The Light of Philanthropy Award is given annually to individuals who reflect the spirit and philanthropic leadership of the late Ralph J. Comstock, Jr., demonstrating remarkable qualities in leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarianism benefiting St. Luke's and other worthy community charities.
Each year, the award recipients are honored at the St. Luke’s Ball.
St. Luke's Health Foundation is proud to present the 2019 Light of Philanthropy Award to John Jackson in recognition of his dedicated service and enduring commitment to advancing philanthropic and humanitarian causes to benefit our community.
John Jackson is an admired member of the Treasure Valley community and exemplifies leadership, humanitarianism, and philanthropy in his professional and personal life.
The son of Dale and Gypsy Jackson, John grew up in Homedale, Idaho. In 1975, while a junior at Boise State University studying accounting, John launched his business with a single service station in Caldwell. Today, John's Meridian-based company has grown to more than 250 locations in six states and employs more than 3,000 people, making Jacksons one of the largest privately held companies in Idaho.
John also founded and owns Jackson Energy, a wholesale and transportation company; Capitol Distributing, a grocery wholesaler distributing merchandise to more than 650 convenience stores in the West; and Jackson Jet Center.
Many organizations have benefited from John’s generous spirit, including St. Luke’s, Boise State University, Killebrew-Thompson Memorial, College of Idaho, Saint Alphonsus, Justice Idaho, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Red Cross, Paint the Town, Boise Rescue Mission, Coalitions Against Domestic Violence and countless schools throughout Idaho. John has served on many professional groups including Chevron Western Region Marketer Council, Idaho Petroleum Storage Tank Fund and National Shell Wholesale Council.
John is passionately committed to his hometown of Homedale and has made a lasting impact supporting local schools, sport facilities, and the library, to name a few.
John's passion for business and our great state has been shared with his sons Cory and Jeff, who work side by side with their father to advance the Jacksons brand and continue his legacy. John is a humble and visionary leader who makes Boise a better place.
Ralph J. Comstock, Jr. was a philanthropist, leader, and humanitarian. Born in 1917 in Rexburg, he grew up in Idaho Falls, Nampa, and Pocatello. Ralph graduated from the University of Idaho Southern Branch (now Idaho State University) and then from the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
While living in Utah, Ralph met Bernice (Bee) Broomfield, who became his wife of more than 50 years. Together, Ralph and Bee raised three children, Ralph, Robert, and Christine.
Following a tour of service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in World War II, Ralph entered the banking industry where he rose to the highest executive office with First Security Bank of Idaho before retiring in 1984.
Ralph was the catalyst for a number of Idaho’s finest civic accomplishments. His most notable philanthropic endeavors were achieved in his service to Boise’s Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute, and St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center.
A sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and skiing, Ralph’s heart was as big as the great outdoors. He was a bold man with big ideas, great passion, and tremendous enthusiasm. He died in 1995 after an exemplary career of professional and community service. St. Luke’s is proud to present the annual Light of Philanthropy Award in his honor.
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Tickets to St. Luke's Ball are available through St. Luke's Health Foundation.
(208) 381-2123
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