It is with great sadness Camp Courageous learned of the passing of Delbert Jackson, 91, of Bellevue, IA.  Delbert was an exceptionally good person.  A person with the utmost integrity and kindness.  He worked extremely hard…and lead by example.  Over his 91-years there is an endless number of people’s lives he touched…I was fortunate to be one…and Camp Courageous, that touches the lives of nearly 10,000 individuals with disabilities, was another.  Camp is extremely humbled and honored that the Camp was selected for Delbert’s memorials to come (www.campcourageous.org/donate)

Delbert and my relationship goes back over 50-years, as his son, Gerry and I were friends in a youth organization.

Delbert loved his country and was a veteran, having enlisted in the US Air Force in December 1952, then transitioned to the Air Force Reserve, then switched to the Army Reserve, where he eventually retired as a Master Sergeant.

He married Janice Mary Daniels on June 23, 1957, in Stockton, Illinois. Together, they raised seven children on a farm west of Bellevue.  Jan was Delbert’s lifelong love. In later years, they traveled the country and the world together.  Sitting with Delbert, a few years after Janice’s passing, one could still sense their deep love and devotion for each other, and the void Janice’s passing caused Delbert.

Aside from raising a family, Delbert’s accomplishments in life were many. First and foremost, he was a farmer, working the land and raising cattle (especially Murray Grays). He worked for the Post Office in Bellevue, where he eventually retired from that job. He constructed and renovated more than 32 homes and buildings in Bellevue and surrounding areas. He also drove trucks and buses later in life.

Delbert was a Freemason serving as the secretary of the Bellevue Masonic Lodge for many years. He was its Worshipful Master for several years. He also served in the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

Delbert 100% loved Bellevue, IA and was keen on giving back to his community in time, materials and treasurers.   He was a past member of the Bellevue Jaycees and served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. He was also an active member of both the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue and the Green Island Congregational Church. Delbert also remodeled the old piano factory on the north side into apartments, storage, and the Horizon Lanes bowling alley. He was also instrumental in creating J-J’s Park so kids in that part of Bellevue have a safe place to play.

The mold has been broken, with Delbert’s passing…it will take many to do in the future, what this one person did in his lifetime…

-Charlie Becker

(L-R)  Jerry Jackson & his dad, Delbert, 88 in this picture, visited Camp Courageous.  Delbert’s roots are in the Bellevue/Jackson County area where he, and his wife, Janice, raised their family.  Jerry moved away to Michigan but was back and they both wanted to see Camp Courageous.  Delbert noticed on a display in the office showing donors to the Zipline Fund, that there was one category unclaimed.  He later called and wanted to support the cause and cover that open category with a memorial for his wife, Janice.  We can’t thank Delbert enough for his wonderful support of Camp in memory of Janice Jackson.

Spent a wonderful day in Bellevue, reminiscing with Del, as his computer monitor displays a picture of Del and Janice and he holds a check he presented to Camp Courageous for the Zipline, in memory of Janice.  It was 50-years ago that we were all a lot closer and spent a lot of time together.  Del lost his wife, Janice, and he wanted to do something special in her memory.  On the main beam, everyone sees, while zipping down the zipline will read, “In memory of Janice Jackson”, along with recognition on the Zipline Donor Board, that will be on display at the Zipline.  Janice and Del had been married 63-years.  Janice passed from cancer, and they celebrated her life on her 81^st birthday, April 21, 2020.  Delbert and Janice Jackson’s legacy will live on at Camp Courageous through the joy they have brought so many…-

Delbert Jackson, of Bellevue, IA saw a need for funds for Camp Courageous’ Zipline, so he gave a gift in memory of his wife, Janice. On the main beam, everyone sees while zipping down the zipline it reads, “In memory of Janice Jackson, Bellevue, IA”.  Janice and Del had been married 63-years.

Camp was thrilled when Delbert stopped by Camp and had the opportunity to ride the zipline.

(L-R)  Randy Weber of Bellevue, IA rides the Zipline with Delbert Jackson, also of Bellevue.  Delbert had a great time and was able to see the thrill the campers had on it too! Unfortunately, Randy passed in an accident a short time after he attended Camp with Delbert.