John Nolen Jackson

By golly, John Nolen Jackson, 95, husband, father, and grandpa, passed away Easter morning, March 31st, 2024, in his long time Mapleton home with his loving wife of 76 years by his side. John blessed many lives and leaves a legacy for generations to come.

Born August 16th, 1928 to Noma Merl Cooper and Nolan Jackson in Fillmore, Utah, John was raised on the family farm in Flowell. John took care of the many chicken coops and developed a love for the cinders and sand dunes in the area. In later years John would find reasons to take family and friends back to Flowell to show off his roots.

In October of 1947, John married the love of his life, Julia Barkdull of Meadow. John could often be heard saying that you have to watch out for those "Meadow Creek girls." John and Julia were sealed for time and eternity in the Provo temple in August, 1976. Before and after their marriage the two would be seen dancing at the Golden Green Ball held locally around the Fillmore area. After living in Fillmore for a short time, work took John and Julia to McGill, Nevada for nine years. After McGill, John and Julia purchased a home in Mapleton where they have lived ever since. Living in Mapleton has brought many lifelong friendships that John treasured. John loved his neighbors and friends dearly.

John was proud of his career as the first tower crane operator in Utah. John worked for Tolboe Construction for over 30 years putting work in on many significant projects: including BYU football stadium, Provo Hospital, St. George Temple, JC Penney, Scipio Tower, and many schools around the state. John received awards and recognition for his skills as a crane operator. John retired from Tolboe in 1989.

John was extraordinarily proud of his children. John's three sons all served in the military. As John reflected on their service he beamed with pride and displayed their pictures and flags proudly in his home. John has a special bond with his only daughter who lives just next door. They were able to spend so much time together and develop memories that will last forever. One of John's greatest gifts is the example and legacy that he has given to his children that will be passed on for generations to come.

John had many fun hobbies that he included family in. Examples are taking his old Jeep on roads that are not meant to be roads just to get to his Cougars Nest, picking Pine Nuts with dear friend Rupert well past when they should have been, camping with his neighbor friends, dutch oven cooking, his horses, rodeos with his grandson Brady, and a yearly vegetable garden to name just a few. John had many friends that he would regularly greet with a hug or firm handshake. John loved his friends at the Mapleton Senior Gym where he was a volunteer. John served two service missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.

John is survived by his wife of 76 years, Julia Jackson. Four children, Cleve (Ann) Jackson of Spanish Fork, Wayne (Paula) Jackson of Fillmore, Mick (Lila) Jackson of Fillmore, and Teri (Rex) Pinnell of Mapleton. Sister-in-law Aunt Nancy of Henderson Nevada and Brother Merlin Jackson of Flowell, 20 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents Nolen and Noma Jackson, brothers Leonard, Darrell, Ted, Bruce and sisters Billie and Faye. Daughter in law Jodie Jackson, and grandchildren Alonna Johnson, Codey and Kelley Montague, Michael Jones, and Tiffany Jackson.

A viewing will be held Thursday, April 4th from 6-8PM at the LDS Church at 970 N 400 E in Mapleton. Friday morning, April 5th, a viewing will be held from 9-9:45AM with a funeral beginning at 10AM at the same chapel. Burial and graveside services are planned for 3PM at the Fillmore City cemetery.

Julia would like to thank her family, friends, and neighbors for all the support given. Thanks to all caregivers and Bristol Hospice for all the care and support given to John over the past weeks.