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