Randall B. Jackson

Lieutenant Randall B. Jackson (U.S. Navy Retired) passed away on February 6^th, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 67. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years Melodie, his loving daughters Tanina and Marin, his sister Carrie (Fred), and brother Bruce (Melissa).

Randall Bruce Jackson was born in Chicago Illinois on April 18^th, 1956, to Victor and Marlene Jackson. The son of entrepreneurs, his father owned/operated a gas station and automobile repair mechanic shop. His mother was a hairdresser who serviced her clients in the family’s house basement.

Randy completed a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Illinois State University in 1977 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Upon graduation he was 14 years active and reserve duty in the United State Navy earning his wings in 1980. He served his country as an attack pilot (A-4 Skyhawk), stationed in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Kingsville, TX, Jacksonville, FL, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was a Navy Recruiter in Orlando, FL, and Los Angeles, CA. While recruiting at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, CA, Randy interviewed Melodie, and quickly recruited her for his own “Private Navy”. Randy and Melodie were married in Los Angeles, CA in April 1983 on their sailboat “El Lobo” with family and friends.

Following his military career the Jackson’s moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1985. Randy continued to fly the skies. Randy was a Flight Engineer at Continental Airlines flying the Boeing 727 and was based in Houston, Tx. He was soon promoted to 1^st Officer flying the Boeing 737 based in Denver, CO. He was later transferred to Los Angeles, CA during his six-year career with Continental Airlines.

Randy led a life defined by courage, creative vision, and adventure. He founded local home building company Jackson Properties in 1987 with his brother and wife. Jackson Properties was responsible for the design, development, financing, construction, and delivery of homes in over 30 subdivisions. His real estate development included single-family, multi-family, commercial properties, and apartment redevelopment. Jackson Properties, with the contribution of hundreds of employees and trade contractors, was able to build thousands of homes in the Phoenix-metro area.

Randy was an avid boater and turned his passion into designing and importing yachts from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. He owned/operated a yacht dealership in San Diego, CA for eight years. After decades of real estate development, shipbuilding and importing operations, he worked with Delta Marin of Finland, V-Ships of Monaco, and Y&S of Norway in the design of a condo-cruise ship “Magellan”.

Randy enjoyed traveling the world, learning about new cultures and meeting new people. He found solace and joy on the open water with his family and friends. As Captain, he sailed Alaska’s Inside Passage, the West Coast of the Americas – from Alaska to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. When he was not piloting his own boats, he enjoyed cruising the Mediterranean, South America, South Pacific, and Asia. While working on the Magellan, he lived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with his wife and daughters.

After retiring from homebuilding and shipbuilding, Randy alongside his wife, built Las Sendas Salon Suites, a luxury facility where 30 beauty professionals own/operate their businesses.

Randy Jackson lived embracing each day as a new opportunity. His boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his spirit of humor and the impact he made on the lives of his friends, family, and associates.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Randy Jackson on March 9^th, 2024, 2:00 pm at “Together” At The Landing – 2613 N. Thunderbird Circle Mesa, AZ 85215 (Falcon Field Airport).

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.