Richard Dean Jackson

A gentle giant has left this earth and gone home. Richard Dean Jackson peacefully slipped away June 9, 2013 at his home with friends and family nearby. "RD" was born at the family farm in Whitman County, WA near Steptoe on March 26, 1936 to William H. and Pearl H. Jackson. He joined Sister Eva Jackson Rex, Wayne Jackson and Frank Jackson. He attended first grade in Steptoe and then the family moved to Oldtown, ID. The remainder of his schooling was in the Oldtown, ID school. A great deal of his education came from the school of hard knocks. His youth was spent in the Newport, WA - Oldtown, ID area doing all the things boys do - hunting, fishing and terrorizing any adults who ventured near. In 1957 he joined the Navy and ventured off to see the world. He served on many ships in his naval career, spending time in the Philippines, Japan and Australia to name a few. Then he met the love of his life, Miss Gloria Jean Childress and as they say, the rest is history. Richard and Gloria were wed on October 28, 1961 and were married for over 51 years. They had two children, Richard D. Jackson Jr. and Ron Anthony Jackson. RD's life was greatly enriched by two of Rich's friends, Amir Moussavian and Manssour Moussavian. These boys became RD and Glo's godsons and remain very dear in their lives. During his Naval Career, the family resided in Southern California. They were also stationed in Spain and England and greatly enjoyed the experience of seeing many other areas in Europe. Richard is survived by Gloria, who is his own special "Sugar Plum" and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons and his brothers and sister. His sister passed away just five days before him. Richard retired from the Navy on June 30, 1981. In November of 1981 he became seriously ill and on Christmas Eve he became a quadruple amputee. He was in the hospital over five months and joked that he lost all modesty at that time. After healing RD and Gloria decided to leave Southern California and moved to Grants Pass, Oregon where they have resided for over 27 years. While in Grants Pass, RD touched many lives. He met Brian Robinson shortly after arriving. The two bonded immediately and it is difficult to say which one admired the other more. Another dear friend, Carol Wareing entered his life during this time, they also became fast friends. RD's life was an inspiration to everyone he met. He never met a stranger. Even though RD was a quad amputee, he was never handicapped. He did not know the meaning of that word and certainly didn't know the words "I CAN'T". He helped and encouraged many young veterans that lost limbs fighting for our country. For all the lives he has touched, he will be remembered with gratitude AND LOVE. RD, you are my hero, always have been and always will be. I love you and will miss you always. At Richards's request, no service will be held.