In Memoriam: Jesse George Jackson

He was a man known for giving people chances…and second chances.

Jesse George Jackson, one of the earliest orthopedic product distributors in the modern era and the person who was described by one friend as the “Godfather” of orthopedics in the West, has passed away.

Jackson, who died on July 19, 2015 in Flaming Gorge, Utah, was just shy of his 80th birthday.

He is survived by his children LaVon (Kwan), Julie, Brett (Christi), Matt (Jessica), Jessica, Danny, and his family of friends. His many grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Florence Jackson, his sister Jeanine Fritzsche, and his son Clay Jackson.

A memorial service was held by the pond of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary on July 28, 2015, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In addition to building the distribution, training and support infrastructure for modern orthopedic products and services in the western states, Jackson also co-invented (with Craig Shelling) a novel cannulated bone screw in 2005 (patent # 7731738).

Longtime friends Rob and Tonya Behrens said of Jesse Jackson:

“Jesse George Jackson, a past CEO of OrthoPro and at one point, the largest Zimmer distributor in the U.S., was known as the Godfather of Orthopaedics in the West. Jesse personally changed the lives of thousands of young men and women and made them better. I am one of those men. He gave me an opportunity 29 years ago that changed the course of my life. His legacy will never be forgotten.”

“Jess was one of the most generous people I have known; he also knew the power of the ‘Debit.’ Jess lived every day to the fullest with passion and regard for others. He lived life on his terms. Those close to Jess will fondly remember all of this about him.”

“To his wives, children and grandchildren, I say thank you for sharing this legend with the orthopaedic community. Know that he had a tremendous influence and was respected by many.”

Radd Berrett also called Jesse Jackson a friend. He told OTW:

“My job interview with Jesse was a four day road trip through Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. We hit every hospital, doctor, and fly fishing spot on the map; and cleaned up at all of them. To this day, over 25 years later, I still live my life with his ‘It’s not about the destination—there isn’t one. It’s all a journey’ approach to life.”

“There was truly only one Jess Jackson, ” said Steve Phippen to OTW. “Jess was known for giving people chances. He gave me my first opportunity to break into an industry that I’ve loved from day one. It changed my life and the life of my family for the better. I am forever grateful to Jess Jackson for taking a chance on me.”

“Jess also gave many people a second chance. I saw numerous individuals who were trying to rebuild their lives and Jess, at great personal risk gave them their ‘second chance.’”

“Mentoring was important to Jess, and he glowed brightest when speaking of the next young person he was bringing into the industry and how well they were doing. At a critical decision making point in my career, Jess dropped everything and took four days to drive with me to Seattle from Salt Lake City to consult with another person in the industry. He only did this for my personal benefit; there was no way for Jess to benefit from this trip.”

“Jess was a very encouraging person. When I lacked self-confidence at various stages in my career he was always giving encouragement and building confidence. They say some of the most influential and important people are those that believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.”

“I also want to note that he was a non-judgmental person. Jess circulated with people from every walk of life and background and all were comfortable in his presence. You could be exactly who you are when with Jess Jackson.”

“I could go on for hours about the sacrifices Jess made for me. Many thanks, my dear friend.”