates, and our department, often without drawing attention to himself.
When I returned to the University after summer break, still in a fog of sorrow, I found a thank-you note Jackson had sent me in July waiting in my mailbox. It was thoughtful, generous, and genuinely grateful—entirely Jackson. Finding it stopped me in my tracks. I will always treasure it.
We were given far too little time with Jackson. I hope we can carry him forward not only in our sorrow, but in the way we live: by looking closely, welcoming wonder, giving more than we take, and caring for our common ground. The care Jackson gave so freely has entered our keeping.
Jackson was truly one of the most genuine and positive people I have ever met. I struggle to think of a memory in which we weren’t laughing or making up something new to laugh about. I became closest to Jackson during high school though our paths crossed a number of times beforehand. We were tried-and-true soccer buddies who also bonded through mutual friends and other high school activities, such as when he helped convince me to try tennis out our senior year.
Though we were extremely similar, our steps always seemed to take us in slightly different directions in life. However, that is where the beauty in Jackson’s influence lies: No matter how long or short the interaction, being connected with him left you with lingering sense of joy.
To me, memories of Jackson will serve as a reminder to try to live life in its truest form, by being adventurous and taking risks while also being compassionate and purposeful with the connections I make.
I remember feeling so welcomed by Jackson on the UO table tennis team when I was a freshman and he was an upperclassman. I still remember our conversations and rallies, I felt very lucky to play with someone so supportive who helped me grow.
I got to know Jackson during his senior year of high school, when he and Natalie, my daughter became close. I remember him as a kind, respectful, and genuinely sweet young man who seemed to carry a smile wherever he went. I remember receiving a text from him “Mrs. Tremel, would it be possible to get flowers inside your house to surprise Natalie?” He was the kind of kid you never hesitated to trust with your garage code! His thoughtful gestures reflected how caring he was. Our family has such fond memories of him and he will always be remembered with warmth, affection, and a smile.
It’s surreal to think that I only met Jackson in person two times. I felt as if he was like a younger cousin of mine; one whom I appreciated and admired from afar.
I’ve known Kathy and Jon since the early-mid 1990’s when Kathy and I became dear college friends and ultimately roommates. Though our lives and careers overlapped in Hollywood, we never actually lived in L.A. at the same time. So my occasions to meet Jackson were on two different trips visiting L.A. before I moved to the city in 2010: the first in late December of 2003, when he was a tiny baby; and then second a few years later when Ella was a baby after Jackson had eased into his natural role as a sweet, doting big brother.
Back in 2003, Jon and Kathy were – and are still – the most natural parents I’ve ever witnessed in person. The joy they had in becoming a mom and a dad was so palpable when I stopped by their cozy little house in Burbank… it was nearly intoxicating.
This was maybe the luckiest baby in the world.
I was so honored to meet Jackson that day (even if he was understandably tired from being held by yet another stranger!) and celebrate Jon and Kathy’s new family; one that would only grow stronger over the years to come as their amazing kids thrived and made the world a better place.
May Jackson’s brief but impactful time on this earth serve as a reminder that the imprint each of us leaves on each other is immeasurable.
