John "Jim" Jackson

John James (Jim) Jackson was born on October 16, 1933 in Sheridan, Wyoming.  His parents were the late Clyde and Anna (Oelschlager) Jackson.  Jim attended school at Sheridan High School and then served in the United States Navy from March 14, 1951 to August 12, 1954.  On February 11, 1955, Jim was united in marriage with Helen Ann Pelesky at the Episcopal Church in Sheridan, Wyoming.  Their marriage was blessed with four children: John, Shelly, Jerry and Jay. 

Jim was employed with City of Sheridan for 15 years as the supervisor of Parks & Recreation and then as a nursing assistant at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sheridan.  During this same time, Jim was trained and certified as one of the first cattle artificial insemination technicians in the United States. 

In 1972 Jim and Helen relocated to rural Deer Creek, Minnesota. Here, they built one of the county’s most successful dairy farms and were recognized as “Farm Family of the Year”.  When the children were grown and left the farm in 1992, Jim & Helen moved back to Sheridan, Wyoming, where he returned to work at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC).  Jim retired from the VAMC in 1999.  Returning to Wadena during retirement, Jim remodeled and sold several homes. 

Jim was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Elmer Goche V.F. W. Post #3922 and the Elks Lodge #2386 in Wadena.  Jim had always been active in community organizations and had previously served in the Lions Club, the Sheridan Race Car Association, Deer Creek School Board and the Methodist Church Board.

Jim’s extensive knowledge and skill with cattle, horses and dogs often resulted in others seeking his counsel.   He was often sought and served as counselor, mentor, and teacher for young 4-H club members and sponsored training events to develop those seeking a career in agri-business.

His stock car racing hobby meant hours of building and testing his own cars often winning the trophy for his efforts.  He was an avid hunter and taught all of his sons to hunt.  He enjoyed woodwork crafting and often combined his wooden crafts with welded metal crafts and provided many unique gifts to others. 

On November 16, 2019 Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 86 years old at home with his loving wife and son by his side.  Jim had been under the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding Jim in death are his parents, Clyde and Anna; son, Jerry Jackson; sisters: Edith Leath and Verna Koktiska; brothers: Dave Good, George Good and Clyde Jackson, Jr.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen Jackson of Wadena;  children: John (Paula) Jackson of Billings, Montana; Shelly (Steve) Stasiewicz of Sauk Rapids; Jay (Junelle) Jackson of Wadena; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Ramona Jacobs of Sheridan, Wyoming; many other relatives and a host of friends.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests that you give a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

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