Don Jackson

In Loving Memory of Don Jackson 

1932-2025

Don Jackson passed away on Friday, January 27th at the age of 92. He was a loving father, friend, and husband. Don was a kind and gentle man who never met a stranger and always gave others the benefit of the doubt. He had a remarkable ability to see the bright side of everything and shared his positivity with those around him.

Don came from very humble beginnings. At one point, his family rented a single room in someone’s house. Don's determination and hard work led him to become the first college graduate in his family, attending Colorado State University on a swimming scholarship. He pursued a career in engineering and joined the Air Force until his retirement. As a navigator, Don flew numerous missions and often proudly recounted his experience of having flown around the entire globe. He retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and went on to start another successful career as an engineer.

From a young age, Don was determined to understand God. He explored various churches but could not find the answers he sought until his sixties. It was then, after his son became a Christian, that Don began studying the Bible and eventually became a Christian himself. Nine years later, he was instrumental in leading his wife to Christ. Don attended the High Desert Church while living in Los Alamos. He enjoyed the lessons, the fellowship, and sharing about God. His legacy is defined by his deep desire for his family to be right with God.

Don met his beloved wife Arlene in Alaska while they were both serving in the Air Force. He would often joke that he found her in an igloo chewing on blubber. They went on to have three children Clay, Stuart, and Tanya. Arlene and Don loved to take the children on vacation. In their retirement, Don and Arlene loved to travel the world. Arlene passed away nine years ago. As a devoted husband, Don cared for his wife Arlene during her final year, never complaining despite the sleepless nights and constant care she required. His love was an incredible example to his family.

Don was a Boy Scout leader for his sons. He loved camping and hiking with them, fostering a deep connection with nature. In his teenage years, Don achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that was mirrored by both of his sons and his grandson George. This legacy of dedication and achievement within the Boy Scouts was supported by the great mentors Don had in his life, particularly his Boy Scout leader and swim coach, who played significant roles in shaping his character and guiding his path.

Don's grandchildren, Ryan, Reese, Cheyanne, Hailey, Sierra, Olivia, and George, were a source of immense pride for him. He welcomed his two married grandchildren’s spouses, Morgan and Randy, as if they were his own. Don's love for his grandchildren was evident in his actions; he collected hats from all their colleges and wore them in rotation. He would send them sweet messages on Instagram with lots of emojis. Don valued education and set up college funds for all of them. The last two are about to graduate. This past Thanksgiving he met his great granddaughter, Juniper. He was so thankful he got to meet her. He spoiled her with ice cream, so she enjoyed him too! Pictures were always displayed of his children and grandchildren, a testament to the joy they brought him.

In remembering Don Jackson, we celebrate a life filled with love, faith, a steadfast commitment to his faith and loved ones. Don's generosity and thoughtfulness were hallmarks of his personality. He always expressed to his family members how much he loved them.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a gentle, loving soul who lived his life with purpose and grace.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Rivera Funeral Home 305 Calle Salazar Espanola, NM 87532. The burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at Guaje Pines Cemetery in Los Alamos.