Chrisman Ben Jackson

Chrisman Ben Jackson born December 20, 1942 in El Centro, CA to Frances (Jones) and John Davies Jackson, passed away at his home in San Diego, on Sunday, December 6, 2015. Chris attended Mc Cabe Elementary School and Central Union High School. While at Central, he swam competitively, lettering all four years. He graduated in 1960. He attended Tulane University in New Orleans and completed his education at the University of Arizona, where he received a degree in Animal Science. Upon graduation, he returned to the Imperial Valley, joining the family business. During his 10 years with Jackson Enterprises, Chris managed the cattle and forage crop divisions. In 1976, he started his own agribusinesses, Fieno, Inc. and Chris Jackson Farming. These encompassed extensive forage crop production, custom harvesting, joint -venture produce crops, as well as cattle ranching in Sonora, Mexico and a farming operation in the Mexicali Valley. He was married to Mary Angela Franks on June 11, 1974. The couple resided in El Centro until 2011. While in El Centro, they were active members of St. Mary Catholic Church, Barbara Worth Country Club and various civic organizations. Chris was passionate about his business and very active in preserving Imperial Valley water rights, serving on several advisory boards. He enjoyed golf, entertaining, travel, and spending time with family and friends. His home and office were gathering places where one could expect lively conversation, practical jokes, good natured teasing, excellent food and drink, and honest friendship. In 2011, Chris was diagnosed with Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Due to the nature of the illness, he and his wife made the decision to relocate to San Diego. There he joined an experimental drug trial, trying not only to help his own health, but any others suffering from this disease. His physician stated he "had never met a patient who had battled this disease with more courage, determination, and selflessness". Chris' love and zest for life will live on in those he touched, especially his surviving family members: his wife, Mary Jackson, sons Greg (Kelley) and Steven Jackson and daughters Jennifer Jackson, Christina Jackson Peveto, and Jessica Jackson Seltzer (Matt), nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 4355 Del Mar Trails Rd, San Diego, CA beginning at 9:30 AM. A reception will follow at the Del Mar Country Club. A private burial will be held at a later date at Old Mission, San Louis Rey in Oceanside. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Chrisman Jackson. Donations can be sent to: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 East Ohio Street Suite# 304 Chicago Illinois 60611-3201 or by phone 888-733-6741 or on their website.

Chrisman Ben Jackson

December 20, 1942 - December 6, 2015