Poet-warrior, raconteur, explorer, knight, collector of rare antiquities and friend to dogs everywhere, Gregory Dwayne Patrick Jackson, passed away at his home in Rupert, Idaho, on March 21. Greg was born on Feb. 24, 1963, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Mary Virginia Zachary and Bill R. Jackson Sr.
Greg’s early childhood years were spent in New Mexico and Oklahoma. He moved to Evanston, in 1977, attended Evanston High School, and graduated with the EHS Class of 1981. While in high school, he joined the United States Air National Guard. After graduation, Greg attended the University of Utah, where he earned degrees in Latin American studies and history.
While still living in Salt Lake City, he taught history at Rowland Hall. He served as an officer and air weapons expert while in the United States Air Force. During that time, he traveled the world and experienced more in a short time than most of us will experience in a lifetime.
For the past 10 years Greg has called Rupert, Idaho, home — where he has enjoyed spending time with his best friend Glenn Staley and his family. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, falconry, wandering the desert and endless political and pseudo-philosophical discussions. He was also very active in the St. Nicholas Catholic community, where he taught classes as well as being an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Though Greg left us all too soon, he lived life to the fullest, was a friend to all and enjoyed staying in touch with family and the many friends he had made — those close, as well as those around the world.
Greg is survived by his mother, Mary Virginia Jackson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; brother, Bill (Marilee) Jackson of Evanston; sister, Linda (Blaine) Busby of Roswell, New Mexico; sister, Rhonda Jackson of Mancos, Colorado; and best friend, Glenn (Debbie) Staley of Thermopolis.
Greg was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and his father, Bill R. Jackson Sr.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on May 11, at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rupert, Idaho. Graveside services will be held in Evanston at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, Idaho, where cremation has taken place.
