John E. Jackson Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026 with his wife nearby at his residence in Forest Grove, Oregon. Born in Lincoln Nebraska, John grew up in Eugene Oregon and spent the greater part of his life in Hillsboro and Cornelius, Oregon — communities he loved and served deeply.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as an officer from 1966 to 1971, receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of captain. That spirit of service never left him. He went on to dedicate his professional life to protecting Oregon's natural environment as an aquatic biologist, working tirelessly to preserve water quality and wetlands for future generations.  After retiring from Clean Water Services, John loved volunteering as a docent at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville Oregon when he was not out camping with his wife. 

Beyond his career, John's life was shaped by faith, family, and service. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and an active member of his church community at Trinity.  He found joy in the quiet work of their Japanese lace leaf maples tree farm, loved cheering on his Oregon Ducks, and in the beauty of the outdoors he spent his life protecting.

John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Sharon; his daughter, Sandy (Joe) Noffsinger; his son, Sean (Jennifer) Jackson; his cherished grandchildren, Brandon and Kaitlyn Noffsinger; his brother, Scott (Carol) Jackson; and his sisters, Christy (Tim) Shepardson and Pat (Bob) Lewis—the people who meant everything to him.

He will be remembered as a man of integrity, quiet strength, leadership, and genuine care for the world around him.  Remembrances can be sent to Alzheimer’s Association.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2194 SE Minter Bridge Rd. Hillsboro, OR 97123