Guide to All Truth- A talk by Leon H. Jackson
While preaching in the wilderness of Judea, John the Baptist declared, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matt. 3:11)
Sometime later, in speaking to his disciples of the Holy Ghost, Jesus said: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. For he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine. Therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall give it unto you.” (John 16:13-15)
How does one receive the Holy Ghost and the baptism of fire, spoken of by Christ? What are the functions of the Holy Ghost? And how may he alter our lives?
Lorenzo Snow- June 1836
What are the reasons why Lorenzo Snow received a baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost? He understood that the scriptures promised those who obeyed the gospel that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. His assurance in the scriptural promise was such that he expected to receive this baptism. He desired to receive it. He was honest and mature in his spiritual desires and was baptized by one having authority.
John the Baptist came preaching “the preparatory gospel; which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments…” If those principles and the ordinances that terminate in baptism for the remission of sins constitute the preparatory gospel, the question may be asked, For what does it prepare man? Among other things, the preparatory gospel prepares him for the gifts, endowments, and blessings of the Holy Ghost. It is in the manifestations of the Holy Ghost that the gospel is given to man.
To see the nature and importance of the baptism of the Holy Ghost it is necessary to understand that the Holy Ghost is a spirit-being of glory and power. One of his special functions is to bear witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ. When his power and influence is visibly manifested to man, it has the appearance of a divine fire. Thus on the day of Pentecost the power of the Holy Ghost appeared as cloven tongues of fire. This was the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which is sometimes called the baptism of fire, or the baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire.
If baptism of water is an actual immersion of the earthly element, the baptism of fire, must in like manner, be an actual immersion in the heavenly element of glory. Both baptisms are essential to man’s salvation. By the first, man’s sins are washed away; and by the second, he is purified from the effects of sin and filled with the light and truth of God’s glory.
Having promised his disciples the Holy Ghost, Jesus later “breathed on them, and saith unto them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22) It is apparent from the scriptures that he also gave the apostles power to give the Holy Ghost to others. For instance, when Philip, who held the lesser Priesthood, converted and baptized many people in Samaria, he sent for Peter and John, “who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost”. The record continues, “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost”. Likewise, when Paul found some at Ephesus who professed to be disciples, he inquired, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” When they confessed that they knew nothing about the Holy Ghost, Paul had them rebaptized. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them,” the scripture states,”the Holy Ghost came on them and they spake with tongues and prophesied”.
The Book of Mormon also states that to the Nephite Twelve, Jesus gave power to give the Holy Ghost to others. Of the procedure they were to follow in doing so, Christ said: “Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles" (speaking of the apostles in Palestine).
The Book of Mormon gives explicit examples of the extent to which man may receive the divine endowments of the Holy Ghost in the gospel. Some time prior to Christ’s appearance upon the western hemisphere, two faithful Nephite missionaries were laboring among the Lamanites when they were thrown into prison. Because of their faith, the Lord intervened in their behalf when the Lamanites came to kill them, and the Lamanites found “that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they (the Lamanites) durst not lay their hands upon them…. Nevertheless,” the record continues, “Nephi and Lehi were not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned.”
Having beheld this marvelous manifestation, the Laminites began to exercise faith in God. As they did, they were given an endowment similar to that which Nephi and Lehi received. The record states,”…behold they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did not harm them, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison, and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven and did enter their hearts, and they were filled with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words.”
The question may be asked, what about us today? Can we receive the Holy Ghost in the same measure as the Nephites did?
The New Testament teaches that all who believe in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and are baptized for the remission of sins should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the message of the gospel that Christ’s apostles taught. On the day of Pentecost, Peter declared, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." The gift of the Holy Ghost was to be given to as many as the Lord should call to embrace the gospel. Peter made no exceptions.
Unless man receives the manifestations and blessings of the Holy Ghost, he does not receive the positive benefits and powers of the gospel. Joseph Smith stressed this point when an inquirer asked, “May I not repent and be baptized and not pay any attentions to dreams, visions, and other gifts of the Spirit?” In his reply the Prophet likened the endowments of the Spirit to the food man must partake to sustain the physical body and cause it to grow, concluding that in like manner, the manifestations of the Holy Spirit are necessary to sustain man in righteousness and mature the divine nature or glory of God, within man.
