Lyle A. Jackson

June 25, 1944 – December 15, 2025

Lyle Arthur Jackson was born to Robert and Lela (Olmstead) Jackson on June 25, 1944 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a baby, he was affectionately known as Lylito ("Little Lyle"). But as he grew, his parents and older brother Robert started calling him Pete. Young Lyle disliked the name so much that one day he stopped answering to it. His family finally gave up the nickname, and Lyle's stubborn streak was set for life.

In 1946, Lyle's family moved from Argentina to Swaziland, South Africa, where his parents continued to serve as missionaries. In 1951, they moved back to the U.S., settling in Nyssa, Oregon. His dad pastored the Nazarene church where, in third grade, Lyle became a Christian. When he was in high school, his family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. In school, Lyle's favorite class was speech, and he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball.

After graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1962, Lyle went to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. There, he met his lifelong love, Cathryn Gause. After their first date, Lyle described feeling like he'd known Cathy his whole life. Witnessing her strong faith encouraged him to recommit his life to Jesus. In 1968, he graduated with a bachelor's in social science and then went to Boise State University to complete his teacher training.

Lyle and Cathy married on June 28, 1968. They lived for several years in Idaho, first in Nampa and Orofino and then in Glenns Ferry and Mountain Home. They had three children – Kevin, Brian, and Denise – before moving to Sunnyside, Washington in 1979.

Although Lyle had been a shy kid, he believed the Lord developed in him the gift of teaching. He worked as a junior high and high school history teacher for over 35 years, first in Idaho and then in Sunnyside. Lyle cared deeply about his students and saw his career as an opportunity to serve others.

He also coached baseball and debate for many years. During the 1980s, Lyle was in charge of the Little League Baseball program in Sunnyside. But coaching speech and debate was where he felt he could help kids grow the most. Mr. J – as he was known by the debate team – coached students who won state championships and competed at the national level. In 1994, Lyle was recognized as the Washington State Debate Coach of the Year. He retired from teaching in 2004, and soon after, he and Cathy moved to Kennewick, Washington.

Lyle had a close personal relationship with Jesus throughout his life, and he loved serving the church. He taught Sunday school classes and led prayer ministries at both the Grandview and Kennewick Nazarene Churches. Lyle also enjoyed gardening and had a lifelong love of sports. He was a passionate fan of the Seattle Mariners, Boise State football, and Gonzaga basketball, and was known for arguing with the TV anytime an umpire or referee made a bad call.

Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy. He is survived by his sons Kevin (LeAnne) Jackson of Richland, Washington, and Brian (Shigeko) Jackson of Pasco, Washington, daughter Denise (Dax) Wilson of Spokane, Washington, grandchildren Maggie (Kevin) Jepson of Umatilla, Oregon, Heidi (Luke) Pascarelli of Nashville, Tennessee, Alexander Jackson of Richland, Washington, and Sabrie and Grant Culver of Spokane, Washington.

A celebration of Lyle's life will be held at Kennewick Nazarene Church on Saturday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m., with refreshments to follow. All are welcomed to attend.