Gregory J. Jackson

Gregory James Jackson, born on August 27, 1965, in St. Paul, Minnesota, found everlasting peace on January 14th, 2025, after a four-year battle with kidney cancer.

Gregg was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a shining light and the living embodiment of the word strength to all those he loved. This showed throughout his illness as he taught everyone around him to never give up — as he never did. Gregg successfully showed everyone how to keep their head up no matter the circumstance and to take life day by day.

Gregg graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1984 where he played hockey in his youth with his two brothers. He later earned an associate’s degree from St. Paul Technical College in machining. He worked his entire career in the manufacturing and machining industry. He started in manual machining, moved into a management and sales position that gave him the opportunity to travel overseas, later ending his career as an estimator.

Although he grew up loving hockey all his life, he turned into a dance and basketball dad. During his children’s time in school, Gregg spent his time traveling all over Wisconsin and Minnesota to watch his sons play in basketball tournaments and his daughters dance in competitions. One thing he never failed to do was cry while watching daughters Brooke and Lindsey dance — he always had a soft spot for his girls and was immensely proud of them. After they all graduated, he returned to the sport he once loved as his grandchildren hit the ice.

When he wasn't watching his children play, he never missed a Gopher football or Minnesota Twins game. Watching sports brought him happiness and frustration, but he never gave up hope and was a die-hard Minnesota sports fan to the end.

Gregg enjoyed a simple life filled with simple pleasures. He was a “foodie” who loved both cooking and going out to try new foods. He was best known for his famous pasta sauce, a dish that took him all day to prepare. He also loved summer evenings cooking outdoors over a charcoal grill.

When dining out, Gregg would stick to his favorite restaurants where it seemed he loved everything on the menu. He loved ordering Italian or Mexican cuisines, but his favorite outings were eating sushi with the love of his life Sam. He also enjoyed and learned something new from his favorite show, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” hosted by Guy Fieri.

On August 17, 2019, Gregg married his soulmate, Samantha. Together, they resided in Forest Lake. They hosted many Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and always enjoyed having company over.

They loved spending time on the lake on their pontoon and frequently traveled to Lake Superior where they enjoyed the peacefulness of the water. Although he rarely got into the water, he thoroughly enjoyed his time next to it.

While out enjoying the lake, he enjoyed one of his many other loves — music. He loved anything from classic country, 90’s grunge, Kenney Chesney, George Strait, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Minnesota icons like Bob Dylan and Prince. The sounds of these artists could be heard inside his home and were always accompanied by a lit candle.

If Gregg were to be remembered for anything it would be the care and love, he brought to all who surrounded him. Gregg adopted his son Tim when he was at a young age after he lost his own father unexpectedly. He also showed his son Luke how to be strong after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and was always there for him whenever he needed it. He may have come across as stubborn or tough, but everyone knew he had the kindest soul.

He loved his family dearly and nothing brought him more joy than having them over to his house for dinner and family nights. He battled his cancer every day, his only wish was to be surrounded by those he loved. This love kept him going each and every day, and if there is one message he had it was this: Take life one day at a time.

Gregg is survived with love by his wife, Samantha; his children, Tim (Meghan) Jackson, Lindsey (Isaac) Roesler, Brooklin Jackson, Luke Jackson, Taylor Lindquist, Mackenzie Lindquist, Grant Lindquist; grandchildren, Jackson, Rylan, Otto, Henry; his father, James Jackson and mother, Marlene Yarusso Jackson; his siblings, Jeff (Terri) Jackson, Steve (Chrissie) Jackson and his nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m., until the time of service at the funeral home.

Gregg’s love, strength, and caring nature will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His light will forever shine bright overall and his love will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Gregg