St. George, UT - Daniel "Danny" Max Jackson, 57, born to David Max and Lisa Togonon Jackson on April 13, 1965, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on September 29, 2022, after an 18-month battle with lung cancer.

Danny was born in Whidbey Island, Washington and raised from age six in North Las Vegas, Nevada after his parents divorced. He attended schools there where he met lifelong friends who were a strength and support to him throughout his life. He graduated from Moapa Valley High School after moving to Overton, Nevada with his family during his junior year in high school. It was there that he developed his great love of the water and waterskiing. He learned – by trial and error – to barefoot waterski, and he became quite good. He was also a champion slalom racer, winning the Lake Mead 200-mile waterski race in 1984. He also loved snow skiing and loved that both sports were a means to bring family and friends together. Some of his favorite times were spent on the lake or on the ski slopes, and many, many memories were made there.

Danny and his sister Deborah were very close growing up and remained close throughout their lives. She always was supportive, and they took care of each other. In 2013 they met their two half-sisters. Samara passed away not long after the initial meeting, but they were able to establish a great and wonderful bond with Simona over the last several years.

Danny lived his life focused on gratitude. He often said that 'gratitude is magic – when you can incorporate it into your life and see things through grateful eyes, everything changes for the better.' He was a positive influence for good, love, and compassion to all who knew him. To know him truly was to love him.

Danny joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 18 with the positive influence and example of his lifelong friends. He was a devout member and served in whatever capacity he was asked – from Primary teacher to Bishopric member. His most recent calling was teaching the youth Sunday School class with his wife, and he loved those amazing young people. He loves his Savior and has great faith. He loved sharing the gospel and would share his testimony every chance he had.

He had many different jobs throughout his life, starting at age 11 mowing lawns, but spent the majority of his career in the Convention and Trade Show Industry in Las Vegas where he was a member of the Teamsters Union, Local 631. After leaving the industry for a few years for personal reasons, he returned in 2012 and served the membership as Steward and then as a Business Agent. He was an advocate for all the members, and they had a great love and trust for him.

Danny's dream and goal in life was to be a dad and a family man. He wanted to raise his children in a loving home where he could teach them by his example and impart all the goodness he had acquired throughout his many experiences. Although his life was not a direct path to that, in the end, that is just what he achieved. He married the love of his life, Jacqueline Martin, on April 30, 2011, and together, they combined their children into a tight-knit, loving family. In a relatively short period of time, they were able to create lasting traditions and memories that will be cherished for generations. Their family bond is very strong, and the love abounds. They consider all their children as their own – it is not 'his' and 'hers' – but 'ours', and that will continue in the eternal world.

Danny and Jackie loved spending every minute of the 11 years, 4 months, and 29 days that they shared together as husband and wife on this earth. They truly were best friends and soul mates – still in the honeymoon stage of marriage. They loved doing projects and had an ongoing 'to-do' list that they continually checked off and added to. After Danny's diagnosis of lung cancer in March 2021, they decided to put the to-do list aside and create a 'fun-do' list. (Danny didn't want to call it a bucket list). They were able to go places and see things together that they may have otherwise 'put off for a better time.' Memories of a Jazz basketball game, the Washington DC temple open house, San Diego with friends, and even a trip to the dinosaur museum, – among many others – will be cherished forever.

Danny had the unique opportunity to say goodbye to his loved ones, and he took the opportunity to impart his loving counsel during the last days and hours of his life. He encouraged us to 'live our best lives.' He would want his Teamsters brothers and sisters to know that he loved them all deeply and sincerely. He felt a shift in the industry over the last several years to an atmosphere of love and compassion, and he appreciated that. He would encourage the members to love each other and to watch out for one another and help those in need whenever possible. He would encourage his ward family and fellow members of the gospel to stay strong in their faith and hold to the gospel truth with all their might. He was also able to share very personal and sacred messages with his closest friends and family which they will cherish forever.

Danny is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; children: Rush Mills (Aimee), Annalee Jackson, Cash Mills, Cody Jackson (Lucy); grandson, Jax Mills; mother, Lisa Togonon Kiser; and sisters Deborah Miessau (Bob) and Simona Huff (Brian). He is also survived by the amazing friends that he had throughout his life. He loves them all very much.

Danny will be missed profusely by all who had the amazing opportunity to know him. He leaves this temporal world a better place for having lived his best life. While our hearts ache for his loss, we are encouraged by his love and example. We will continue to strive to be worthy to be with him in the eternities. Finally, in Danny's own words, "Don't waste a damn minute."

A Celebration of Life will be held for Danny on October 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Diamond Valley Community Park at 8354 Sapphire Trail, St. George, UT 84770.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Venmo: Jackie-Jackson-32.