Ralph Evans Jackson

Ralph Evans Jackson, a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, beloved husband, father, and accomplished civil engineer with a lifelong passion for mass transportation, passed away peacefully at his home in South Jordan, Utah, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 83. He died from complications of Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by the tender care and love of his wife, Claudia.

Ralph Evans Jackson was born on November 13, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the fourth of ten children of Taylor and Marjorie Jackson. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Denver, Colorado, where Ralph spent his formative years. He was an active and well-rounded youth — playing little league football and baseball, mastering the clarinet, and distinguishing himself as a talented athlete on his high school ski team.

After graduating from high school, Ralph moved to Chicago to attend Northwestern University, where he met and fell in love with Sheila Houlihan. Their relationship deepened as Sheila faithfully supported him during his three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Berlin Germany Mission. Upon his return, they were civilly married in Wilmette, Illinois, in September 1963, and sealed a few days later in the Salt Lake Temple.

Ralph was cherished for his warmth, quiet strength, and humble leadership. Throughout his adult life, he served faithfully in numerous church callings which included bishop, stake president, branch president, and temple worker. In these callings, he was always supported by the love and encouragement of his wife and children.

As Ralph pursued his degree in civil engineering — beginning at Northwestern and later transferring to the University of Illinois, where he graduated in 1968 — he and Sheila began building their family. Ralph’s professional life was marked by vision and impact: he became a respected leader in mass transit, playing a pivotal role in the development of light rail and commuter rail systems in both Denver and Salt Lake City. His influence extended to landmark projects such as Denver’s 16th Street Mall and the engineering marvel of Glenwood Canyon in the Colorado Rockies, earning recognition for innovation and excellence.

In 2005, Ralph experienced the heartbreaking loss of Sheila, his beloved companion, following her brief battle with leukemia. In time, healing came through grace and connection. A cousin introduced Ralph to a dear friend, Claudia Black, and their friendship quickly blossomed into love. In October 2006, they united their families and were sealed in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Together, Ralph and Claudia continued their lifelong commitment to church service, serving missions in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission and later at the Church Service Missionary Mission Office, where their shared devotion uplifted many.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Sheila, stepdaughter Melissa Jessop, step-grandson Tyson Mathews, and his siblings Evan, Richard, and Evie. He is survived by his wife Claudia, children Evan Jackson (Bessie), Dan Jackson (Tina), Kimberly Small, Cyndy Garrison (Jim), and stepchildren Laurie Whiting (Brent), David Black (Dion), Kimberli Barrow (Jeff), Adam Black, Christopher Black, Jennifer Black, Triana Pledger (Jeremy), and Michael Black, as well as by 53 grandchildren and 68 great grandchildren.

Viewing to be held Friday, October 17^th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 11038 Braidwood Dr., South Jordan, UT 84009. (Immediately behind the LDS Oquirrh Mountain Temple.) Another viewing Saturday, October 18^th , prior to funeral services beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at Noon. Interment is to be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery located at 200 N Street E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the General Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints via LDS Philanthropies. This fund enables all who feel called to serve - regardless of financial affiliation - to do so. Alternatively, donations may be made to the Church's Humanitarian Services Projects to support global relief efforts.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the “Watch Services” link above.