On June 11, 2011 Jackson Tyler Norris, cherished friend, community treasure and beloved Son, was doing what he loved – spending the day with friends and skateboarding. He was tragically struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a highway in Lockhart, TX. After being airlifted to Dell Children’s Hospital and efforts from the medical team, it was determined that he had received to much trauma to his head and he would not recover. Jackson gracefully entered the kingdom of heaven on June 22, 2011 after removing him from life support and completing the process for organ donation. Jackson’s family has great peace knowing the first words he heard were “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

As we were saying our final good-byes, seven others received a phone call that they would receive a life-saving transplant within hours. As we prepared for Jackson’s memorial service, seven other families were preparing for their loved one’s surgery. We have no doubt, during their prayers of thanksgiving, there were also prayers for our family as we started our journey of grief.

Jackson is remembered for his Christian faith, his kindness to younger children and respect for elders.When he fell off his skateboard, neighbors and friends recalled, he got up, smiled, dusted himself off, and got right back on. He would stop and talk to the little kids, he was the perfect example of what you would want your son to be. Jackson’s gift was laughter, he could brighten any room with his presence; he had a heart for the less fortunate; and he was known for his loving affection. He was never afraid to share a smile, give a hug, express words of encouragement, or say I love you. He was learning sign language in high school and spoke about working with deaf children when he was older. He also talked about his desire to adopt children. Jackson’s absense is deeply felt, not just by his family and close friends, but by our community.

Jackson’s selflessness and spirit will be more concretely captured when the City of Buda will honor Jackson’s memory through a 10,000 square foot skate park to be built in the Summer/Fall of 2013. The Jackson Tyler Norris Skate Park, will provide a safe and secure environment for our youth to gather and perfect the art of skateboarding. There will also be a special garden and memorial area at the park where special ordered, inscribed bricks will be placed.

We know Jackson is serving and worshiping our Heavenly Father, and that one day, there will be a beautiful and joyful reunion. 2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.