Sammy Shanklin Jackson

Sammy Shanklin Jackson passed away October 29, 2023, at Delta Health at the age of 76.  A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church, 16731 Woodgate Road, Montrose Colorado, November 9^th, 2023, at 10:00 AM.

Sam was born on May 17^th, 1947, in Montrose Colorado to Mary Jackson (Taylor) & Hubert Jackson. Sam was number four of the Jackson boys, growing up on the family farm West of Olathe on California Mesa.  He graduated from Olathe High School in 1965. He continued his education attending Trade School where he became a certified Auto Mechanic.

Sam met Sandee, who became the love of his life, when she was 15 and he was 18. They married June 16, 1968, celebrating 55 years of marriage. Sam & Sandee made their home on the Western Slope, living in Grand Junction, Olathe, Montrose, & Ridgway. Sam made a living farming & ranching and turning wrenches during his life. Sam was a handyman and could fix anything.  In his younger days he was an avid roper and trained horses. He worked for many cowboy outfits on the Western Slope. As a farmer, Sam grew Olathe Sweet Corn, Feed Corn, Onions, Hay, Grain and Beans. He also enjoyed building beautiful pieces of furniture. Sam highlighted his farming talent while working for Keep Farms in Coal Creek Valley. Sam then went to work for Wolf Land & Cattle Company in Ridgway Colorado, where he worked for one of the largest Cattle Ranches in Ouray County. His ability to ride horses took him to the deep back country of the San Juan Mountains and all over the Little Cone area above Telluride. Sam & Sandee were blessed with three children, Shanon Jackson, Dean Jackson, & Sheila Jackson.

Sam enjoyed collecting knives & John Deere memorabilia, going on walks with his beautiful wife, riding horses with his family, spending time with his family. He loved his Cowboy way of life which he shared with his family teaching them the trials of life. Sam was truly a man of God. He was a beautiful Christian who prayed to God for his family and anyone who needed prayer. He was a man instilled with faith, faith for God.

Sam was quiet and full of wisdom. His children and grandchildren would frequently seek his advice and wisdom and unconditional love. He was funny and was always making you laugh. One of his favorite sayings was “What are you, Nuts”!!

Sam is survived by his wife Sandee of Montrose, Shanon & Dorthy Jackson of Ridgway, Sheila & Keith Sanders of Delta. Sam has 7 grandchildren & 16 great-grandchildren. Sam is also survived by his brothers, Ron & Donna Jackson of Loma, John & Yvonne Jackson of Cedaredge along with many nieces and nephews.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents Hubert & Mary Jackson, his brothers Bob Jackson, Jack Jackson, sister Coleen Jackson-Paul and his son Dean Jackson.

Arrangements are under the care of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.  Donations can be made for Sandee to Sheila Sanders, 1760 Dry Creek Circle, Delta Co. 81416