Sheldon G. Jackson, former president of Friends Bible College now Barclay College, Haviland, KS died June 27, 2008 in LaVerne, California. Sheldon was born on June 5, 1918 in Cherokee, OK to Ralph and Marva (Coppock) Jackson. He was born on the original Coppock homestead claim from the Cherokee Strip Land rush of 1893. His parents were Quaker ministers in Texas and Kansas.
Sheldon had an older brother R Elmer, younger sister Helen Ester, and younger brother Gilbert Cheshur. His parents were pastors at Emporia, KS when Ralph died unexpectedly at the age of 45. Marva and the children then moved to Haviland, KS to start a new time in their life.
Ralph, Sheldon, Helen and Cheshur attended Friends Haviland Academy and Friends Bible College. From there Sheldon went to Marion College, Indiana where he earned a B.A. in 1940. During his 4 years at Marion he was a member of the Marion College Quartet. They traveled over 80,000 miles for the college.
In 1941 he became an instructor at Friends Bible College, Haviland, KS. On May 27, 1942 he married Irene Ballard of Plains, KS. Two years later on May 11, 1944, twin boys, Charles Sheldon (Shel) and Edward Eldon (Peb) were born in Lawrence, KS, where Sheldon was getting his M.A. at the University of Kansas. He was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa Plaque from the University.
That fall he returned to teaching at FBC. On April 13, 1946 a daughter, Marilyn Ruth was born. Then on July 1, 1946 Sheldon became President of Friends Bible College at the age of 27. He served as President for 18 years. During his tenure West Hall was bought, the men’s barracks was bought, Phillips Hall and Hockett Auditorium was built. The College grew financially and in enrollment which led to full accreditation under his leadership. In honor of his service to the college a new classroom building was constructed and named Jackson Hall.
Sheldon served the Kansas Yearly Meeting of Friends in many leadership positions. He used his musical and preaching abilities to help the churches through out the Kansas Yearly Meeting.
In 1964 he had the opportunity to go to Azusa College in Azusa, CA where he became chairman of the history department. This allowed him to complete his dream of earning a PhD. in History from University of Southern California in 1970. His dissertation on the life of Henry Dalton became his first publication. His historical research was done at the Huntington Library in San Marino, Ca
During this time Azusa College merged with Los Angeles Pacific College and eventually became Azusa Pacific University. He continued at APU as chairmen of the Departments of History and Social Science until his retirement in 1988. Sheldon received many awards for his outstanding service, teaching ability, rapport with students, accomplishments and contributions to the University and community.
Along with starting the Friends Center at the University, he also was very involved with the leadership of the California Yearly Meeting of Friends.
He continued his love of history by writing 13 books that included his autobiography, histories of Barclay College, Azusa Pacific University, and the city of Glendora, California. Sheldon received several prestigious awards from historical Societies for his outstanding contribution to the community in the field of American history.
In January 8, 1997, Sheldon’s wife of 54 years, Irene, died after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
Sheldon married Eleanor Bell of Diamond Bar, CA on January 16, 1999. Shortly hereafter they move to Hillcrest Retirement Center in La Verne, California.
He enjoyed many outdoor activities. Sheldon continued riding his bicycle until his late 80’s. The family enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking.
Even though he died at the age of 90 with Alzheimer’s he never lost his love for life nor his dedication to his Lord and Saviour. He leaves a rich heritage to his surviving family, his wife Eleanor of La Verne, CA, a brother, Gil/Cheshur (Emily) of Wichita, KS, a sister, Helen Gregory of Ft Wayne, IN, his twin sons; Peb (Sharon) of Colorado Springs, Co, Shel (Ginger) of San Dimas, CA, daughter Marilyn (Don) Oliver of Missoula, MT. grandchildren; Rick (Kristie) Jackson of Corona, CA, Mindy (Ryan) Daffron of Laguna Niguel, CA, Taz (Christy) Oliver of Missoula, MT and Heath (Libby) Oliver of Missoula, MT, great grandchildren; Stephen, Emily, and Rachel Jackson of Corona, CA and Tyler and Kyra Daffron of Laguna Niguel, CA, as well as Eleanor’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Barclay College.
Services will be held at Haviland Friends Church in Haviland, KS on Sunday, July 6 at 2:30pm. and at Glendora Friends Church in Glendora, CA on Sunday, July 13 at 2:30pm.
Greensburg, KS —
