James Russell Jackson

James Russell Jackson, 71 of Cullowhee NC, left this life on Wednesday January the 5th, 2022, after a very long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, amongst other diagnoses. He was born in Berlin, Germany to the late Ellis Finch Jackson and Ilse Behm Jackson.

He was a US Army Veteran- MP as well as a licensed EMT. Close friends knew him as the “Action Jackson.” He was a fair and honest person, always willing to lend a hand. He generously helped many people in our community throughout the years with employment and housing. He was a longtime Assistant Manager at the Nantahala Outdoor Center store, served on the ski patrol at Cataloochee Ski Resort, and founded the Tuckasegee Outfitters. James loved all things outdoors such as mountain biking, skiing, and cross country running, but his passion was white water paddling. He kayaked through the Panama Canal, and rafted through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River.

James is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Eli and Cailtin Jackson; sister, Cyndie Jackson; and nephew, Thomas Robertson and family.

He was very well traveled, and very well loved, and will be greatly missed by many.

Family is planning to host a private celebration of life at a later date to be determined.