Richard Earl Jackson

Richard Earl Jackson 79 of Scottsdale AZ passed away May 27, 2025 from heart failure. Richard was born Nov 12 1946 in Riverside Ca to parents Jesse James Jackson and Candace Roxie (Taylor) Jackson. Richard grew up in Riverside, he enjoyed all sports and baseball was his favorite sport to watch and play. Known affectionately by his family as "Dicky" he attended University Junior High and graduated from PolyTechnic High School in 1963.

After Highschool Dicky worked at Butcher Boys MeatPacking Co and enrolled in Riverside City College. He continued to pursue sports including officiating. He studied Law Enforcement and worked for the Riverside Sheriff's Office and the Calif Dept of Corrections from 1970 through 1974. In 1975 He left Law Enforcement to pursue a personal goal of becoming an umpire in Major League Baseball. He attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School and upon graduation was assigned to the Northwest League. Dicky achieved his personal goal April 26 1995 when he umpired his first MLB game as home plate umpire in Coors field Colorado Rockies!!! He continued to umpire, coach and mentor other men and women in baseball for the rest of his life.

On March 23, 1978 Dicky met Diane Morrison, together they formed a life-long union of 48 years, Dicky and Diane relocationed to Scottsdale AZ, And Dickie continued to umpire in private and public baseball venues from little league to collegiate to professional AL/NL Dickie absolutely loved umpiring baseball.

In 1995 Richard Jackson and Lucinda Bigcrane Welcomed their "only" son Dillon Bigcrane Jackson born April 19 Dillon was also lovingly received by his big sister Jessica Bigcrane. Richard's ambition doubled after the birth of his son. Richard begin training players(including his son) at batting cages, he taught players not only the physical aspects of the game, he taught players how to "think" baseball psychology. Richard's dedication and contribution to baseball touched and influenced thousands. His passing is a great loss to his family and all who knew him.

Remaining to cherish his memory are Diane Morrison, Lucinda Bigcrane, Dillon Jackson and Jessica Bigcrane, sisters Lucille Colvin and Mylie Abernathy and brother Cleven Abernathy. Nephews Richard Foulke and Monia Herbert Jones and Nieces Tony Jackson and Tracy Hutton and Eloise James.

Preceding Richard Jackson in death are his Parents Jesse and Candace, his brothers Jesse Jr, and Leroy Jackson, Herbert (Cuda) Jones his sister Roxann Jones.

Please join Richard's family Sunday, June 8, 10 am to 12 pm at Whitney & Murphy 4800 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Join the viewing via this zoom link at 10 AM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83319284495?pwd=MpCsO6c9Axo456fWtI9rEak0Dxz3IP.1