Raymond Jackson

Cecil Raymond Jackson of Round Butte passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday, Feb. 26.  He was born in St. Ignatius on Nov. 7, 1936 to Jim and Neva (Clairmont) Jackson and was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.  As one of four boys, there was always something interesting going on growing up.  He attended Ronan High School, graduating in 1955.  He married Rosemary Houle and together they had six children and made the Round Butte area their home.  They later moved to Pablo when they bought the Pablo Bar and Cafe.  Cecil and Rose divorced in 1969. 

On Oct. 2, 1970 he married Leona Lynch and together they brought their son Jim into the world.  Soon thereafter Leona joined him on their school bus driving adventures.  Cecil became more of a friend and mentor than just the bus driver to the hundreds of kids over the years. Many miles, and even more memories were made while he was at the wheel of the bus.  Around 1975 they moved back to the Round Butte area where they began ranching and carried out their later years together. Since Leona’s passing in 2012, he has been living on his own and hosting the Round Butte coffee crew most mornings.  Lovingly known as “White Cloud” by his family and friends, he was always the life of the party and enjoyed meeting his friends at the “office”.  Cecil lived a life we could only dream of, he had so many adventures with friends and family.  He is a legend in the Mission Valley and we will all miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers Lynn and John, infant son Ronnie, grandson Christopher, infant grandson Cody, wife Leona, and son-in-law Chuck Weivoda.  He is survived by brother Lloyd (Sally) of Pablo, children; Ramona (Bud) Lynch of Ronan, Darlene (Craig) Elverud of Chester, Carolyn Weivoda of Pablo, Curt Jackson of Ronan, Keith Jackson of Ronan, and Jim Jackson of Missoula, fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, one great great grand daughter, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family, and countless friends throughout the valley. 

Visitation will be held Friday, March 4 at the Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home (419 Round Butte Road) in Ronan from 5 to 7 p.m.  Graveside services will be held Saturday March 5 at 11 a.m. at the Ronan Cemetery (46727 North Foothills Drive).  A potluck luncheon and sharing of stories will be held afterwards at the Round Butte Women’s Clubhouse (7254 Round Butte Road), so make sure to bring a comfy chair.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Round Butte Clubhouse building fund.