Donald Edward Jackley

Born on September 16th, 1952 to Kenneth and Jo Ann Jackley, Don was a smart, loving, and hard working man. He happily married his high school sweetheart, Anita, in 1974. He went on to serve in the United States Navy for 8 years as a Radioman on submarines, and graduated from Northridge. Don and Anita worked hard to build a beautiful life, giving birth to three amazing boys; Kenneth, Christopher, and Joshua.

Don had an opportunity to take his family to Fresno, California to check out what would soon be the gateway to the rest of their lives, Blackbeards. Don was a goal setter and achiever, and knew how much potential there was. However, he chose to take his pregnant wife to Fresno on the hottest day of the year, and she was not impressed. Anita still remembers it being exactly 112 degrees, and she told him, “Oh my goodness Don, you brought me to Hell!”. However, Fresno and Clovis soon became their home. Don and his partner, Greg Florer, owned and operated Blackbeards for 40 years, and he was very proud.

Because of Don and Anita’s dedication, they not only worked hard in life, but they took the time to enjoy it. They travelled and enjoyed the world alongside family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing, rock climbing in Jeeps, and playing dominoes on the deck of cruise ships with his wife and friends. He and Anita always felt lucky to have friends by their side that felt like family. Don was a memory maker, whether he was in another continent or in their own backyard, his life was filled with love and laughter.

Don was so proud to welcome four beautiful grandchildren; Sabrina, Alyvia, Benjamin, and Harper. He enjoyed Saturdays at the soccer field to watch his grandchildren play little league, and Sunday night dinners at Sal’s Mexican Restaurant with the whole family. He was so proud and happy to have his wonderful family, and to have lived a beautiful and adventurous life.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Jo Ann, his sister Cheryl, and his uncle Jim.

He is survived by his wife Anita, brother John, aunt Joann, children Kenneth, Christopher (Kristina), and Joshua, and grandchildren Sabrina (Augie), Alyvia, Benjamin, and Harper. As well as numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

He will forever be in our hearts.

Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:30am at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home 836 E Nees Ave Fresno, CA 93720.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California. Please visit: hemosocal.org click ‘donate’ Thank you