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.
Charlie
September 19, 2026