"Deepest sympathy to family. Chris was a life taken too soon. May memories sustain you."
In loving memory of
John Christopher Jackson
May 26, 1964 - November 17, 2016
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Burial is in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the Joyce Funeral Home where there will be a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
John Christopher (Chris) Jackson son of John Timothy (Tim) and Beverly (Brennan) Jackson was born May 26, 1964 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1982 where he was a member of the National Honor Society and lettered in baseball, football, golf and basketball.
Chris attended Buena Vista University where he was a member of the baseball team. He transferred to and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a bachelors degree in Chemistry. He also played for the 1985 Spencer Cardinals semi-professional baseball team.
He and Kathy Edwards were married on June 11, 1994 in Emmetsburg. They lived in St. Paul, Minnesota before moving to Emmetsburg where they made their home and raised their family. Chris was the Quality Manager for the Poet facility and they have named two streets in his honor, "SlimStrong Drive" and "#3 Jackson Junction."
Chris was very active in the community as a volunteer for the Emmetsburg Fire Department and as a high school baseball umpire, football chain gang member and little league coach.
He enjoyed gardening, experimenting with breeds of unusually hot peppers, hunting, fishing and encouraging others to move back to Emmetsburg. He loved canning his homegrown tomatoes, making salsa and he enjoyed eating fried green tomatoes. He had fun baking bread and other treats from Grama Ruth's recipes. He especially loved the Fourth of July and entertaining friends and relatives.
On Thursday, November 17, Chris passed away in Emmetsburg surrounded by his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy; his three sons John Joseph (Joe), Cole Emmet and Will Loren; his parents Tim and Beverly Jackson; his brothers Brian (Mary Ellen) and Daniel (Michelle); his sister Julie (Mike) Dunlap of Emmetsburg; and his brother Tim (Susan) of Aurora, Colorado; sisters-in-law Alisa Swinderman; and June (Tim) Brennan; many nieces and nephews; and extended family.
Tributes
"We are saddened by the loss of our high school classmate. Our sympathies to the family of Chris Jackson. "
"To all the Jackson Family - Chris was a excellent classmate and I still remember the first day he showed up at Emmetsburg Catholic School. So sorry for your loss as he will be missed by the Class of 1982 and all. Never forgotten CJ "
"to all the Jackson family, we extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to you all at this time. He will be missed by many, but know he is now at Peace ."
"Jackson Family our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Chris will be missed by so many. He was always there with a smile, his unique humor and support when I called. Please let me know if there is anything I can do."
"Jacksons: I have been thinking all weekend of the memories of Chris. They make me laugh. Most of them include Joe, Bob and Van..he will always be part of the group...May God help you through this difficult time."
"Jackson Family,
Words cannot express our sadness. We know Chris was an extraordinary son, husband and father. May the comfort of God help you all through this difficult time. "
"Kathy, boys and family~ Chris always took the time to share his smile, laughter and those hot, hot peppers. I wish I could explain how grateful we are that Cameron feels like one of your own. Chris fought a courageous fight and has left an amazing impact on so many. Our love and sympathy to you all.."
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed by many."
"Jackson Family - We send our sincere sympathy on Chris's passing. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"Kathy I am so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I hope you took advantage of your time together. You are strong person just know I am thinking of you. I hope to getti see you some day soon! "
"I remember standing outside old hospital in the burg. waiting to hear that time and bev's first child named Christopher was born. ...Love and prayers to all."
"We offer our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. May the Lord wrap his arms around you at this difficult time."
"Kathy and boys , we are so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to express our saddness. Our condolences, Antonella and Jon and family"
"Sending your entire family hugs and love from Nebraska and the Newell and Seemann families! We love you all so much and are so sorry for the loss of Chris! He sounds like he was an amazing man! "
"If there was ever a more laid-back, easy going person than Chris, I don't know that I ever met them. The world is a little less bright today, and my heart is heavy. But my prayers and thoughts go out to Chris's family. "
"We are so sorry for your loss. May God wrap you in his arms at this time of need! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy, boys and the entire family. "
"To all Chris's families., Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time...We didn't know him well, but we know this is a very difficult time for all who loved him....Sympathies are sent to you hoping God will give you strength to carry on his memory."
"The "Emmetsburg High School Class of 1982" extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Chris Jackson at the loss of their dear loved one. It is with great sorrow that we say good-bye to our beloved classmate, may he rest in peace."
"Kathy and all of your/Chris's family: We are so sad to learn of Chris' passing. Know that we're thinking of you with our love and sincere sympathy. Judy & Dave"
"Our sympathy to the Jackson family. Such a valiant fight. God's peace, strength, and love to each of you. "