Ronald Wayne Jackson was welcomed into this world on May 15, 1955, by his parents William Ray and Bonnie Ruth Jackson along with his brother, Chuck. His life’s journey began and concluded in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For a couple of Ron’s elementary years, Bill’s employment took the family to Santa Cruz, Boliva. Soon after the family’s return to Tulsa, Ron was baptized at First United Methodist Church.

Ron took flying lessons and soloed at the age of sixteen. He enjoyed having his pilot’s license to fly with his family and friends. In 1973, Ron graduated from Tulsa’s Memorial High School. He went on to earn a B. S. from the University of Tulsa and an MFA in Art from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He was always loyal to OU while remaining a life-long TU fan.

While Ron was in high school, he worked a couple of summers alongside a professional chef on a drilling rig offshore in Alaska. This experience taught and inspired him to prepare gourmet food that he delighted in serving to others.

Ron returned from Alaska and married Phyllis. During their marriage, they welcomed two amazing sons, Christopher Ryan and Ronald Wesley. Ron treasured his family and adored his grandchildren, Felix, Acelee, Lucy, and Sutter. Family reunions and holidays were very important to him.

Ron’s career path included being a jeweler, stockbroker, and banker. He played an integral role in implementing the first generation of ATM machines in Tulsa. The zenith of Ron’s career arrived as he explored his creativity through a love for photography. He created the Sanctuary Studio and Gallery in Norman and exhibited his art at various venues. He was an outstanding teacher of Photography to non-major students at OU.

Ron valued many things vintage. He preferred film over digital as well as black and white over color. When it came to listening to the music he loved, he favored vacuum tubes over solid state and vinyl over CDs.

Ron always enjoyed meeting and getting to know people – many of whom came to know how he loved to tease and be teased. He was a deep thinker and celebrated diversity. His non-judgmental and accepting way was shown by his sensitive and tender heart.

Ron departed this world on September 15, 2023. Left to cherish his memories are Christopher and his family: Jewell, Felix and Lucy, Wesley and his family: Kelsey, Acelee and Sutter, and Chuck and Gina along with many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends.

There will be a gathering in gratitude for Ron’s life on October 13 at 10:30 a.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church at 2952 South Peoria in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lies of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.