By receiving the Holy Ghost, man is placed upon that path that leads to the full endowments of God’s glory in the world to come. Nephi wrote, “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life.”
By definition, eternal life consists of being endowed with the glory of the highest degree in the celestial Kingdom. When man is given the full endowments of the Holy Spirit so that he is glorified in the celestial world, he thereby possesses eternal life. To attain eternal life, man must receive the Holy Ghost and continue to partake of its divine fruits, gifts, and powers until he goes on to receive the highest rewards in the Celestial Kingdom.
The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost constituted a major difference between the old covenant that God established with Israel through Moses and the new covenant that Christ brought. Here may be seen on the one hand, the challenge that confronts those who believe in Christ, and the other hand, the blessings they are offered. Speaking of the covenant of the gospel, Jeremiah prophesied that the time would come when God would make a new covenant with his people. Of the new covenant, he quoted the Lord as saying, “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.”
The apostle Paul spoke of this new covenant and declared that each individual who embraced it became a living epistle of Christ, “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone (as was the old covenant God gave to Israel by Moses), but in the fleshy tablets of the heart.
Nephi declared that God “is the same yesterday, today, and forever,’ and that the Holy Ghost “is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come." By receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and applying the laws of the gospel in our lives, we may all be sanctified by the powers of the Holy Spirit and develop such a spiritual union with Christ that his glory and power will be manifested in all we do. This is what it means to follow Christ, for he is a divine being in possession of the glory and power of his Father; and it is his desire to develop his divine truth and power in man. The basic channel through which the truth and power of God’s glory is given to man, is the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In the name of Jesus Christ- Amen
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Grandpa's Songs
Grandpa’s Songs
O My Father
O’ my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold Thy face?
In thy holy habitation did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?
For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast placed me here on earth,
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth.
Yet oft times a secret something
Whispered, “You’re a stranger her.”
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.
I had learned to call thee Father
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heavens are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason, truth eternal
Tells me I’ve a mother there.
When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length when I’ve completed
All you’ve sent me forth to do
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
Eliza Snow
Be Still My Soul
Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side:
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious, shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them, while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: The hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last.
Katharina von Schlegel
God Be With You Till We Meet Again
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again
God be with you till we meet again;
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put his arms unfailing round you.
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again.
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you;
Smite death’s threatening wave before you.
God be with you till we meet again.
Jeremiah Rankin
O My Father
O’ my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold Thy face?
In thy holy habitation did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?
For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast placed me here on earth,
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth.
Yet oft times a secret something
Whispered, “You’re a stranger her.”
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.
I had learned to call thee Father
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heavens are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason, truth eternal
Tells me I’ve a mother there.
When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length when I’ve completed
All you’ve sent me forth to do
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
Eliza Snow
Be Still My Soul
Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side:
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious, shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them, while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: The hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last.
Katharina von Schlegel
God Be With You Till We Meet Again
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again
God be with you till we meet again;
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put his arms unfailing round you.
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again.
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you;
Smite death’s threatening wave before you.
God be with you till we meet again.
Jeremiah Rankin
Letters from friends
Comments and Memories
Of
Leon H. Jackson
Dad touched many people in his life and left an example of love, kindness, and perseverance. These are a few of the cards that people wrote at his funeral or sent afterwards. They express what an impact one man can have.
-Wayne Schmidt
Leon Jackson met my father, Howard Gerald Schmidt, while serving on his mission in Wisconsin. At that time, as I understand it, my dad owned a motorcycle and his life’s future plans included staying in the Gresham, Wisconsin area, continuing to work on the family Dairy Farm. After meeting my father, Leon (Elder Jackson), convinced him that he should pursue a higher education. He convinced him to sell his motorcycle to help with some of the financial obligations he would face and talked him into going to BYU. My dad followed his suggestion, went to BYU, entered the ROTC-Airforce, became a pilot for the USAF, received his degree- most importantly for his 8 children, my dad met my mom at BYU. Leon’s influence on my father is one that ignited the eternal love flame in my parents’ hearts. My mother and father, Howard & Rea, were married in the Mesa, Arizona temple on Dec. 6. So impactful was Leon’s influence on my parents’ lives, that after the birth of their 4 daughters, their first boy finally arrived (first of 4 boys). The name they chose for this boy: Gerald Leon Schmidt. My older brother was named after two great men- my father and Leon Jackson.
