Shortly before Jackson was leaving for Oregon to attend college his freshman year he called his grandpa (as he had done before) and wanted to know if I and his eight year old cousin wanted to go golfing for the day.
What kind of a young man leaving for college for his freshman year calls his 74 year old grandpa and eight year old cousin to go golfing? Jackson that is who.
When we got far enough away from the club house he asked Henry if he wanted to drive the cart. You can only imagine the excitement Henry had driving Jackson in the cart. Jackson had a small smile on his face. It wasn’t much but he sure made Henry’s day. This is the kind of person Jackson was.
I could not have asked for a more considerate grandson. One thing that Jackson was good at was making his grandpa extremely proud of him. He was so caring and loving. I miss everyday.
I Love you
Grandpa Tom
I just remember the elementary years at Park when Jackson, Sam, Creed and all those boys just had so much fun together. They could be doing just about anything and they were just excited to hang out together.
I was a freshman at KHS when he was a senior. At a time where it felt like I had no allies, I had Jackson’s warm smile and kind words to lift me up. I only knew him for a short year, but I often recall his kindness during moments of weakness. I regret not letting him know how big of an impact he had on me.
During the years when the Bokenkamps called Burbank home, I was lucky enough to get some very special time with Jackson (and Ella). At Comic Con, on the Paramount lot, and at their home.
Two memories that immediately come to mind were during a time I stayed with Jackson and Ella for a few days while Jon and Kathy went out of town. Before Jon and Kathy left, they mentioned that Jackson and Ella were very into Top Chef or Masterchef Junior — some show in that universe — and that they would often cook meals in the style of the show at home and would probably want to do so while I was staying with them.
I sort of forgot they had mentioned it until, on night one of my stay, Jackson had an idea for a very elaborate meal that he planned to cook; I was immediately intimidated. I remember sitting him and Ella down and trying to negotiate — perhaps pizza (or really anything that didn’t involve kids handling knives, stoves and cooking tools under my watch) could also be an idea for dinner. But Jackson would not be deterred.
So finally, I admitted to him, that despite the fact that I was an adult, I mostly microwaved my meals and wouldn’t be able to help… like at all. With confidence and conviction, he assured me he wouldn’t need my assistance. This wasn’t his first rodeo. He was TEN. Semi-reluctantly, I allowed the plan to go forward — and I watched as he made an exquisite meal start to finish. There were garnishes. There were cooking tools I had maybe seen but certainly didn’t know how to use. And there were a few moments when I do think he wanted some adult help but muscled through on his own because I was genuinely useless. And at the end of it all, there was a terrific, honest-to-god, gourmet meal. I was blown away…
Another memory of that particular stay involved the Nebraska football game. Jackson begged me to watch it even though it was way past his bedtime. He had all his gear — the jersey, the helmet — and so much passion — and who was I to stand in the way of such passion? To be a fun-sucking babysitter? I immediately caved. I ended up going to bed as he was still watching the game and would periodically peek into the living room to make sure all was well… I can still see this image of the TV reflecting off this little boy in silhouette, glued to the game, helmet on, in his happy place. It was beautiful…
Even after the Bokenkamps moved backed to Nebraska, I got updates on Jackson’s life and accomplishments and it felt like his star just kept getting brighter and brighter, always challenging himself and ready to start his next adventure… what a special, special young man.
Sending love to Jon, Kathy, Ella, his extended family and friends.
Jackson was a strong leader in music class and a positive role model for other students. He was always ready to take on any task giving his best effort. If he was asked to do something he wasn’t particularly fond of, like sing a short solo for pitch assessment, he would do it with a smile on his face making the best of it. His positive attitude was contagious.
We will be forever grateful that Jackson and Henry found each other and spent four wonderful years together in college. We often noted how the “Cornboys” had such a strong, healthy, and supportive bond and friendship. Jackson showed up again & again for Henry & was truly the greatest friend we could have wished for our son. We loved getting to know him. Jackson’s family hosted the best graduation party for the trio and we all celebrated their accomplishments and friendships. What a special time that was! Jackson was a phenomenal young man and our family will keep him close to our hearts and memories for a lifetime.
Mandie & Andy Schadwinkel · Parents of his friend, Henry
Jackson was truly like a brother to me. He was a schoolmate and coworker of mine.
The first time I had ever met him was at a tennis meet I was taking photos at. He had approached me and asked me to send him the photos of him I had, if I had any so I did. When I sent him those photos he told me how amazing they were. Then, the next meet he had I was taking pictures at again. He had approached me again and reminded me how amazing my photos were and told me to keep up the great work. Those words meant the world to me because that very same day was the day I was going to put down a camera for good, but because of Jackson I didn’t.
He would always say Hi to me whenever he would see me in the halls at school and around town. He would always come talk to me and ask me how things were going and if I was sticking with being behind a camera. He did this every single time he saw me.
