Who’s the most interesting and adventurous person you’ve ever known?
My friend Peb Jackson, who died yesterday just 9 days shy of his 78th birthday, would be at the top of my list.
Born at the University of Kansas, Peb’s family migrated west during his childhood, settling in Southern California, where his father completed his Ph.D. at USC and taught history at Azusa Pacific University. As a young boy, his love for adventure found him going on bike rides or swimming with his twin brother. As he grew, he gravitated to mountain and ice climbing, as well as hunting, skiing and fishing, to name just a few hobbies. The great outdoors was a cathedral full of never-ending awe and wonder. He was the kind of guy who felt if he wasn’t on the edge, he was probably taking up too much room.
Peb hired me to work at Focus on the Family over 34 years ago. We became fast friends. I helped him start our international outreach, where we traveled the world together. Fiercely curious and friendly, Peb never knew a stranger. With a servant’s heart, he was always showing interest in others, offering to help people pursue the dreams the Lord put on their heart.
In a world full of egos and egotists, Peb was humble. He shunned the spotlight. He was more than happy to stand in the wings and cheer his friends on. He was the guy who knew the guy – and nothing gave him more pleasure or satisfaction than introducing you to him (or her).
It would be impossible for me to list everyone Peb introduced me to over the years, but you would know many of his dear friends, including U2’s Bono, President George W. Bush, Eugene Peterson and Rick Warren. But he wasn’t a name dropper. He was a friend who dropped into people’s lives and tried to make a difference. I should also add that Peb treated everyone the same. Whether the parking attendant or the president, he saw you as someone of great worth.
I’ve been blessed with several mentors during my years here at Focus on the Family, but Peb poured into my life in unique and important ways. A good listener, he possessed the wisdom of Solomon and the fearlessness of the apostle Paul.
When his name appeared on my phone, I knew I was in for a treat. He was the kind of guy who left you feeling better. He brought perspective.
Throughout these last four decades, Peb has taught me many things.
He regularly reminded me that life is an adventure. It’s an occasion. Rise to it.
He stressed that Jesus is our ultimate guide on our journey. Walk in his footsteps. No matter how narrow the path or close the ledge, you’re going to be okay.
From his 52-year love affair with his beloved wife, Sharon, whom he leaves behind, he showed many how to cherish and treasure their spouses and loved ones.
Peb’s daring demonstrated to me that we’ll never know how far we can go – until we go as far as we can. There are good risks in life.
You’ve probably never heard of Henry Lyte, a Scottish pastor and poet who died in 1847. But you’re likely familiar with the famous hymn he wrote, “Abide with Me.” Henry was dying of tuberculosis when he wrote these words:
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Peb is now free of his cancer-ravaged body, soaring in Glory because the Lord has abided with him, and him with He. In fact, as he lay dying in the final weeks of his life, he told a mutual friend that this last stretch of living, which was tough, was “the ultimate adventure.” What an attitude! That’s because he knew where he was running – and he knew whose arms he was running towards.
If you don’t have that same assurance, I hope you will give us a call or reach out and allow us the privilege of sharing the Good News and promise of the Gospel.
Rest in peace, my dear friend, Peb. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
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Anthea Eedes says
-This is a GI for me……. (God Intervention) I have them all the time, for which I praise and thank God. Jesus is the very essence of my being and my life would be empty and useless without Him.
Last night, on a balmy Cape Town evening, a friend talked about The Message Bible and I told her that I am a huge fan of Eugene Peterson. She told me about Eugene’s interview with Bono and I couldn’t wait to Google it. So this morning, up at 5.0 am I headed to my computer. What joy to start the day reading about Peb Jackson and Eugene and and and…….
And in the end, it is ALL ABOUT JESUS!
Scott Moore says
-Peb was simply larger than life! Although I didn’t even know him that well, he was one of my few living heroes. A life extremely well lived, invested wisely, and he continues to live on beyond the grave in more ways than one.
Warren Gerig says
-He was an Honorable man and always took time to Thank those who served.
Britt Harris says
-Peb Jackson was one of a kind. He loved the Lord and God’s beautiful smiling presence seemed to always be on Peb’s face. Peb followed Jesus going with joy wherever he was needed most. Peb was a man filled with the Spirit of God which gave him wisdom beyond the world. I am thankful for any time and for every second I had the privilege of spending time with Peb. Let’s devote ourselves to God the way Peb did. Let’s follow Jesus into every corner of the world as it seemed Peb did. Let’s take in the training of God’s Holy Spirit as Peb did so that we too can have as much of God’s love and wisdom as he did while we walk our remaining days on Earth.Let’s be like Peb because Peb was doing all he could to live and to love as Jesus did, and as He does today.
Michele Wilson says
-Jim, that is a beautiful tribute to Peb. Thank you for writing it.
My prayers will be with his wife as she mourns his dead and with you and all that knew him!
As he rests in our Savior’s embrace,
Michele Wilson
Albuquerque, NM