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House Engrossed
Jack Jackson, Sr.; death resolution |
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State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session 2023
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2045 |
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A Concurrent Resolution
on the death of the honorable jack jackson, sr.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
The Honorable Jack Jackson, Sr. passed away on March 5, 2023 at the age of 90.
Jack Jackson and his identical twin brother, Dean, were born in Leupp on the Navajo Nation in 1932. They were Diné born of the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) Clan, born for the Áshįįhí (Salt People) Clan. Jack graduated from the Chilocco Indian Vocational High School in Oklahoma before going on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Arizona University. In high school, he and Dean achieved success as basketball players and were introduced to the rodeo, which they continued to participate in on their return to Arizona. In addition to competing in calf and team roping events, they founded the All Indian Rodeo Cowboy Association, which continues to support Native rodeo competitors today.
After his college graduation, Jack Jackson served as a teacher at Window Rock High School, teaching social studies, health and physical education. He later served as athletic director, director of student affairs and head basketball coach at Diné College, then known as Navajo Community College, and later served as director of the Office of Diné Education and Philosophy. In all his endeavors as an educator and coach, Jack Jackson stressed the importance of Navajo youth pursuing their education, believing that this would help the Navajo people prosper and thrive.
Additionally, Jack Jackson served as executive director of the Navajo Nation Health Authority in the Office of Student Affairs and Native Healing Sciences, a role that led him to become a medicine man. He was ordained in the Female Windway Ceremony and the Bowguard Ceremony and was a founder of the Navajo Traditional Healing Service Practitioners and Medicine Men Association.
Jack Jackson, Sr. went on to represent the Fort Defiance Agency on the Navajo Nation Council from 1980 until 1984, when he decided to run for a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives. He served in that capacity for 14 years before winning a seat in the Arizona Senate, where he served nearly six more years. As a legislator, Jack Jackson was instrumental in establishing the Arizona Indian Legislative Day, which continues to be held each year to provide Arizona's 22 tribal governments an opportunity to voice their unique concerns at the Capitol. Additionally, Senator Jackson worked tirelessly for passage of a bill to provide critical funding for Diné College and other tribal educational institutions. He was proud to serve Arizonans in the legislature alongside his son, former Representative Jack Jackson, Jr. for several years.
In his various roles as educator, legislator, rodeo cowboy, medicine man, rancher, athlete and coach, Jack Jackson, Sr. fiercely defended the Diné way of life and worked diligently to preserve Navajo beliefs, traditions, language and culture. His dedication and compassion to his work earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him over the years, and he leaves behind a great legacy that will long benefit future Navajo generations.
Jack Jackson, Sr. is preceded in death by his wife, Eloise, his brother, Dean, and a daughter, Janice, and he is survived by his children, Ronald, Jack, Jr. and Florinda, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends, the Navajo people and the citizens of Arizona.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
That the Members of the Legislature express their regret at the passing of the Honorable Jack Jackson, Sr. and extend their deepest condolences to the Navajo people and to his surviving family members.