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.