I did not have the privilege of meeting Leon Jackson until I was a grown man and moved to the Dallas, Texas area bout 5 years ago. What an honor it was to meet a man that I had heard about all my life. At times as a child, we would travel via airplane and anytime we had a layover in Dallas, my dad would make it a point to give Leon a call just to touch base with him again. My parents are currently serving a temple mission in Guadalajara, Mexico. On behalf of them and my 7 other siblings and posterity, we want you to know that Leon Jackson holds a very special place in our hearts. We eternally love him.
(Howard also called from Mexico to say what a beloved, loving man dad was. He said that it was dad that talked him into going to SLC and then roomed with him at BYU. He proposed to his wife Ria at dad and mom’s house and then was there best man when they were married).
-Lee Hervey
I hope you know how much I loved your dad. He was such a faithful home teacher and always made me feel special and loved by him! I want you to know that I am keeping you and your beautiful family in my prayers. I know you miss him very much and that he was an important part of your daily life. I feel privileged to have known him and been a recipient of his love and kindness.
-Steven Foulkes
Leon, Thank you for the family you have made. The family that took me in when my own family moved apart. I’ve always noticed the love that you all share with each other and it has become the example of what I hope I will have some day. I know from you grand-children that you are a great man. I never knew my grandfathers, so the stories I’ve heard of you have always stuck with me. Thank you for setting the precedent in your lineage of unconditional love and devotion. I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to receive some of that love.
-Nancy Max
The gospel brings wonderful people into our lives- Brother Jackson is a true example of a “wonderful person.” I will always cherish the memories he shared with me when he was a golfing buddy of my uncle- hearing stories I never knew about my cousins. I’m grateful he was here for me when my Dad took ill and for the wonderful blessing he gave him. I will miss his love and great smile.
-Emily Felton
Bro. Jackson was always so happy. He always had a smile on his face no matter what was going on. He always came once a month to home teach. No matter how busy life was, he made time.
Marsha Felton
I remember Leon’s smile and handshake whenever I saw him. He was genuinely concerned about us.
-Susan Felton
What I remember most was that Brother Jackson was always there, no matter what. I remember tiling his bathroom. It was wonderful to know him and see his influence on his family.
-Michele Felton
Leon was our home teacher, with Chase, for quite awhile. I always enjoyed his positive attitude and big smile. He was always smiling. Leon was a great home teacher and actually fit in well with us. He made us laugh and understood our humor. It was fun to watch him and Dad joke and laugh. His smile and love will be missed.
-Mark Brown
I joined the church 30 years ago today (July 14). Leon was a great home teacher. He was a good friend of Walter and Beth Burgess (my in-laws). I always liked that Leon asked about my kids- Tony and Whitney. Leon was very interested in their progress. Tony said ,”Leon made him feel important”. You have an awesome family.
-Toni Jacobus
What a blessing it has been for you to have had a parent and grandparent and great-grandparent like that. He was always so kind and considerate. Thank you for sharing those intimate moments with us so I can know him better. I know that you will miss him! Remember to lean on Jesus Christ for comfort like he did. I love you.
-Al Johnson
I had the great pleasure of home teaching Leon. The thing about that is, I learned far more from him about God and His plan for us. Leon bore his afflictions with calmness and poise and without complaint. He was my dear brother in Christ. I will miss you Leon.
Of
Leon H. Jackson
Dad touched many people in his life and left an example of love, kindness, and perseverance. These are a few of the cards that people wrote at his funeral or sent afterwards. They express what an impact one man can have.
