Albert Jackson Obituary

Albert A. Jackson History
It is with heavy hearts that we share the life story of Albert Afong Jackson, who passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Al was born on July 27, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Julia Afong Jackson and Jonathan Jackson. He spent his youth in Illinois, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, attending Governor Dummer Academy, a private boarding school in Massachusetts. During high school, Al worked in a boatyard, cleaning and painting boat bottoms.
After high school, Al spent a year in France as an exchange student, living with a local family, and by the end of his stay, his French was excellent. He then enlisted in the Army and was shipped to Germany after basic training, serving for two and a half years before returning home due to his father's passing.
Al then moved to California for Heavy Equipment Operator school, where he met Linell Johnson. They married in the fall of 1966 in Redding, California. Opting not to travel for his work, they moved to Pennsylvania, where Al attended and graduated from Mechanic School. He was then hired as an instructor at the same school. After a year, Al and Linell returned to Redding, California, to set up mobile home trailers.
Four years later, they made a significant move to Bandon, Oregon, where they purchased the Laurel Grove Store on Route 101 with his in-laws, Evaline and Swede Johnson. Al then ventured into salmon fishing during the summers while working at the store the rest of the year. His first boat, the "Katherine M," was, we believe, his favorite. He also enjoyed working in the Cranberry Bogs for a few years. His next business venture was buying the NAPA Store in Bandon with his two brother-in-laws, Marc and Nord Johnson. They ran the store for several years before selling it. After that, Al retired and dedicated his time to his favorite hobby: buying, repairing, and selling old wood boats.
Al was a kindred spirit, always ready to help anyone in need. He consistently had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. At the Pacific Community Church, Al sang and played his guitar for their Praise and Worship team. Al and Linell also served as Youth Group Leaders at Pacific Community Church for over six years and are fondly remembered by the church kids' families. They loved traveling around the country to visit family and friends.
Jeannie Johnson's favorite memory of Al dates back to the early 70s when he bought a Model A car that needed extensive work. He and his brother, Chuck, worked tirelessly on it and finally got it running. The humorous part was finding a leftover part with no idea what it was for. In typical Al Jackson fashion, he didn't fret over the small stuff; he figured they had it running, so he wouldn't worry about it. We're unsure what became of that part, but they had a lot of fun riding around in that Model A. Stephanie Johnson's favorite memory was when Al and Linell took her on a cross-country vacation, homeschooling her while they traveled.
On April 7, 2007, Al married his second love, Deborahlyn Jensen. For their honeymoon, they embarked on a seven-week RV trip, which included a visit to Disneyland in California with their dogs, Dolly and Kandice. On their first date, they both felt a divine connection but didn't share this with each other until later. They cherished traveling to California, Idaho, and Colorado, and enjoyed eating at Mexican restaurants, playing bingo, and going down to the jetty. They would also enjoyed visiting rest homes, so Al would play his guitar and Deborahlyn would sing.
Al was a man of deep faith, a good and faithful servant. Al and Deborahlyn helped many people throughout his lifetime, including a young man named Alex, who assisted Al with vehicle work, errands, appointments, and whatever else Al needed. Al also enjoyed many happy birthday reunions with his brothers and family on his birthday, July 27.
While Al was in the hospital, his brother, Chuck, entered his room, and Al pointed to the end of the bed, asking who the woman was. Chuck didn't see anyone, but Al truly believed he saw a lady there. We believe Al had an Angel watching over him, and it is comforting to know that the Lord was waiting for Al to come home.
Al is preceded in death by his father, Jonathan Jackson; mother, Julia A. Yeaton; stepfather, Samuel Yeaton; brothers, Jonathan and Edward Jackson; and first wife, Linell and siblings. He is survived by his wife, Deborahlyn; brother Chuck 'Jack' Jackson (Becky); and sister-in-laws, Glenda, Elena and Jeannie; brother-in-law, Sert and many nieces and nephews..
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