Jay passed away at home in Hurley, NM, surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his sons Jesse Jackson, Jamie Jackson, and granddaughter/daughter Allison Davis, his sisters Kaye (Jackson) Pruit and Joy (Jackson) Reed, daughter Trish Jackson and families.  Along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many cousins and friends.  Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Jackson; wife Maggie; son Johnny; daughter Janine (Jackson) Bynum.  A special thanks goes out to Larry, Rosie, and Colter Eby, and Hector Gil for their tireless effort and help during his illness.

Jay was born in El Paso TX and raised in Hurley NM.  He graduated from Cobre High School in 1961 and after graduating from high school he served in the US Navy from September 1961-August 1965. After separating from the US Navy Jay traveled to Australia where he worked for two years at various Cattle Stations learning their ways and also teaching them the American ways to rope and brand. Upon returning to New Mexico, he worked as a boilermaker-welder for Kennecott and Phelps Dodge. 

Jay served 40 years as the Fire Chief in Hurley.  He coached Little League for several years and was also very active in the Grant County Fair.  He spent numerous hours helping family members and many young kids with their show animals.  Jay was most proud of being a cowboy and spent many days helping the local cowboys with their duties at numerous local ranches.  He entertained people with his guitar and vocals.  Jay became a renowned knife maker and eventually branched out into making spurs, buckles and pendants for people in the local area and surrounding states. Jay was noted for his generosity and took great pleasure in giving his hand made knives to young kids. Jay touched the lives of many people, not only in the local area, but all over our country. 

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at Eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, December 18, 2023.  A celebration of life will be held following the service for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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