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Larry Jackson, chairman of the Churchill County Democrats, was killed Dec. 3 in an automobile crash.
Friends are mourning the death of the chairman of the Churchill County Democrats, who died in a single-car crash on Dec. 3 on U.S. Highway 50 west of Silver Springs.
The Nevada State Police reported Larry Jackson, 73, died in a rollover at the roundabout at Highway 50 at USA Parkway. According to a preliminary investigation, the NSP said Jackson’s 1998 Buick Skylark was traveling eastbound on U.S. 50 approaching the roundabout. For unknown reasons, Jackson’s car left the highway to the right, striking a paddle marker and a light pole before overturning and coming to rest in the roadway on its roof.
No funeral services are pending at this time.
Nyla Howell, former chairwoman of the local Democrats, said Jackson was first elected as a vice chair in 2013 and served in that position until 2019.
“You can be the chair,” Howell remembered Jackson saying at the time. “I’m just here to help you.”
Jackson had been elected chair of the local Democrats earlier this year.
When the crash occurred, she said Jackson was returning from Carson City where he had been receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer for two weeks. Strong said Jackson was staying in one of the apartments at Carson-Tahoe Hospital and coming home on the weekends.
“He found out in September he had cancer,” Howell said. “He was driving home once a week.”
Howell remembers Jackson as an active member of the Democratic Party. He supported various candidates for local and statewide offices including U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen; Clint Koble and Patricia Ackerman, both candidates for Congressional District 2; and other candidates for the state’s six constitutional offices. Howell said he was particularly close to former Lt. Gov. Kate Marshall.
At the annual CCD picnic in August, Howell said Jackson had spent time talking with Marshall.
“He was a person with good insight into building strong leaders like Nyla,” Marshall said in a text message to the LVN. “Mark Twain, I believe, said that 80% of life was about showing up — that was Larry Jackson. He showed up and made a difference.”
Jeanette Strong, a member-at-large from the executive board, said Jackson was a good chairman.
“He was a pretty good chair,” she said. “He would listen to different viewpoints. He was good that way.”
Strong said Jackson was also involved with the state’s central committee.
“One of Larry’s passions was calling and texting potential voters during an election year,” she said. “He was big on outreach.”
Strong and Howell said Jackson represented the CCD at both the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association and Fallon Chamber of Commerce activities.
“He kept us informed and always reported back what he learned at the CEDA meetings,” Howell said of Jackson’s involvement.
Jackson moved to Fallon 10 years ago from Washington state. Howell said he had been an electrician for IBEW Local 46. According to the LinkedIn account, he was also chairman of the Local Action Committee (PAC) and assisted in organizing nonunion electricians and companies.
Howell said he and his late wife moved to Churchill County to help their daughter. Howell added Jackson’s wife died a few years after their arrival in Churchill County.
From 2004-08, he was the chairman of the 30th District Democrats. His profile said he organized volunteers; helped recruit candidates; plan, organize and conduct monthly meetings; and grow the party. He also conducted voter outreach, door knocking, phone banking and voter education.
Jackson had also served in the U.S. Navy.
The Nevada Rural Democrats commented on Jackson’s death.
“Larry Jackson has been the chair of Churchill County Dems in addition to working on and supporting numerous political campaigns. He was very active within the Dem Party. We feel a great sense of loss today upon learning of his passing. He will be missed.”
Ozzie Fumo, a former state assemblyman said in a statement, “Ellen and I are very saddened to hear of the passing of Larry Jackson, chair of the Churchill County Dems. Our hearts go out to his family, and to all of the people he worked with in Fallon and across Churchill County.”
Kimi Cole, a candidate for lieutenant governor, had worked with Jackson on rural issues.
The NSP said the crash is being investigated by the Highway Patrol Division’s Northern Command West Multi-Disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team. The case number is 211200246.
People with information about this crash are asked to send an email to ncwmirt@dps.state.nv.us and reference the case number.
