stnm HONORS douglas jackson, A long time stnm member and board member, who DIED UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER A SHORT ILLNESS IN lAS CRUCES, NM ON DECEMBER 21, 2025.

a memorial will be held at the new mexico farm and ranch heritage museum, las cruces, on march 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

douglas brought a quiet, calm, wisdom to the STNM board and to STORYTELLING programs, especially in southern new mexico - often with a wry sense of humor AND A TWINKLE IN HIS EYE. he served both in the director at large position and as board secretary positions. THE STNM BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MEMBERS AND THE MANY CHILDREN AND ADULTS LUCKY TO HAVE HEARD HIS STORIES REMEMBER AND PAY TRIBUTE TO douglas jackson and his MANY GIFTS. WE MISS HIM.

THE FOLLOWING LINK IS TO DOUGLAS’ OBITUARY IN THE LAS CRUCES BULLETIN. CLICK HERE

To add your memory, email us as storytellersofnewmexico.org

Phyllis Bergman: Douglas was such a delight in his own quiet way.  He enjoyed making and sending cards and emails, full of his captivating and funny drawings, always combined with a great quote or two.  I also have a small pottery vessel he made, exactly reproducing  one of his funny character drawings. I treasure it.   He spent the night in our house during one of the STNM events and it was a good chance to know him a little better.  I’m sorry he is gone.  May he be at peace. 

Sarah Malone: Douglas enjoyed sending cartoons to friends and acquaintances, often reflecting a humorous (tongue in cheek) reflection of world events. These were always timely and creative. They also reflected Douglas’ own interest and talent in drawing fanciful figures/cartoons, each with its own caption, some drawn from published writers. Examples of these include: “Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. G. Randolf” “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming, gardeners who make our souls blossom. Proust” Thank you, Douglas, for being such a charming storyteller and friend who made our souls blossom.

Cindi Allen: Douglas wrote the best cards!  I got one loaded front to back with beautiful inspirational quotes!  He was a true friend and I imagine a strong feminist.  He wrote wonderful tributes to two older women storytellers when I was managing the newsletter.  I loved his regular holiday emails, little jokes and memes to brighten the day!  He was a sweet and gentle man!  I'm so sorry to hear he's gone!  

A Child Who Loved Douglas and his Stories: I am so very sorry for your loss but know this; a flower spreads its seeds and when that flower dies, you know those seeds are still growing. And those seeds that Mr. Jackson spread were seeds of stories and kindness.

Bob Kanegis: I was only in Doug's physical presence once, but Doug was a person who knew how to make you feel seen, heard and remembered.  This is an all too rare form of generosity.  I always looked forward to and appreciated the humorous cartoons (his own and others) that he emailed on a regular basis… topical and timely, as well as the personal notes of encouragement when I had a gig of one kind or another coming up.  In my many years with STNM, I can't think of anyone who more personally crafted thank you notes for members.  Unfortunately, it's only been since after his passing that I've learned more about his life, and life in his community.  Doug reminds me of the title of a book about life in the 'old country'…Life Is With People.  Doug made you feel like you mattered… that people matter.  THAT is a LEGACY.