RONALD J. E. JACKSON

Wasilla resident Ronald Joe Eugene Jackson, 47, died July 17, 2004 at Valley Hospital in Palmer, of a heart attack.

A celebration-of-life ceremony was scheduled in Mr. Jackson's honor for Thursday, July 22, from 1-4 p.m., at the Lutheran Church of Hope, located in Anchorage at 1847 W. Northern Lights Blvd., in the Fireside Room.

Mr. Jackson was born Nov. 21, 1956, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., where he graduated from Fisk High School and attended Bemidji State University.

He moved to Alaska in 1993 and has lived in Anchorage, Bethel and Wasilla, where he made his home for the last three years.

He worked for Big Horn Apartments from 1993 to 1994, when he became owner of Kuskokwim Hotel from 1994 to 1996. He then worked for Hotel Captain Cook from 1996 to 1998 and Alaskan Game and Gourmet from 1998 to 2000. He enjoyed gardening, reading, collecting movies, cooking and story writing.

His family said of him, "Ron was a family man with a big heart and soul. He was the 'stay-at-home' kind of father who kept the household running. He is dearly loved and will be missed by all."

He is survived by his wife, Connie; son, Shane; daughter, Heather; grandson, Matthew; father, Ronnie Jackson; sister, Sheila Jackson; brother, Kim Jackson; brother-in-law, Daniel Burnes; sister-in-law, Barbara Anderson; brother and sister-in-law, Tech. Sgt. Eugene and Lisa Peabody and close family friend, Audrie Herman. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers also survive him.

The family is accepting memorial donations in Mr. Jackson's honor, at the First National Bank of Alaska.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.