Evelyn Jane Jackson

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Evelyn Jane Sims Jackson, better known as Evie to friends and Mama A to family. Evie left us peacefully at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, the very same hospital where her life began 79 years earlier.

Evie lived a life full of love, laughter, and straight-up honesty (with the occasional cuss word for emphasis). She was outgoing, a true people person, and the kind of woman who’d tell you exactly what you needed to hear, even if you didn’t think you wanted to hear it. But behind that no-nonsense attitude was the biggest heart. She loved hard, loved deeply, and loved without hesitation. Spending time with her family and friends was what made her happiest.

Evie is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Jim Jackson, her partner in absolutely everything. Together they raised three children:

Son: Lucas Jackson

Grandchildren: Lucas II Jackson (wife Meghan; great-grandchildren Ava, Avian, and Abel), Jarod Jackson, Madison Jackson, and Ashlee Jackson

Daughter: Kristy Sauter (husband Chris)

Grandchildren: Nathan Sauter and Alexis Sauter

Daughter: Nancy Jackson (husband Paul Gabriel)

Grandchildren: DJ Wagner (wife Ciarra) and Brody Wagner

She was a proud grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of three and each one she adored, bragged about, and loved beyond measure.

Mom poured herself into raising her kids. She showed up for everything--every band event, every game, every moment. And she did the same for her grandchildren, cheering them on, supporting them, and letting them know she was always in their corner.

After raising her family, Evelyn spent many years working at Dillard’s, where she formed lifelong friendships… and collected more designer purses than anyone really needs (but she loved every single one).

Some of the happiest years of her life were the ten years she and Dad spent as park hosts in the national parks of Oregon. She fell in love with the towering trees, cool weather, and especially with Silver Falls, her favorite place on earth. Nights were spent around a campfire, “shooting the shit” with new and old friends.

In 2022, she and Jim settled in Mesa, Arizona, where she quickly found her people in the Dorado Canyon community. She loved playing cards with the ladies, going to socials, tossing cornhole and bocce, and taking her dog to the dog park.

Speaking of dogs… Mom adored hers. Honestly, it’s still up for debate whether she loved them more than her kids (lol). Her beloved Tag was her heart dog and lived the camp-host life right alongside her. After losing Tag, she adopted the wild but lovable Dilly dog, because Mom always said she could never be without a dog.

She also cherished her Vegas trips with her best friend of over 40 years, Auntie Sue. Those adventures filled her life with laughter, storytelling, and memories that now feel priceless.

Mom had a deep faith in God. She loved going to church her entire life and especially loved worshipping and singing at The Grove, her most recent church home.

Evie’s life was rich, overflowing with love, friendship, adventure, community, and a whole lot of heart. We are heartbroken to lose her, but so grateful for the memories, the stories, and the love she poured into all of us.

A special thank-you to everyone who loved her, laughed with her, and played a part in her life.

In true Mom fashion, she didn’t want a fuss made over her. If you’d like to honor her, donations can be made to Friends for Life Animal Rescue, a cause close to her heart.

Please keep our family in your prayers during this difficult time.