John Jackson was raised in Meridian, Idaho. He graduated with distinction from Centennial High School in 1994, and went on to Georgetown University where he received his degree in psychology in 1998. As a member of the Boise National Soccer Team, John was an accomplished soccer player. Off the field, he had many interests that included music and rock climbing/mountaineering. At the time of his death, in a climbing accident in Central Asia, John was conducting graduate research at the University of Montana in Missoula.

The John William Jackson Fund hopes to capture the enthusiasm, passion, contemplation and enterprise that John exhibited in his life and individual pursuits. Read more about John in an April 1994 Idaho Statesman article.