Great Granddad and Claire

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

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.

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

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.

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.