Joshua Shy Jackson

Joshua Shy Jackson was born on February 27, 1968, to Gordon and Carolyn Jackson in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in Miles City. He was blessed with a wonderful childhood. He loved to share fond memories of growing up at Pine Hills School. He would follow his dad around like a shadow. He loved being in the gym and adored watching his dad coach and guide the trouble youth. Throughout his school years, he played every sport he could. Josh's love of sports was equal to his love of music. This love of music came to fruition when he joined the local rock band "Pegasus." He laughed at the fact that he was the lead singer because, in his words, he couldn't sing. He said it worked out, though, because the music was so loud and the fans loved his stage presence. Josh always worked hard and played hard.

With encouragement from his mother, he began his education in nursing. He laughs, recalling, "I didn’t even know I wanted to become an R.N." He graduated from the University of Mary in 1991 and began what would be a very successful nursing career. He quickly climbed the ladder and earned the position of charge nurse of a 24-bed ICU unit. Josh was later invited to join the flight team and spent six years caring for and transporting the sickest of the sick. Ironically, Josh's life journey came full circle as he himself was cared for and transported by a flight team. One of Josh's biggest accomplishments was his anesthesia career. After a near-crash as a flight nurse, he decided to stay on the ground and applied to anesthesia school at the University of North Dakota. With limited seats available, he felt confident that his stellar résumé and polished interview would win him a coveted seat. Sadly, he received news that he was sixth alternate. He decided maybe selling cars might be a better alternative; however, he soon received a second letter welcoming him to UND. He has often used his analogy of "sixth alternate" to encourage others who may be struggling. Encouraging us to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against you. He graduated at the top of his class from UND in 1998 and continued a 22-year long anesthesia career.

Josh was a big man with a big heart, a big laugh and a big presence. He cherished his family and close friendships.

In 2018, he and Carol married (he will happily add "by the King of Rock and Roll"!). They danced during the ceremony, danced in their kitchen, on their deck under the lights and occasionally even in Safeway. Josh, you are truly loved and will be truly missed.

Josh is survived by his parents, Gordon and Carolyn Jackson of Billings; children Gabe (Carolyn ) Esteves of Missoula; grandchildren Isabella and Wyatt, Alicia Esteves, Miles City; grandson Kylin, Stella Jackson, of Spicewood, Texas, Hank Jackson of Richland, Washington. When Josh and Carol married, she blessed Josh with her three children and two grandchildren who Josh cherished as if they were his own: Nathan Eversole, Richland, Caleb Eversole, Richland, Holly Fife (Mathew) Selah, Washington, and grandchildren Ryker and Archer Fife, Selah. He is also survived by beloved siblings Trevor (Linda), Sheridan, Wyoming, Ashley Johnson, Billings (nieces Lily and Avery) and Cecily McDonald (Patrick)( nieces Ali and Aria), Issaquah, Washington.

Visitation will be 4-6pm Tuesday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Graveside services will be 11am Wednesday at Sunset Memorial Gardens.