Philip Alan Jackson

Philip Alan Jackson, age 67, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on December 11, 2024, following a valiant 3.5 years living with ALS. He was born on December 9, 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Philip was fun-loving, funny, kind, humble and talented. He was best known for his love of music.

Philip had a successful 28-year career serving as the Controller, CFO, and, retired as CEO of the Arkansas State University System Foundation. He received his Bachelor’s and MBA from A-State, then becoming a CPA. He was a musician, singer and songwriter for nearly 50 years. In collaboration with dear friends, he created a significant body of work during the last several years of his life.

Philip loved his community and believed in helping where he could. He served on the Boards of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro, The Foundation of Arts, the Democratic Party of Craighead County, the YMCA, and the Council on Family Violence. He was proud of his affiliation with A-State and was a 1924 Life Member of the Alumni Association. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, he served as Deacon and Elder.

In life, Philip enjoyed music most of all. Before losing his ability to play the guitar, he performed most weekends at local venues and shared a camaraderie with local musicians. The most humbling and joyful part of Philip’s battle with ALS was his music friends coming together for the Jammin’ for Philzo fundraiser that raised thousands of dollars for the ALS Association.

He also enjoyed biking, hiking, and running with his wife Lisa. He had a passion for watching sports, especially football. He was an All-State Linebacker in ’75 at Jonesboro High School, aka Heifer High.

Philip is survived by his wife, Lisa Melton, three children - Sophie Jackson Galland (Brett), Chris Melton, and Sam Melton; his parents, Dr. Don & Mary Vollman, his four siblings, Debra Walden (Michael), Jed Jackson (Val Oliver), Melody Vollman (Karen Cardwell), Faith Bowdon (Dudley), as well as adored nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Marshall Jackson, his maternal and paternal grandparents, and beloved aunts and uncles.

Like his family, Philip’s honorary pallbearers touched his life in extraordinary ways. Honorary pallbearers include: Laurie Jo Ashcraft, Kenny Brewer, Terry Carter, Mike Cobb, Keith Croft, Scott Emerson, Bobby Flye, Celestial; Jim Gramling, Scott Hoke, Matt Huckaby, Jim Little, Melissa Livingston, Vikki McGee, Cindy Paul, Matt Pierce, Randy Ray, Celestial; Anita Rothgery, Sherry Tuseth, Mike Tuseth and Mark Willett.

A celebration of Philip's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro at 10 AM on January 10, 2025. Please consider memorial gifts to the Arkansas State University System Foundation for the benefit of the Philip & Lisa Jackson Endowment for Guitar Studies, the ALS Association of Arkansas, and the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House.