Oklahoma State University Athletics
Former Cowboy Wrestling Great Jimmy Jackson Passes Away
June 23, 2008 | Cowboy Wrestling
STILLWATER, Okla. – Former Oklahoma State wrestler Jimmy Jackson, a three-time NCAA champion, three-time World Cup champion and 1976 Olympian passed away Tuesday in East Lansing, Mich. Jackson had been suffering from diabetes and congestive heart failure. He was 51 years old.
A 2007 inductee into the Oklahoma State University Athletics Hall of Honor, Jackson compiled a collegiate record of 88-9-2 that included 44 wins by fall during his OSU career. He was a perfect 29-0 with 11 wins by fall his senior year and was 24-1-1 with 14 pins as a junior. During Jackson's four-year career in Stillwater that lasted from 1974-75 through 1977-78, he was a three-time Big Eight champion. He was a key cog to the Cowboys' team success during those years, as OSU compiled a 61-5 record during Jackson's career.
"Jimmy was one of our great three-time NCAA champions and his impact on Oklahoma State wrestling is still felt today," Coach John Smith said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Katie and his entire family. He will be missed."
He leaves his wife Katie, niece Danielle LaShawn Reilly; step-daughters Casey and Mia Kempker; four grandchildren; aunt Judy Perry-Thomas; uncle Charles (Lee) Perry; cousins Avis Brooks, Francine Gaston, LaDale Williams, Guy Williams, Thomas Hampton and Barry Strong and many more relatives and friends.
Visitations will be Friday, June 20 from 1-3 p.m. and from 5-7 p.m. at Brown's Funeral Chapel, 627 Jefferson Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Mich. A family hour will be June 21 from 2:30-3 p.m., with services beginning at 3 p.m. at Brown's Chapel.
