Jackson Huntley

Jackson Huntley died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, of acute leukemia. He is saying a momentary goodbye to the core of his life, his Anam Cara, his wife, Jeanette Benson Huntley; to his cherished grandsons, Tyler and Steven and their dear parents, Colleen and Eric Magnuson; to his precious daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Jeanette Huntley and Scott Holgate; and to brothers Kim (Linda), Robert (Nancy), and sister, Rona (Stan) Bissonette.

If one were to ask Jackson Huntley the values that centered his soul and gave rise to the spirit that directed his life, he would have mentioned the sanctity to which he held relationships, the dedication he gave to serving others, and the deep appreciation he had for all that he was given. Each day, then, he tried to find a way to live within these values and find joy in living. Daily, he found blessings in the abundant love and support of diverse friendships, old and new.

Jackson dedicated his professional life to education. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and his Master's degree from Kent State University, and then taught for three years at Duluth East High School. Upon completing his Ph.D. at Michigan State University, he joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota Duluth, as Head of the Department of Communication. Additionally, he served as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts for eight years. He received several awards for his teaching and advising, retiring in 2000 as Professor Emeritus after thirty-three years of service. He described his approach to his profession as "servant-educator."

Upon his retirement, Jackson became the Blandin Foundation's Interim Director of its Rural Community Leadership Program, continuing as Senior Manager of Training and Curriculum Design. This became a capstone experience to an otherwise rich career in education. He fully retired June of 2010, satisfied that he had given his best to serving others.

Jackson and the family express a deep and abiding appreciation for the professional, personal, and spiritual care of Dr. Jonathan Sande. Jackson considers Dr. Sande to be a true healer.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, in First Lutheran Church. There will be a gathering of family and friends beginning at 10 a.m., an hour prior to the Celebration. Please attend with happiness in your heart.

In lieu of flowers, and if you would so choose, the family would appreciate gifts to CHUM, 125 N 1st Ave W, Duluth MN 55802; or to First Lutheran Church Music Fund, 1100 E Superior St, Duluth MN 55802.

Dougherty Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.