Randy Jackson

Randy Rae Jackson born 01/06/1958 to 06/22/22, left us to heel some rank steers in heaven.

Randy was a proud man who fulfilled his life with hard work, amazing friends, beautiful women and catching heels under 7 seconds.

His strongest characteristic was his work ethic that led him to owning his own successful excavation business.  It was a common day for Randy to start at 5:30AM and end his day after dark.

He learned from many mentors here in the Valley.  He was a top hand when it came to working cows, doctoring calves, or running just about any piece of equipment. He never left the valley except for the winter’s where he would go to Arizona to rope and stay warm.

Randy also had a place in his heart for big trucks…. the shiny clean ones.  His first over the road trip was hauling a load of cows to Denver illegally, as he was underage.

Randy wants to be remembered as a man who did a good day’s work…even into the night.  Someone who was independent and determined (just tell him he can’t do something, and he will damn sure prove you wrong).  A good neighbor (always a helping hand, he saved chickens from a burning coop, and helped a mare in the middle of nowhere who was having trouble foaling).  His honest word.  He was a proud Father & Grandfather.  Lastly, his cute butt.

These past few months Randy endured his body & mind failing before him.  The man never gave up & he strived to survive every day with his inner strength & bravery.  In a sense he backed into the box, secured his hat, and waited for the nod.

We are pretty sure he is horseback, guessing he saddled up ol’ Reggie; with a rope in his hand going to meet all who are waiting on the other side.  His crooked smile, proud stature, strong handshake and oh that big hug.

Randy leaves behind his daughter Carey, son-in-law Mike, three grandson’s Cayson, Kain, and Kreede.   His brother Ronnie Jackson (Cindy) and niece Megan, his lifelong friend, Colette Hertz (Scott Brady), his mother Donna Kilwine, his horse Joker and his mangey mutt Gus (They both are being spoiled and loved by Carey and her family).  Also, the many extended family members & friends.

A special THANK YOU to Heather Sarrizan for her unending help and unbelievable tolerance as she helped Randy throughout his life and through this journey while he was able to still be home.

The Shields Valley shines with compassion; if you cooked him a meal, baked him a banana cream pie or cookies, stopped in to say hello, gave him a ride, sent him a text, made a call, winterized his excavation equipment, or gave his family a place to sleep and recharge, all was accepted with humble gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to RiverStone Health Hospice, 123 S. 27th Street, Billings MT 59101 – The men and women at this facility did an outstanding job of granting Randy, the medical care he needed for this difficult and complicated illness, his favorite food, daily foot massage, compassion, grace, and unconditional love.

We are hosting a celebration of Randy’s life at the Wilsall Rodeo Arena Thursday, June 30 – beginning at 6 P.M. We will then have a reception at the Shield’s Valley Community Center in Clyde Park; we will commemorate Randy’s favorite day of the week, Thirsty Thursday! Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.