Linden Keith Jackson, 85, of Green Valley, AZ, passed away on May 24, 2012 at Villa Rosa Care center in Sahuarita, AZ, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Keith was born on June 3, 1926 to Archie and Stella Jackson in Douglas, AZ. Keith is preceded in death by his brother Gale Jackson. He attended Douglas High School. After graduating from high school, Keith joined the Navy and fought in WWII. He served on the USS Corson and was on one of the first ships that went into Japan after the bomb was dropped. It was here that Keith was exposed to massive amounts of radiation which led to a lifetime of debilitating neuropathy. After the war, he attended the University of Arizona and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He received his bachelors degree in Political Science and later received a Masters Degree in Education at the University of Arizona, and also became a certified polygraph examiner.

Keith began his career as Clerk of the Court for Cochise County. He then became Cochise County Under Sheriff. Keith’s political aspirations led him to being elected as Cochise County School Superintendent. After one term in office he then taught English at Douglas High School. Keith found his passion in teaching and took his expertise in Criminal Justice and taught at Cochise College for many years. Keith was also the Squadron Commander for the 162 Tactical Squadron for the Arizona Air National Guard. Keith was married to his beloved Pinky Jackson for 56 years. In 1998 they moved their home from Douglas, AZ to Green Valley, AZ where both he and Pinky enjoyed retirement. Keith was not only an avid photographer but also very active in the Democratic Party.

Keith is survived by his wife Pinky, son Mike (Christiane) Jackson of Boulder, Co, daughter Stonna (Richard) Edelmen of Mill Valley, Ca, and daughter Leslie Jackson of Chandler, AZ. Keith had six grandchildren: Casey Mondragon, Kerry Mondragon and Cody Nelson of Mill Valley, CA, Linden Jackson and Amakaya Jackson of Boulder, CO and Mychel Maryke Jackson-Kleck of Chandler, AZ.

The memorial service will be held in St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church in Green Valley, on June 2, 2012 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to:

Mychel’s Munchies at www.mychelsmunchies.com, a 501 c 3 non-profit organization, started by his granddaughter Mychel to serve the needs of the homeless in the Phoenix Area.