John Jackson

   John Jackson, 66, of rural Leonard, North Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Sanford Hospice House, Fargo, ND.

   John Randall “Randy” Jackson was born on June 30, 1958, to John A. and Lila (Hagestad) Jackson in Fargo, North Dakota. John attended and graduated from school in Chaffee, North Dakota in 1976 and attended college at the University of Minnesota - Crookston. John farmed in the Chaffee and Leonard area from a very young age until his passing.

   John enjoyed farming and working with the land, it was his most important calling. Even illness couldn't keep him from the tractor or combine in his final years. No matter the hour it rained, John was in his pickup touring his fields to see how much rain they received. He was a good steward of the land and always aware of what it needed.  

   John also enjoyed time spent hunting and fishing. His passion was ice fishing - particularly on Devil’s Lake with the many friends he had made. He also enjoyed fishing in the summer on Devil’s Lake, Alkali Lake, and trips to Lake of the Woods which frequently yielded many stories that had absolutely nothing to do with fishing. He was also a prolific hunter - geese, ducks, pheasant and deer along with an annual trip to hunt grouse north of Beach, ND. The friends and fellowship were just as much of a highlight as the hunting itself, many beers were shared, stories told and stories made. John was instrumental in passing on that love of hunting and fishing to his nieces and nephews, frequently taking them along and ensuring that enduring memories were made.

  John was very generous with his time, knowledge, and his garden. His free time was spent growing potatoes, sweet corn, squash, pumpkins, peas, and so much more - the produce of which were shared with friends, neighbors and strangers alike. Visitors always left richer than how they arrived.

   John was an exceptional friend and neighbor and he was blessed to have many in his life as well. He was a frequent visitor for coffee in the morning and a beer or several in the evening, especially at the Bronco in Chaffee. Visits on the road and phone for how the crops were looking were numerous and often. He'd drop in on neighbors and friends, often with his famous homemade cookies. His many close friends and neighbors were unmatched as well, stepping in to help harvest when he couldn't and making sure he was well taken care of in his battle with cancer. John was deeply grateful for them, and we are too.

   John was an exceptional uncle as well. He loved to tease his nieces and nephews and always kept up on where and what they were up to. He was also generous in sharing his fishing and hunting experiences with them - putting up with young kids while ice fishing isn't easy! We'll cherish the memories made on Devil's Lake, the badlands northwest of Medora, deer and pheasant hunting around home, the holidays, and on many more occasions.

   John is survived by two brothers: Richard (Dawn) Jackson, Grand Forks, ND and Rusty (Lisa) Jackson, Leonard, ND; five nieces and nephews: Brandon (Andrea) Jackson, Leonard, ND; Brian (Liz) Jackson, Moorhead, MN; Justin Jackson, Eugene, OR; Carly (Alex) Molstad, New Salem, ND; and Ciera Jackson, Grand Forks, ND; four great nieces and one great nephew: Irene, Maeve and Miles Jackson, Leonard ND; Luna and Phoebe Jackson, Moorhead, MN; two cats: Sam and Harry; and his many dedicated friends and neighbors of which we are extremely grateful for.

   He was preceded in death by his parents and three golden retrievers: Goldie, Allie, and Hayley.

   Memorials are preferred to the Watson Cemetery Association.

Visitation: Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., in West Funeral Home, Casselton, ND.

Funeral Service: Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Peter Lutheran Church, rural Leonard, ND, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Interment: Watson Cemetery, rural Leonard, ND.

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