Donald "Don" McCredie Jackson

In Memoriam
Donald McCredie Jackson
July 7, 1942 - July 11, 2023

Donald “Don” McCredie Jackson, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at his home on July 11, 2023, at the age of 81.  Don was born in Waukegan Illinois to Hugh and Lynn Jackson, the second of four children.  He attended Freeport High School, where he played the French Horn in the school marching band.  Don graduated from Lehigh University earning his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in operations research.  He was also member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Don started his business years at Gulf Oil Corporation and continued with them and their various entities until operations ended.  His background led him to business ventures in petroleum, nuclear recycling, oil shale, coal, and synthetic fuels.  He and the companies he worked with were interested in alternative energy sources that are critical for today’s world.  This interest took him around the world at least once a year to countries like Estonia, Germany, Japan, Egypt, India, Taiwan, China and a few more.

After short stays in Texas and California, Don settled his family in Bow Mar, Colorado in 1976 with Charlotte, Mike, and Kellee.  His parents, Hugh and Lynn, built a home there in 1972.  So as a visitor, he knew what a special place this would be to raise a family.  And in later years, even more special was moving to that home his parents built with its breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

In the town of Bow Mar, Don became active in tennis, sailing, and ambitious weekend cycling trips to the mountains.  He rode on the annual Ride the Rockies week-long adventure three times.  Don managed the ice-skating program at the lake, back when it involved stringing lights on wooden stands and shoveling snow so families could skate.  Once a year he participated in the town winter dance and talent show, called “Blackouts”, where he expressed his musical talents in fun and entertaining skits.  He hosted ski trips with friends and business associates to Summit County and beyond.  He served as President of BMOI for several years.  Don also loved working on home improvement projects and helping his family and friends with their own.  There were many happy years in Bow Mar, years with his parents as neighbors and bringing up his children.  Over more recent times he enjoyed sharing the community with daughter-in-law Amy, and the “beach” experience with his three grandchildren Lauren, Brett, and Keri.

All the business travel, specifically on United Airlines, earned him the status of being a two million miler rewards member.  These trips required days away from home, but provided a perk that took the family vacations through Europe and Hawaii.  During the work week for Don, it was always, “How can I meet my business obligations and get home in a short period of time?”  He was anxious to get back and enjoy the town of Bow Mar. 

Annual trips to Augusta National Golf Course, the Masters, was special to Don.  He became a ticket holder after receiving a “next of kin” selection from his father who was a ticket holder himself since the 1960’s, while working with Johns Manville.  Don shared his tickets, and the experience with many friends and family to enjoy this memorable and coveted event each year.

In retirement, Don and Charlotte spent time at their beach home in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA.  Just north of San Diego, they would visit with family, college friends and a supportive and loving community of people they have known since living there in the 70s.  He volunteered at the San Diego Maritime Museum working on the recreation of a sixteenth century Spanish sailing ship called the San Salvador.  Don enjoyed hosting guests and arranging for others to use their place when back home in Colorado.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Lynn Jackson, his daughter, Carey Lynn, and his two brothers-in-law, Phil S., and Phil D.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Charlotte; his two children and their families, Mike (Amy) and Kellee (Bill); his three grandchildren, Lauren, Brett, and Keri; his siblings and their families; sister, Marty, brother, Terry (Janet), and sister, Diane (Mike), as well as his nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

For those who wish to make a gift in memory, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name.

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