-Wayne Schmidt
Leon Jackson met my father, Howard Gerald Schmidt, while serving on his mission in Wisconsin. At that time, as I understand it, my dad owned a motorcycle and his life’s future plans included staying in the Gresham, Wisconsin area, continuing to work on the family Dairy Farm. After meeting my father, Leon (Elder Jackson), convinced him that he should pursue a higher education. He convinced him to sell his motorcycle to help with some of the financial obligations he would face and talked him into going to BYU. My dad followed his suggestion, went to BYU, entered the ROTC-Airforce, became a pilot for the USAF, received his degree- most importantly for his 8 children, my dad met my mom at BYU. Leon’s influence on my father is one that ignited the eternal love flame in my parents’ hearts. My mother and father, Howard & Rea, were married in the Mesa, Arizona temple on Dec. 6. So impactful was Leon’s influence on my parents’ lives, that after the birth of their 4 daughters, their first boy finally arrived (first of 4 boys). The name they chose for this boy: Gerald Leon Schmidt. My older brother was named after two great men- my father and Leon Jackson.
I did not have the privilege of meeting Leon Jackson until I was a grown man and moved to the Dallas, Texas area bout 5 years ago. What an honor it was to meet a man that I had heard about all my life. At times as a child, we would travel via airplane and anytime we had a layover in Dallas, my dad would make it a point to give Leon a call just to touch base with him again. My parents are currently serving a temple mission in Guadalajara, Mexico. On behalf of them and my 7 other siblings and posterity, we want you to know that Leon Jackson holds a very special place in our hearts. We eternally love him.
(Howard also called from Mexico to say what a beloved, loving man dad was. He said that it was dad that talked him into going to SLC and then roomed with him at BYU. He proposed to his wife Ria at dad and mom’s house and then was there best man when they were married).
-Lee Hervey
I hope you know how much I loved your dad. He was such a faithful home teacher and always made me feel special and loved by him! I want you to know that I am keeping you and your beautiful family in my prayers. I know you miss him very much and that he was an important part of your daily life. I feel privileged to have known him and been a recipient of his love and kindness.
-Steven Foulkes
Leon, Thank you for the family you have made. The family that took me in when my own family moved apart. I’ve always noticed the love that you all share with each other and it has become the example of what I hope I will have some day. I know from you grand-children that you are a great man. I never knew my grandfathers, so the stories I’ve heard of you have always stuck with me. Thank you for setting the precedent in your lineage of unconditional love and devotion. I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to receive some of that love.
-Nancy Max
The gospel brings wonderful people into our lives- Brother Jackson is a true example of a “wonderful person.” I will always cherish the memories he shared with me when he was a golfing buddy of my uncle- hearing stories I never knew about my cousins. I’m grateful he was here for me when my Dad took ill and for the wonderful blessing he gave him. I will miss his love and great smile.
-Emily Felton
Bro. Jackson was always so happy. He always had a smile on his face no matter what was going on. He always came once a month to home teach. No matter how busy life was, he made time.
Marsha Felton
I remember Leon’s smile and handshake whenever I saw him. He was genuinely concerned about us.
-Susan Felton
What I remember most was that Brother Jackson was always there, no matter what. I remember tiling his bathroom. It was wonderful to know him and see his influence on his family.
-Michele Felton
Leon was our home teacher, with Chase, for quite awhile. I always enjoyed his positive attitude and big smile. He was always smiling. Leon was a great home teacher and actually fit in well with us. He made us laugh and understood our humor. It was fun to watch him and Dad joke and laugh. His smile and love will be missed.
-Mark Brown
I joined the church 30 years ago today (July 14). Leon was a great home teacher. He was a good friend of Walter and Beth Burgess (my in-laws). I always liked that Leon asked about my kids- Tony and Whitney. Leon was very interested in their progress. Tony said ,”Leon made him feel important”. You have an awesome family.
-Toni Jacobus
What a blessing it has been for you to have had a parent and grandparent and great-grandparent like that. He was always so kind and considerate. Thank you for sharing those intimate moments with us so I can know him better. I know that you will miss him! Remember to lean on Jesus Christ for comfort like he did. I love you.
