Dear Judyth, Justin and the Morrison Family:

I was privileged to know Velma.  After the loss of our son, John, I met with Velma.  She shared with me her personal thoughts about the Harry W. Morrison Foundation.  I left her office with a copy of the Foundation brochure.  Given Morrison Knudsen’s legacy and my construction background, I modeled the John William Jackson Fund after the Harry W. Morrison Foundation.  I invite you to listen to our story narrated by Chris Redgrave, Zions Bank.

Velma was always gracious to my family and me.  We were privileged to be invited to her Harrison Avenue residence, where Velma made us feel at home.  She never wanted us to leave without something so she would reach into her refrigerator and find something delicious.  I recalled her giving us salmon to take home.

Over the years, I valued her candor and counsel.  I have never forgotten that whenever we  met she always addressed me as Mr. Jackson, yet she made me feel comfortable addressing her as Velma.  It should have been the reverse.

We thank her for her exceptional philanthropy which benefited many, including Boise State University, the major performing arts organizations and our entire community in general.  The Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts is a living testament of her vision and collaborative relationship with the creative Fred Norman.  In 2007, the John William Jackson Fund was the recipient of a $2000 donation which helped us launch the very successful Music Instrument Purchase & Repair Program (MIPP/MIRP).  In the last two year, this program has awarded $32,445 for deserving schools throughout Idaho.

We eMKayans always appreciated her commitment and concern for those of us who worked for Morrison Knudsen worldwide.  Last year, she addressed the annual gathering of eMKayans.  Velma asked us to keep the MK legacy alive.  I informed her that I would do my part.  Earlier this year, the John William Jackson Fund awarded $20,900 for academic scholarships in memory of former MK employees including founder, Harry W. Morrison.  We are committed to doing the same in the future.

On behalf of the John William Jackson Fund, please accept our sincerest condolences and best wishes for the upcoming tribute in the Morrison Center.  The attached photo taken last year says it all.  She is at peace and is lovingly being cared for by her Heavenly Father.

Gratefully

Bill “Action” Jackson
Founder

John William Jackson Fund
(in the Idaho Community Foundation)