User:Jackson Peebles is no longer with us, he became an hero in late October. Jackson was a Western Michigan University Honors student studying behavioral science and biology. He worked as an ice hockey referree and volunteered with the Red Cross. His Wikipedia efforts focused on counter-vandalism and adoption, "greeting new users, encouraging civility, and obsessively reviewing recent changes".
Jackson was a Teahouse host, an instructor in the Education Program, and the lead on a Video Tutorials Project through the WMF. User:Go Phightins! originaly adopted Jackson but he went on to run his own adoption school and facilitated a Western Michigan University course himself. Among his userboxes he said, "This user is not a Wikipedia administrator but would like to be one someday."
Jackson was born in 1992 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated Mattawan High School and was Senior Class President there. At Western Michigan University, he was a 2011 Medallion Scholar. He worked at the Waldo Library at the reference desk and volunteered for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He was one of three students in the nation invited to represent the US at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent’s Global Youth Conference in Vienna in 2012.[1]
Jackson had recently proposed a WMF Individual Engagment Grant called Reimagining Wikipedia Mentorship. "I think this project is incredibly important and should be pursued," User:EpochFail wrote in an endorsement. The grant scored highly and looked likely to be funded. "A very interesting concept...may become a 'keystone piece' in the new editor onboarding process." wrote one IEG committee member. Another wrote, "Taking a 'Teahouse approach' in building sustained motivation and preventing editor dropouts is a wonderful opportunity to develop a true mentor-mentee support system that would increase the activity of new contributors." Finally, "Proposers are highly qualified and driven mentors with a useful background in teaching new editors and understanding the learning process."
He was excitedly planning a trip to Australia in the coming weeks.
On Wikipedia, Jackson earned barnstars in Mentorship, Random Acts of Kindness and Resilience. Friends and teachers glowingly recalled his sense of humor and his hard work ethic.
His last edit to our site was on October 21 2013, the day he died. Jackson welcomed an i.p. editor to Wikipedia: "Thank you for your contributions, such as the one you made to Nikah mut‘ah. I hope you like the place and decide to stay."
Please leave remembrances and condolences below. We'll try and contact the family and share your thoughts with them. You can read more reflections on Jackson's amazing life here and at the Western Herald.[2]. Donations to the Kalamazoo NAMI chapter would have made Jackson very happy and are the family's wish.Ocaasit | c14:26, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Though I barely knew you personally, reading about your tragic passing makes me believe that the only thing that transcended your impeccable work ethic was a drive to help others. The epitome of a gentleman and a scholar. Rest in peace. GoPhightins!11:44, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
So sad to read this. Thanks for the all the work you did volunteer to spread knowledge to the world. My sincere condolences to family and friends, Iselilja (talk) 15:59, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Sad to hear this, but so happy to have met you. My only regret is that I didn't work more closely with you while you were available. You've informed both my research and my activities on wiki. You'll be missed. --EpochFail (talk • contribs) 16:02, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
We never met in life, Jackson, but the good you have done for Wikipedia is quite visible, and you've inspired me and others to continue your work. I appreciate the time you gave to us. I, JethroBTdrop me a line16:55, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Im so sad to see that an editor as great as Jackson has left us so soon. My thoughts are with Jackson's family and friends during these difficult times. With respect and sympathy, Ross Hill (talk) 18:00, 20 Nov 2013 (UTC)
My thoughts are with the family of this fine young man, a greatly appreciated Wikipedia editor. Our loss is great, and yet does not compare to theirs. Drmies (talk) 18:32, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Jackson. Thank you for sharing your thoughtfulness, your open heart, and your welcoming spirit with this community. You leave big shoes to fill here and everywhere you walked, I'm quite sure. I hope that very Wikipedian you mentored, welcomed, and thanked will carry on the work you led here...at least, we will try our best. I'm grateful to have gotten to know you just a little bit, and wish that we had had more time. Rest in peace. Siko (talk) 19:07, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
What a terrible thing to hear. I had the opportunity to speak with Jackson on the phone about something press-related this past summer. He was a smart and passionate young man. Keegan (talk) 19:16, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Jackson, Thank you for being a compassionate co-passenger in our great journey... Rest in Peace. ViswaPrabhaവിശ്വപ്രഭtalk20:13, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Although we've never met each other, we've shared a part of this big Wikipedia adventure. May your memory live with us, and may you rest in peace. Cruccone (talk) 20:41, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I am sorry I did not get to know Jackson better here on Wikipedia. I too am a Western Alum, and was a long time resident of Kalamazoo. I know his work from the Teahouse and he will be missed. Rest in peace, gentle man, and enjoy your new home in heaven. John from Idegon (talk) 21:54, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Nothing Gold Can Stay. I never got to meet you on-wiki, but it's clear that you're likeable personality was transparent both on-wiki and off-wiki, through your mentorship and collaborative attitude and your kindness. R.I.P Jackson and my condolences go out to his family. I am deeply saddened by the loss. Sportsguy17 (R.I.P Jackson Peebles)23:21, 20 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
