Everett J. Jackson

Everett Jackson Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 8, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on March 19, 1939, in Clayton, New Mexico, and raised near Villegreen, Colorado, where he developed a love for the land and strong work ethic that shaped his life.

A lifelong rancher, Everett purchased the family home place in 1959 and dedicated himself to preserving and improving the land he cherished. To keep the ranch viable through the years, he took on several side occupations. Together with his close friend and brother-in-law, Sonny Smith, he cut fence posts and harvested grass seed—labor that strengthened both the ranch and their lasting friendship. Everett also operated a fence-construction business, ran a rock quarry, and spent time drilling wells. His resourcefulness, work ethic, and determination were central to the ranch’s continued growth and success.

On May 7, 1961, Everett married the love of his life, Florence (“Flo”). Their shared dedication to hard work, family, and stewardship of the land defined their life together. They were honored with the Excellence in Rangeland Conservation award by the Society for Range Management, a testament to their lifelong commitment to caring for the environment and their ranch.

Everett had a deep appreciation for local history and the natural world. He loved studying the geology of the canyon lands, discovering dinosaur fossils and tracks, searching for native American artifacts, hunting with his friends and tending to his livestock. Always eager to share his knowledge, Everett passed on his wisdom generously to friends, neighbors, and especially to his children and grandchildren.

Everett is survived by his devoted wife, Florence; his son, Lee Ray Jackson of Kim, CO; and his daughters, Denise (Nick) Sciacca of Aguilar, CO and Janet (Bryan) Simmons of Kim, CO. Brothers Lonnie (Willma) Jackson and Floyd (Wanda) Jackson. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, each a source of tremendous pride and joy.

He is preceded in death by his father, E.J. (“Babe”) Jackson; his mother, Martha Jackson (Keen); infant brother, William John Jackson; Florence’s parents, Jesse and Florence Smith; brother-in-law, Oscar (“Sonny”) Smith and his nephew, Lon Jackson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kim School Gymnasium in Kim, Colorado, with Pastor Thomas Kline of the Kim Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Kim Cemetery.

Everett will be remembered for his steadfast character, strong work ethic, boundless curiosity, and deep love for his family and the land he called home. His legacy lives on in the ranch he built, the wisdom he shared, and the generations who carry his spirit forward.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Kim Volunteer Fire Department, direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.