-Al Johnson
I had the great pleasure of home teaching Leon. The thing about that is, I learned far more from him about God and His plan for us. Leon bore his afflictions with calmness and poise and without complaint. He was my dear brother in Christ. I will miss you Leon.
Life Sketch
Life Sketch of Leon Harley Jackson (given by Kevin Mackey, his grandson)
I will begin by reading what Grandpa wrote about the first part of his life.
I, Leon Harley Jackson, having been born of goodly parents, Leon Henry and Vivian G. Jackson, on December 16, 1926, in Salt lake city, Utah, and having been taught in the Mormon ways of my father and mother to lead an honest and truthful life, do undertake to set to record an autobiography by my own hand, which I know to be true according to my own knowledge.
My father was a Certified Public Accountant employed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and his training for orderliness and conciseness was instilled in his five children. This, tempered with his and my mother’s great love for family unity, played a great part in the molding of my life.
I was schooled in Salt Lake City and was graduated from the Granite High School in 1945 in the top scholastic 10% of my class. While in school I was active in athletics, earning letters in football, basketball, and track, culminating in state honors in football and track. I also participated in school paper and yearbook activities and held class and club offices.
In April of 1945, I was inducted into the U.S Navy and spent the next 15 months traveling the Pacific and Caribbean area. In July of 1946, I was honorably discharged with the rank of Machinist mate 3/c.
In September 1946, I entered the University of Utah, where, in addition to my scholastic studies, I was active in varsity football and earned my letter as a freshman. I was pledged to the Pi Kappa Alpha national social fraternity and as an active member served as social chairman, vice-president and president of the Alpha Tau chapter. I was also Secretary-Treasurer of the Inter-Fraternity council of the University. My college was financed by my G.I. Bill benefits and part-time work at a lumber yard in Salt Lake City.
In October of 1948, I was called to serve a two year Mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints among the Chippewa Indians of northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan. I am still an active member in good standing and have filled many teaching and executive positions.
Upon my honorable release from the mission field I re-entered the University of Utah and later BYU where I graduated in June of 1953 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business and Marketing. I began working for the Continental Oil Company after graduation.
I n June of 1954, I married Darla G. Bingham, who has made me a wonderful wife. We are the proud parents of five lovely children.
Grandpa was known for his strong work ethic. He spent most of his career as an executive for an oil company, but when he retired, he continued to work. He never felt that he was too good for any kind of honest labor and he worked hard at any task given him. Even when his health was diminishing, he pushed himself to continue working. He loved working in the garden- even if he could only do it a few minutes before needing to rest.
Grandpa loved to read his scriptures. He understood and lived as closely as he could to the things that he learned from them. He loved to teach and his talks and lessons helped others to understand. His favorite calling was when he was asked to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher. He loved to go to the temple. He served many years as a temple worker and rarely missed ward temple night. He said once that he had never had a time when he did not believe that he had a Heavenly Father that loved him and would answer his prayers.
He knew and cared about the people around him- neighbors, people in the ward, and old friends. He looked for the good and never said anything unkind. He was quick to point out strengths and give encouragement.
Grandpa loved his family. He loved his children. His work required him to be gone during the week when they were growing up, but he always made it home on the weekend to play with them and go to church. He loved fishing with his boys and tried to do this at least once a year even when they were grown and moved away. He loved his grandchildren. He loved to attend their games and track meets, piano and dance recitals, school programs, and Scout functions. Each one of them will tell you that he or she is his favorite. He made each feel special, loved, and valued. He would sit watch as his great grandchildren played at his feet, stopping to pat his knee or climb up on his lap. They loved him just as much as their parents do.
Grandpa died at home where he wanted to be, surrounded by many loved ones, and in the hearts of those that could not be at his side. He left a legacy of honesty, integrity, compassion, and charity for all of us.
Kevin,
Add whatever you would like to. I know that you will do a great job and Grandpa will be very proud of you. Actually, I know that he already is very proud of you. Love, Aunt Rhonda
I will begin by reading what Grandpa wrote about the first part of his life.
