JACKSON, Ira Judd

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/31/2015 Ira Judd Jackson was born March 22, 1933, in Kanab, Utah, to Robert Earl and Sarah Judd Jackson. He had 10 siblings and is survived by two, older sister Eris Swapp and younger sister Myrna Hassell. Ira grew up in a ranching family and loved animals. He always had a dog and a horse close by. Ira graduated high school in 1951 and received a full ride scholarship to play basketball at NAU but chose to go to agricultural school in Logan, Utah, instead. Ira enlisted into the Army April 9, 1953 and was released to the reserves as a corporal April 8, 1955. Ira’s niece, Dewana, talks about how much Ira loved his family and was very good to take care of his mother. The other kids thought of him as the favorite because he was the “baby” boy. Ira married Elva Lee Kitchen July 18, 1959. They had three children, Kevin, Sharee and Salli, followed by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (with four on the way). Ira worked many jobs in his lifetime but ranching was his passion. Later in life, Ira found his best friend, Marcella, and they shared many happy years together. His cousin and lifelong friend, Burton Judd, helped Ira fulfill his passion of ranching, hauling hay and working cows, etc. In September 2007, Ira fell outside of his home in Fredonia and broke his hip. He was found by his nephew, Derral, and taken to St. George, Utah, for care. After leaving St. George hospital he spent three months recovering in Hurricane, Utah. In January 2008 he fell and broke his hip again, which lead him to the Friendship House in Eagar to be closer to daughter Sharee. On Dec. 26, 2009, he entered his “home away from home,” the Hinkson facility in St. Johns. He spent six years in St. John’s being cared for by an awesome staff of nurses and management that soon became his “other family.” He would flirt and joke with the ladies, and they really enjoyed all of his stories and quick wit. Ira died July 24, 2015, in St. Johns. He is finally at home with his animals and family who were waiting with open arms. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Myra Cram, Estella Swapp, Cleo Jackson, Matelan Jackson, Duard Jackson, Orva Lee Jackson, Delma Jackson and Leila Mueller. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, in the Fredonia Second Ward Chapel with a viewing prior to services. Burial was in the Fredonia Cemetery. Mosdell Mortuary of Kanab, Utah, handled arrangements.