It is with tremendous sadness that the family announces the unexpected passing of James “Speed” Jackson, 58 of Puyallup, on Feb. 23, 2018. Speed was an enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation.
Speed was born on Aug. 11, 1959, in Aberdeen, Wash. to Mick and Roxanna (Hatton) Jackson. The family resided in Moclips and it was there that he grew up with his brother Joe and sister Tracy. Speed graduated from Moclips high school in 1977. It was while running and playing as a child that he was given the nickname Speed by his grandfather. He was rarely known by any other after that.
Speed worked in heavy construction his entire life. He worked on numerous construction projects throughout the region and he was proud of the work he had accomplished on the revision of I5. He was currently working with his lifelong friend, Reggie Riekkola, completing infrastructure in Seabrook. As a young man he owned Thunderbird construction with his father. Speed married his love and best friend, Cynthia Criswell at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe on July 4, 1997. It was together that they raised their children, traveled the world seeing its beauty, and tackled life’s highs and lows while strengthening their love for each other.
He is treasured for his kindness and unexpected generosity. Numerous times small tokens of his love would be left for those who he cared for. Whether it was Legos in the mail, candy on a windshield or money slipped into a pocket, Speed showed his love by doing for others. His wit, critiques, and compliments will be missed. His love of debating politics can be replaced by no other.
Speed is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Cynthia Criswell Jackson, Puyallup, daughters: Jennifer (Dane) Bonnell of Montesano, Dr. Ashley Christensen of New York, and Danyelle Christensen of Puyallup. He is also survived by his mother, Roxanna Jackson of Moclips and dear friend Kent Schumacher, sister Tracy Proctor of Sequim, brother Joe (Elena) of Seattle, and numerous family members who will miss him more that he could ever know. Speed’s much-loved granddaughter, Kinslee, also survives him. His only son, James Jackson and father Mick Jackson preceded him in death.
A gathering of his friends and family will take place at Pacific Beach fire hall at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2018.
