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.
September 13, 2026