Andrew "Andy" Ellis Jackson

Andrew Ellis Jackson, age 81, passed away at his home in Meridian, Idaho, on April 25, 2024. Andrew was born in Stockton, California, on November 17, 1942, to Sherman Ellis Jackson and Rosa (Rose) Marie Hansen-Jackson. Andrew was the third of four children born to Sherman and Rose Jackson.

Andrew grew up in Stockton and Attended Alonzo Stagg High School. After high school, on April 28, 1960, at the age of 18, Andrew enlisted in the United States Navy. Andrew was stationed on the USS Tolovana (AO-64) and served as a radioman (Rm2) E-5, specializing in communications technology and maintaining the Navy's communications systems on ships, aircraft, and onshore Navy facilities.

As part of his military service, Andrew participated in nuclear weapons testing. He was awarded the title of “Atomic Veteran," a particular class of veteran. “National Atomic Veterans' Day” is recognized on July 16 and dedicated to those patriotic Americans who, through their participation in these tests, helped lead the United States to the forefront of technology in defense of our great nation.Andrew served in the US Navy reserves until 1966 and earned a Medal for Good Conduct upon his honorable discharge. 

Upon returning home to Stockton, Andrew continued his work at the communications base on Rough and Ready Island in Stockton. He attended Delta College and earned his AA. While working his way through school, Andrew joined the Stockton Police Force. He started his career in 1965 as a Stockton Police Officer. He served the Stockton community as an Officer, Training Officer, Sargent, Lieutenant, and Watch Commander. Andrew proudly served as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association (SPOA) from 1974-1975. Andrew was a highly respected police officer and retired in 1996 with 30.63 years of exemplary service.

Andrew married and divorced Karen June Engelman, and they had a daughter, Andra Elaine Jackson. 

Andrew met Peggy Evonne Metz, who worked for the Stockton Police Department in the robbery and homicide division as a stenographer, and after knowing her acquaintance for some time, asked some colleagues about asking her out. Taking their advice, he asked Peggy to a department Christmas party, and one month after attending that Christmas party, in January of 1976, Andrew and Peggy were married. Andrew and Peggy became the parents of two sons, Thomas William Jackson and Peter Daniel Jackson. Andrew and Peggy Jackson were married for over 48 years at the time of his passing.

Throughout his life, Andrew enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, trips to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel, trips to the family cabin in Camp Connell, California, coaching baseball, and attending family events; he especially looked forward to attending the yearly Jackson family reunions, fishing, attending Quail Lakes Baptist Church, and attending and serving at Country Oaks Baptist Church in Elk Grove church where he volunteered as the financial officer. During his later years, Andrew became interested in horticulture and gardening.

Upon retiring, Andrew and Peggy moved to Elk Grove, where Peggy became the City Clerk. Upon her retirement, they decided to settle in Meridian, Idaho. They spoke of their new Idaho community fondly and felt that they were with a like-minded community. They also felt comfortable surrounded by caring neighbors and the beauty of the Idaho landscape. 

Along with his service, he will be remembered for teaching his children to be upright, productive citizens who work hard and handle life head-on. He will also be remembered for his willingness to show up for his family with no questions asked when he was needed. While Andrew was known for his straightforward but fair view of life, which taught his children to be self-sufficient and responsible, he could also express his love and concern for them in many ways. The comfort of his presence, which was easily called upon, will be greatly missed.

Andrew was preceded in death by his sisters Rosalie Elaine Jackson-Tiffany-Black and Louise J. Jackson-Moran and his sister-in-law Tammy Metz.

Andrews's legacy will be carried on by his loving wife, Peggy Evonne Jackson; sister Maryann Jackson, daughter Andra Elaine Zastrow and her husband, Daniel L. Zastrow; sons Thomas William Jackson and Peter Daniel Jackson, granddaughter Amber Nicole Massey and grandson-in-law Steven Harris along with their children Sadie Nicole Harris, great-granddaughter, Leo Spyder Harris, great-grandson, and Wesley William Harris, great-grandson. Grandson Andrew Randal Massey and his children, Pace Jackson Wiley Massey, a great-grandson, Joey-Lanell Massey, great-granddaughter. 

The Children of Andrew’s sister, Louise J. Moran, and son-in-law Robert Moran, Michael Moran, nephew; Jeff Moran, nephew; and the children of Rosalie Elaine Jackson-Tiffany-Black; Rosemarie Tiffany, niece; Robert James Tiffany, Jr, nephew; and Sherman Ellis Tiffany, nephew.

Important in-laws and family connections also include Brenda and Gary Christian, sister and brother-in-law and their children; Tim Christian and Scott Christian; David and Tammy Metz, brother and sister-in-law and their children La Tisha Metz-Davis; and David Metz and the father of Andrew's two grandchildren, David William Massey, should also be mentioned for his constant support and continued respect of Andrew and the family throughout the years.

Veterans services and burial will take place on June 13, 2024, at 10:00am at the Boise Idaho State Veterans Cemetery located at 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, ID 83714