Sherman Lee Jackson

Sherman Lee Jackson, 85, of Great Falls, Montana lost his battle with lymphoma on September 18, 2023, in Great Falls. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Sherman was born on June 16, 1938, to William and Allie Faye Jackson in Ada, Oklahoma. He attended school in Oklahoma up to age 16, when he quit school and joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, Sherman completed his GED.

While stationed in North Carolina, Sherman met the love of his life, Barbara Johnson. They were married in Dillon, South Carolina on August 3, 1958, and they went on to have four children. They had recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary together.

During his time in the service, Sherman and his family lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming from 1958 to 1965; then in Lompoc, California from 1965 to 1969; and in Great Falls from 1969 to 1985.

After 27 and a half years of service, Sherman retired from the military at the rank of E8/senior master sergeant. He decided to continue his education, and in 1979, he graduated from the University of Great Falls with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He continued to work for the government in the civil service working as a finance officer/deputy chief of services in Great Falls, then in Bonaire, Georgia from 1985 to 1989, and then back to Great Falls in 1989 to the present. He retired in 2011, having worked a total of 57 years for the U.S. government.

Sherman loved the outdoors, spending time camping, fishing, and hunting. He was a fantastic fastpitch pitcher and an avid golfer. He enjoyed sharing his love of golf and teaching that sport to others. Sherman was also a passionate craftsman who could be found in his garage working on curio cabinets for family and friends.

He was a perfectionist in every aspect of his life, sports, craftsmanship, and his daily endeavors. You could see this in his flower garden and immaculate lawn, in which he took great pride. He was supportive of his friends and family and had a very funny, but dry sense of humor.

In his last years when his health forced him to give up the sports he loved, he enjoyed watching Oklahoma Sooner football and softball. He especially loved watching Jordy Bahl pitch, and this year, watching the Sooners softball team three-peat as the NCAA champions.

Sherman was preceded in death by his parents, William and Faye; and his brother, Charles “Chuck” Jackson.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Great Falls; his four children, Anita Frank of Great Falls, Karen Jackson of Great Falls, Carla May of Choteau, and David Jackson of Great Falls; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren who will miss their PAPA greatly. Sherman’s absence will be felt by all who knew him, but his spirit will remain alive in our hearts forever.

In lieu of services, a Celebration of Life was held.