Janice “Jan” Jackman

 

image of Jan and Ron Jcackman

Jan and Ron

Janice Elaine Jackman was born on February 3, 1949, in Tacoma, Wash., to George and Meryle Busch, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, on February 26, 2018, after a 24-year battle with breast cancer.

Jan attended Washington State University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, and graduated in 1971.  That same year she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Ron Jackman.  Together they raised two sons, Chris and Derek.

Jan was a teacher and substitute for 26 years, and also organized and ran large craft shows with two partners for 35 years.  Jan was an avid sports fan, attending all kinds of youth, college, and professional sporting events.  She was especially a fan of the WSU Cougars and the Seattle Seahawks, where she was a season ticket holder for 34 years.

Although Jan had stage 4 cancer the past 12 years, she continued to travel and live life to the fullest with exceptional grace, humor, and courage.  She and Ron traveled extensively, often with family and friends, with numerous trips to Kauai, Arizona, Cabo San Lucas, Disneyland, two Seahawk Super Bowls, many U.S. cities and national parks, their time share at Eagle Crest, Ore., and an Alaskan cruise.  They also enjoyed annual camping trips with family and friends.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband Ron; brother Jeff Busch (Mary); sister Melanie Weston (Craig); sons Chris Jackman (Tracie) and Derek Jackman (Becky); grandson Drew Jackman; sisters-in-law Gina Kalbali (Oskar) and Julie Loska (Sam); and nieces and nephews Katie, Brett and Annie Busch; Kayla and Corbin Weston; Cameron and Olivia Loska; and Ava Kalbali.

Special thanks go to Jan’s oncologist for 22 years, Dr. Carol vanHaelst of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and the wonderful people at EvergreenHealth Hospice Care.  Donations may be made in Jan’s memory to EvergreenHealth Foundation, Kirkland, Wash.

A Celebration of Life party will be held at McMenamins Anderson School in Bothell, Wash., at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 8.

13 Responses to “Janice “Jan” Jackman”

  • Anna Ellsworth says:

    I’ve known Jan since my kids attended Hollywood Hills Elementary school. Then was blessed to be in the same Bunko group with her. Jan always had a smile on her face especially when talking about her Seahawks, travels with Ron and friends,family, and especially her grandson. She had fulfilled several things on her bucket list with such strength and courage. All of us can learn from her. I will miss her and I know God called another Angel home. She’s at peace now watching over her family and friends. Jan we will roll the dice with you another time. Anna

  • Sarah Reed says:

    It has been such a pleasure knowing Jan for the past 8 years. She brought such joy to those around her with her beautiful smile. You will be missed greatly Jan and I am grateful to have known you. It was too soon for you to go but the heavens must have needed someone with a rascally sense of humor and great taste in white wine!!

  • Rosemary Heckman says:

    I am so sad to hear the news about Jan! Just a few months ago (Christmas) I was thinking about dear Jan because half the ornaments on the tree were made by Jan. I count myself very lucky to have Jan as a friend and co-worker over the years. She will be missed by everyone, remembered by all. Sending love to Ron and the family. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
    Rosemary and Mustafa

  • gina jackman says:

    Sadly, we lost our sister Jan. A wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sibling & friend. Jan was an amazing person with a zest for life. I pray today for God to wrap his arms around Jan and to help her family through this extremely difficult time.

  • Ron Lunceford says:

    Sincere, heartfelt condolences to Jan’s family, friends and my long-lost pal Ron Jackman. Your fellow WWHS (and Mt Baker) alums are grieving with you…she was a wonderful lady.
    Ron Lunceford

  • Chris Gullett Thomas says:

    I will always remember Jan with great fondness. Although I had not seen her in years I will remember het easy smile and upbeat personality. My prayer to Ron and family.

  • Chris Gullett Thomas says:

    I will always remember Jan with great fondness. Although I had not seen her in years I will remember her easy smile and upbeat personality. My prayers to Ron and family.

  • Patti Wilson Christiansen says:

    I was sorry to hear about Jan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

  • Kim and Brian Hickman says:

    We were lucky to have Jan and Ron for neighbors for 23 years on Hollywood Hill during her long battle with cancer. She was an amazing spirit – never once complaining about her illness, our crazy dog, our son and his antics on the hill behind our houses, the overflow of cars in our driveway during our daughter’s high school parties! The love she and Ron shared for life and each other is a wonderful testament to her life. Our thoughts are with you Ron, Chris and Derek.

  • Susan Swanes Sinclair says:

    Ron and family,
    My condolences to you, family and friends. I’ve known Jan since Sunday School at Immanuel Presbyterian Church and through high school at Wilson. I always looked forward to her Christmas bazaars in Puyallup. Still have lots of her decorations and think of her when I display them. I will miss her! My love to all.

    Susan

  • Linda libby says:

    A smile always, humor and a wonderful zest for life. I will remember you always. My thoughts are with your family

  • Beverly Newsome says:

    It was a sad day when I heard of Jan’s passing. What a wonderful spirited and gentle gal she was. 12 years ago she was having Chemo at the same time my husband was. I will never forget her wonderful smile. To Ron and the family there will be giant steps and baby steps along the way. My heart goes out to all of you.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Sam and Julie Loska says:

    Jan’s positive outlook on life has always been an inspiration to us. We will miss her wonderful smile and dry sense of humor. She will be incredibly missed by all.

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