Janis Loveless Jackson

Janis Lorraine Loveless Jackson, of Bountiful, Utah, passed away in the early morning hours on May 2, 2022, with her devoted husband by her side.

Claiming to be the “forgotten” middle child of Glenn and Veda Loveless’ three children, Jan grew up quite happily despite her placement in the family. Born in the small town of Payson, a highlight of her youth in 1952 was traveling to the big city—New York—where she had many iconic experiences including seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall. Dreaming of the day she would become a Rockette too, she frequently practiced her high kicks. Those early practice sessions eventually paid off when she joined the Dancing Grannies group in which she loved to perform.

Attending BYU from 1959 to 1963, Jan worked as Society Editor for the Daily Universe and graduated with a degree in Home Economics Education. She said she could have graduated with high honors if she hadn’t been so focused on a young man—a certain missionary serving in Germany. After 30 months of correspondence, she was swept off her feet by Samuel Jackson, also a middle child. These two soulmates were married July 3, 1963, in the Salt Lake Temple.

In their first year of marriage, Jan taught at Granite Park Junior High School while Sam finished his degree in Engineering at the University of Utah. Setting college rivalries aside, they were equally yoked throughout their lives together. They spent most of their marriage in Bountiful, interrupted only by a two-year work assignment in America’s heartland. They lived in Papillion, Nebraska, during that time and deeply cherished the many friendships developed there.

Jan’s greatest desire in life was to be a mother, so having a large family—eight children and one foster child—brought her immense joy. She was a darling, creative, and fun mother. A teacher at heart, she created a wonderful learning environment for her children with many bookshelves filled throughout the house. With music frequently in the air, and many kids and friends ever-present, she always fostered a warm and inviting gathering. She had a knack for making a house a home and making it feel like the coziest place on earth.

Jan was a clever writer and enjoyed a good punch line to a story. Some titles of her works are “You might be a Jackson if,” “Granny Jan’s Secret Recipes,” and “Well-known Quips from Mama’s Lips.” She was a fun storyteller and liked to say, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!”

Jan loved to help and serve those around her. She frequently took home-cooked meals, a hot loaf of bread, or dessert items to someone in need. She served in her community, both as Cub Scout Den Mother and a 4-H Leader to neighborhood children, teaching valuable life skills. She was always a faithful servant and humble disciple of Jesus Christ. She served in many capacities, including more than 20 church callings over the years with her favorite person, Sam. They also served as temple ordinance workers at the Bountiful Temple. She lived a life of service and it was an honor and privilege for her family and friends to serve her in her last weeks of life.

Jan is survived by her loving and deeply devoted husband, Samuel, her children, Matthias Jackson, Julie (Peter) Skalla, David (Lisa) Jackson, Jennifer (Don) Stringham, Jonathan (Julie) Jackson, Nathan (Lindsey) Jackson, and Joanna (Jacob) Nelson, 20 precious grandchildren, Brittanni, Patrick, David, Madison, Jefferson, Rebekah, Kiara, Joshua, Emma, Russell, Elizabeth, Jackson, Andelyn, Alexis, Lincoln, Florence, Isabella, Brett, Sophia, and Olivia, and her sister, Judith Hyde.

Jan was preceded in death by her beloved oldest child, Stephen, precious grandson, Maxwell, parents, and brother, James. We are certain her reunions with loved ones that have gone before have been exuberant and joyful beyond measure.

It is with the deepest gratitude that the Jackson family wishes to thank those that rallied in Jan’s support in recent weeks. The flowers, notes, hearts, visits, meals, and prayers offered on her behalf meant the world to us. We are grateful for the compassionate care rendered by her hospice nurse, Debbie Michaelson, and the caregivers at Quality Homecare and Hospice.

Despite feeling like the forgotten middle child, Jan’s influence will be remembered for generations and cherished for eternity.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Mueller Park 5th Ward Chapel, 1320 Beverly Way, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment- Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page using the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057447129518

Services will also be streamed on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10–15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.