Not long before he graduated we started working together; him and I would have deep talks about life and he always told me to follow my heart and shoot for the stars. Then he graduated and moved away. He stayed in touch and checked in from time to time and always made sure I was sticking to my dreams and encouraged me to pick up my camera again whenever I had put it down. He was truly to most caring human with the biggest heart. He impacted my life in so many ways. At school, work and overall.
Jackson was a wonderful young young man who we had the opportunity to know through soccer. James and Jackson became fast friends, and I have many fond memories of them during the soccer season. I’ve added some of our favorite photos throughout the years. He was always a great conversationalist and polite with adults of all ages. Jackson was authentic, the real deal and we are all better for having known him.
Being from a long line of B last names in our school, I had the privilege of having Bearcat Time with Jackson. Every Tuesday, for four years straight, I got to sit next to him and catch up about what was happening in our community and in our school, in our lives and in our homes. On a few occasions, we hung out outside of school among a larger group of boys and girls. I can truly say I have never met a kid more kind and honest, or who made me feel more heard than Jackson. A kid who wasn’t caught up in what everyone else was doing, just worried about doing whatever made him happiest. He was down to Earth and full of life, and I hope that endless joy found him in this life and in the next.
May, 2022 – Jackson and his Park classmates returned for their Graduate walk.
I feel so fortunate to have served as principal to Jackson while he was a student at Park Elementary School in Kearney. And I’m absolutely heart-broken for Ella, his parents, grandparents, other relatives, and his many friends who loved him.
He was such a genuinely kind and introspective young man. Though, to me, he seemed quiet by nature, he was consistently friendly and respectful to everyone.
He was the kind of young man others looked up to—not because he sought attention, but because of the way he led his life and how he treated others around him. He was a talented artist whose artwork was selected by the Park staff for the permanent art collection in his elementary school.
Every student leaves a lasting impression on the educators who had the privilege to teach them. I will always remember Jackson as a gifted young man with a big heart.
My most sincere condolences are especially extended to Jackson’s family.
Jackson was always a wonderful, thoughtful young man who made us feel included and loved. He had a genuine kindness that showed in everything he did. Our hearts are broken with the loss of our talented, loving and amazing nephew!
There are too many memories that come to mind when I think of Jackson. I thank God that we were neighbors and, most of all, that we were friends. There’s nothing he wouldn’t have done for those he loved. Though the loss of his smile, compassion, and friendship remains, I am overwhelmingly grateful to have known and loved Jackson.
One of the most special things about coaching high school sports is the relationships we have with our student/athletes. Our journeys together involve ups and downs, celebrations and heartbreak. We see kids grow from squirrelly freshmen to seniors wise beyond their years. Our entire coaching staff at KHS was blessed with the opportunity to know and love Jackson during his time with our program, but even after he graduated as he would often check in with a quick text or a reply on social media. “Hey Coach, the new SportsPlex looks cool.” “Hey Coach, heard you guys had a tough loss last night.” Hey Coach, congrats on the big win.” Those notes were always such a blessing to receive from Jackson, and it helped us remain connected even though he was out on the west coast doing great things. We are heartbroken for everyone, yet so grateful for the time we got to spend with Jackson and his family. So many photos capture his passion for people, his teammates, the sport of soccer, and how he competed for the Kearney High Bearcats. But one photo, and the conversation that went along with the photo is one I’ve never forgotten, and never will. This photo was taken after a heartbreaking loss at Omaha Westside in the District Championship, it ended up being Jackson’s last game and our final game that season. We talked about disappointment, frustration, coming up short, being grateful, being a great teammate, and “what’s next” in our lives as he inched closer to his high school graduation. Through it all, Jackson did everything with class, and a broad view of the world he was living in. It’s been said he was an old soul, and that’s 100% accurate, and I am truly honored and blessed to have known him. He made so many of us better teachers, coaches, parents, and humans; what an incredible impact and gift that is for such a young man to share with us.
Way too many memories, so I’ll share one. Jackson and Carter (my son) were 2 doubles partners for KHS. It was an absolutely incredible year. East Invite champions. #1 overall seed at Papio Invite and eventually placing at State.
Robert Goff · Student and cherished friend of our children
I remember you as a baby with chubby cheeks who grew into a man with an infectious smile.
I remember your love for bacon that grew into an appreciation for amazing food and a love of learning to cook like your mom.
I remember your quiet giggle that could easily turn into an all out laugh, just like your dad’s.
I remember you holding hands with your cousins and leading them to play in the park at Thanksgiving. Those little cousins grew into young adults, and you unknowingly became a role model for them, showing them how to face challenges, succeed, and become the adults they aspire to be.
I will never forget your desire to learn, to listen and to love. Thank you.
Your family meant the world to you, and you mean the world to all of us.
