David Robert Jackson was born December 6, 1946 to Dolores and George McGillen in Los Angeles, CA. He passed away on April 12th, 2017, in Laguna Hills, CA.

David grew up in Rosemead, CA where he was a very good athlete, playing football and running track. The ocean called to him more powerfully than athletics; however, and he would often skip school to go surfing with his brother. He had a wonderful group of childhood friends with whom he navigated the perilous journey from childhood into adolescence. He lost his mother as a young teen and carried the pain of her death for the rest of his life. He graduated from Rosemead High School in 1965.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict, and turned twenty-one while on tour there. A brief first marriage produced his beloved firstborn son, Jon David. After being discharged from the U.S. Army, he met his true love and life-mate, Sherri (Kemper) Jackson, and together they had three more wonderful children. A move to the Pacific Northwest brought out his mountain man side. They purchased twenty acres of land and built a life amid the mountains, rivers, lakes, and pristine beauty of Eastern Washington. They loved to boatand canoe on the beautiful Pend Oreille River with their life-long friends. They raised a variety of pets and some livestock; however, David's greatest love was always the beach, the sun, and all that went with it. Consequently, he and Sherri frequently escaped to the seashore, vacationing in warm locales such as Mexico and Hawaii. David particularly loved traveling to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii during the long, harsh, Washington winters.

Throughout his life David excelled in a variety of life skills. He was a meticulous handyman, ensuring their various homes stayed in excellent condition. He adored doing projects for his kids/grandkids—maintaining, building, repairing, and beautifying.

He was a hard worker, doing whatever he could to make a better life for his family. He had a career in law enforcement both as a Newport Deputy Marshall and Pend Oreille County Deputy Sheriff and then Undersheriff. Following law enforcement, he worked for Ponderay Newsprint in Newport, WA for many years before moving back to California in 2012. He loved spending his final years near some of his children and grandchildren, near the ocean he loved so much, and in the warm Southern California sunshine.

David was known for his quirky sense of humor, and his quick, dry wit. He was loyal, strong, determined, and tenacious, and he also possessed a great love of animals. Indeed, his young grandson once remarked, "He owned all the dogs in the world". He loved nature documentaries; he was a student of history, politics, and the Bible, and he possessed a strong, unwavering, life-long faith in Jesus Christ.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, woodsman, surfer, poet, worshipper, law enforcement officer, and friend, and he excelled in each of these special roles.

David is survived by Sherri Jackson, his wife of forty-five years, his children, Jon Jackson, Christen Jackson, Cheyenne Jackson, and Amber Ellersick, and their wonderful spouses, Lara, Jessica, Jason, and Danny Ellersick. He has seven living grandchildren: Soren Jackson, Amber and Madelyn Jackson, Judith and Jett Ellersick, and infant twins, Willow and Ethan Jackson-Landau. His brother Michael Joseph Jackson and his family, Barbara and Jamie Sioux, a sister, Julie McGillen, and his dear mother-in-law, Helen McGillen, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Alexis Grace Jackson.

His family was his greatest pride and joy, and his favorite moments were any time spent with them. He is profoundly loved and he will be deeply missed.

David's memorial service will be held on May 13th @ 1:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post 291 Newport Beach, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision Child Sponsorship or Operation Smile, two charities David was passionate about.

Please join us in remembering David. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.