Leland Jackson

Fred Leland Jackson,80, of Kansas City, MO passed away on Saturday morning, March 9, 2019.

Leland was born on July 15, 1938, in Nodaway County near Barnard, Missouri to Beryl and Bess (Pierce) Jackson. He spent his elementary school years in a one room school, attended Horace Mann High School in Maryville, and attended Northwest Missouri University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry and mathematics. He was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.

Leland also graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Missouri Kansas City. He was active in sports during his school years, and was a standout basketball player in both high school and college at Northwest Missouri University.

In August 1959, Leland married his high school sweetheart, Letha McClurg, and they were married for 59 years.

Leland was a practicing pharmacist in the Northland  area of Kansas City for over forty years. He and his wife, Letha, owned and operated North Oak Pharmacy for 27 years and he was a Pharmacy Manager for Osco Drug for about ten years. He retired in 2003.

Leland is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wayne Jackson.

Survivors include his wife, Letha; son, Michael A. Jackson and wife Tracy; daughter, Lori A. Griffin and husband Tim; grandchildren, Katie Sheaffer and husband Andrew, Alexandra, Margaret and Zoe Jackson, Grace and Laura Adams, Amanda Carlo and husband Ben, Libby Starr and husband Kevin, and Sam Griffin; as well as two great grandchildren, Henry Carlo and Claire Starr. Other survivors include his sister, Marjorie Viestenz of St. Joseph; sister-in-law, Mary Alice Jackson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leland was a long time member of Hillside Christian Church on Vivion Road. He had served there as a deacon, elder, and chairman of the board of trustees, as well as a volunteer in many capacities. He was also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Nearly New Thrift Shop, and Shepherd’s Center North.

Leland will be remembered for a quick smile and a helpful hand to all who knew him. He had a mischievous wit, and was a gentle, kind and loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was a generous man whose number one priority was providing and taking care of his family. He was a hard worker and a good provider. He loved the outdoors and nature, and enjoyed relaxing by going fishing and planning many trips with the purpose of combining a vacation with a little fishing. He made trips to Canada for many years with Mike, Tim, and Sam. He loved his grandchildren and faithfully attended many of their activities. His friends and family will miss him greatly. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 15th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Hillside Christian Church (900 NE Vivion Rd, KCMO). Burial at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.