I, Leon Harley Jackson, having been born of goodly parents, Leon Henry and Vivian G. Jackson, on December 16, 1926, in Salt lake city, Utah, and having been taught in the Mormon ways of my father and mother to lead an honest and truthful life, do undertake to set to record an autobiography by my own hand, which I know to be true according to my own knowledge.
My father was a Certified Public Accountant employed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and his training for orderliness and conciseness was instilled in his five children. This, tempered with his and my mother’s great love for family unity, played a great part in the molding of my life.
I was schooled in Salt Lake City and was graduated from the Granite High School in 1945 in the top scholastic 10% of my class. While in school I was active in athletics, earning letters in football, basketball, and track, culminating in state honors in football and track. I also participated in school paper and yearbook activities and held class and club offices.
In April of 1945, I was inducted into the U.S Navy and spent the next 15 months traveling the Pacific and Caribbean area. In July of 1946, I was honorably discharged with the rank of Machinist mate 3/c.
In September 1946, I entered the University of Utah, where, in addition to my scholastic studies, I was active in varsity football and earned my letter as a freshman. I was pledged to the Pi Kappa Alpha national social fraternity and as an active member served as social chairman, vice-president and president of the Alpha Tau chapter. I was also Secretary-Treasurer of the Inter-Fraternity council of the University. My college was financed by my G.I. Bill benefits and part-time work at a lumber yard in Salt Lake City.
In October of 1948, I was called to serve a two year Mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints among the Chippewa Indians of northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan. I am still an active member in good standing and have filled many teaching and executive positions.
Upon my honorable release from the mission field I re-entered the University of Utah and later BYU where I graduated in June of 1953 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business and Marketing. I began working for the Continental Oil Company after graduation.
I n June of 1954, I married Darla G. Bingham, who has made me a wonderful wife. We are the proud parents of five lovely children.
Grandpa was known for his strong work ethic. He spent most of his career as an executive for an oil company, but when he retired, he continued to work. He never felt that he was too good for any kind of honest labor and he worked hard at any task given him. Even when his health was diminishing, he pushed himself to continue working. He loved working in the garden- even if he could only do it a few minutes before needing to rest.
Grandpa loved to read his scriptures. He understood and lived as closely as he could to the things that he learned from them. He loved to teach and his talks and lessons helped others to understand. His favorite calling was when he was asked to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher. He loved to go to the temple. He served many years as a temple worker and rarely missed ward temple night. He said once that he had never had a time when he did not believe that he had a Heavenly Father that loved him and would answer his prayers.
He knew and cared about the people around him- neighbors, people in the ward, and old friends. He looked for the good and never said anything unkind. He was quick to point out strengths and give encouragement.
Grandpa loved his family. He loved his children. His work required him to be gone during the week when they were growing up, but he always made it home on the weekend to play with them and go to church. He loved fishing with his boys and tried to do this at least once a year even when they were grown and moved away. He loved his grandchildren. He loved to attend their games and track meets, piano and dance recitals, school programs, and Scout functions. Each one of them will tell you that he or she is his favorite. He made each feel special, loved, and valued. He would sit watch as his great grandchildren played at his feet, stopping to pat his knee or climb up on his lap. They loved him just as much as their parents do.
Grandpa died at home where he wanted to be, surrounded by many loved ones, and in the hearts of those that could not be at his side. He left a legacy of honesty, integrity, compassion, and charity for all of us.
Kevin,
Add whatever you would like to. I know that you will do a great job and Grandpa will be very proud of you. Actually, I know that he already is very proud of you. Love, Aunt Rhonda
Dad's Obituary
Leon Harley Jackson
Jackson, Leon Harley Died at his home on July 9, 2008 surrounded by loved ones. Leon was the first of twins born on December 16, 1926. He was the third of six children born to Henry Leon Jackson and Ina Vivian George Jackson. He was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and attended Granite High School (1945). He earned letters in football, basketball, and track and received state honors in football and track. He was on the school paper and yearbook staff and participated in class and club offices. Leon was inducted into the Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. On returning, he attended the University of Utah where he pledged to Pi Kappa Alpha and later served as president. He then transferred to Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing. He began working for Continental Oil Company in 1953 as marketing director and was responsible for buying and selling properties. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints among the Chippewa Indians. His life was a testimony of his love of the gospel. All of us that knew and loved him were touched and taught by his example, his knowledge of spiritual things, and his concern and sacrifice for others. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Howard Cook, Max Cook, Gaylen Jackson, and Roland Jackson. He is survived by his sister Leona (Jackson) Andrus, children Rhonda Jackman and husband Steve, Scott Jackson, Steve Jackson, Karen Favre and husband Pat, and Lori Hardy, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many friends and loved ones. A Memorial Service will take place Monday, July 14, 2008 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 8201 Garner Road, Rowlett, Texas.
Jackson, Leon Harley Died at his home on July 9, 2008 surrounded by loved ones. Leon was the first of twins born on December 16, 1926. He was the third of six children born to Henry Leon Jackson and Ina Vivian George Jackson. He was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and attended Granite High School (1945). He earned letters in football, basketball, and track and received state honors in football and track. He was on the school paper and yearbook staff and participated in class and club offices. Leon was inducted into the Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. On returning, he attended the University of Utah where he pledged to Pi Kappa Alpha and later served as president. He then transferred to Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing. He began working for Continental Oil Company in 1953 as marketing director and was responsible for buying and selling properties. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints among the Chippewa Indians. His life was a testimony of his love of the gospel. All of us that knew and loved him were touched and taught by his example, his knowledge of spiritual things, and his concern and sacrifice for others. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Howard Cook, Max Cook, Gaylen Jackson, and Roland Jackson. He is survived by his sister Leona (Jackson) Andrus, children Rhonda Jackman and husband Steve, Scott Jackson, Steve Jackson, Karen Favre and husband Pat, and Lori Hardy, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many friends and loved ones. A Memorial Service will take place Monday, July 14, 2008 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 8201 Garner Road, Rowlett, Texas.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Missing Dad
You would think that with all the time that we had to prepare for dad's passing, that I would be content to know that he is where he wants to be, is busy doing good, and still walks by our sides when we need him. And much of the time that's how I feel. But then there are times where I just want to see his face or touch his soft, snow white hair. His old gray sweat shirt that has paint spots all over it used to have his smell and I could sit in his rocker with it in my arms and feel him near. His smell has faded, but his memory and lessons that he lived have not.
We've had his memorial service and sent all the Thank You cards. We've painted his room, moved out his furniture, and contacted old friends to let them know of his passing. We've taken care of his business and filed his papers away to be sorted through later. The business of life continues. But it still seems odd that he is not there when we come through the front door, waiting in the old red recliner and gazing out the front window. Watching for the mail, the neighbors (he knew much more about them than they would guess!), and most of all waiting for all of us who loved him to come home. And I know that's what he is still doing-very busy, but waiting for those who love him to come home.
I had felt badly that he did not keep a journal of his life so that his grandchildren could know him better. But I found where he had stashed old talks he'd written, papers that he kept because they were important to him, and even a too brief life sketch that he'd written many years ago. They show the measure of a great man, a great example, and my promise to my children and grandchildren is that I will type them up so that everyone can have them.
We've had his memorial service and sent all the Thank You cards. We've painted his room, moved out his furniture, and contacted old friends to let them know of his passing. We've taken care of his business and filed his papers away to be sorted through later. The business of life continues. But it still seems odd that he is not there when we come through the front door, waiting in the old red recliner and gazing out the front window. Watching for the mail, the neighbors (he knew much more about them than they would guess!), and most of all waiting for all of us who loved him to come home. And I know that's what he is still doing-very busy, but waiting for those who love him to come home.
I had felt badly that he did not keep a journal of his life so that his grandchildren could know him better. But I found where he had stashed old talks he'd written, papers that he kept because they were important to him, and even a too brief life sketch that he'd written many years ago. They show the measure of a great man, a great example, and my promise to my children and grandchildren is that I will type them up so that everyone can have them.
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