My heart goes out to the family and those close to this exceptional young man. I've had the pleasure of supporting his volunteer efforts with a grant from the Wikimedia Foundation, and saw with admiration his dedication, his impeccable work ethic, and the sheer good will with which he has conducted himself all across matters Wikipedian and otherwise. He will be missed, and we are much the poorer for having lost him. Ijon (talk) 00:33, 21 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Some editors are remembered for their edits and some for their efforts and some...some are remembered for being good people and that is enough. Jackson will be remembered by me, as an editor and person who cared about all of the reasons we edit here and us as individuals. He was someone who I followed and tried to emulate when I could. I can't always be as good a person as Jackson, but I will always try. I will not unwatch your page Jackson. It remains a solid blue star.--Mark Miller (talk) 05:50, 21 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Very sorry to learn about the loss of another committed editor. With great sympathy to Jackson's family, friends, colleagues and co-editors. -- Trevj (talk) 10:11, 21 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Heartbreaking. To Jackson's loved ones, know that the Wikipedia community highly valued his involvement here, and that he will live on through his work on this project. The Interior(Talk)20:22, 21 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Really sad news. Jackson was a perfect example of what a Wikipedian can be, engaged, welcoming, generous and kind. You will be missed. Sylvia slv (talk) 22:49, 21 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
It was my great pleasure to work with Jackson over the course of several grant requests. He will be missed by many, and Wikipedia is made poorer by his sudden absence but also rich by his contributions before he left us. In addition to his exemplary work (quite literally exemplary, we have pointed others to his high quality work), he has always been diligent, courteous, kind, patient, and respectful in all of my interactions with him. It is clear that he was dedicated to making Wikipedia and the world a better place through his presence and his work, and I believe he has. Wolliff (talk) 20:04, 22 November 2013 (UTC) (WMF)[reply]
Always sad to see a young life cut short. May you rest in peace, and know that you are remembered not only by your family and friends, but here as well. §FreeRangeFrogcroak19:43, 23 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
This is sad news indeed! I empathize the lament of this loss; currently in mourning myself. In prayer I beseech peace for those resting, and those wrestling loss; may it be (when finding you), an abundance of peace—lasting in perpetuity.—John Cline (talk) 04:48, 24 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. We only briefly worked together, but reading about your life you have done so much good for this world. You'll leave an empty space no-one can fill, and I will miss you. Steven Zhang (talk) 16:25, 24 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I was very saddened to receive this news. Your life was tragically cut short, but nevertheless, you spent it helping others, and for that you deserve the gratitude of many. May you rest in peace. CT Cooper ·talk18:11, 24 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I'm devastated to hear you go Jackson. It's a terrible loss to you family and all of us. You were among the best of us. It was a real pleasure working with you, and being alongside you. Rest in Peace. And thank you for the short while you filled all of our lives with energy and cheerfulness. TheOriginalSoni (talk) 23:51, 24 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I'm just shocked. I can't explain my feelings here. Everything's just hazy to me now. I've met you 3-4 times and in those time I saw a good wikipedian in you. Anyway I can't say anymore it'll make me more sad. May your soul rest in peace....--Pratyya(Hello!)14:24, 25 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to closed ones.. and strength to folks who want to continue your IEG project and other valuable contributions. Thanks for your contributions. -- ɑηsuмaη« ৳ᶏ ɭϞ »14:52, 26 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Rest in peace, dude. You will be remembered by everyone. I am sorry that you couldn't live a longer life, and extend condolences to his family and friends. Best, Epicgenius (talk) 22:50, 29 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Although I never had the chance to interact with you, your imagination and generosity of spirit will continue to be inspiration to me, as you will to many other people as well. My heart goes out to your family and all those whose lives you touched. — Sasuke Sarutobi (talk) 16:35, 30 November 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I just found out about this, and I want to add myself to those who come here in sorrow about what happened, and gratitude for your contributions. --Tryptofish (talk) 20:38, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Rest in peace, Jackson. I was informed of Jackson's death by email earlier this hour. I only remember briefly interacting with him, which is documented here, here and here. But that short interaction did not blind me from seeing the great person he surely was. With an excellent/positive attitude, he would often help revert vandalism, other unconstructive edits and welcome new editors, and even deferred a matter to me at one point. Thank you, Jackson. You were one of the best WP:Patrollers we had. Flyer22 (talk) 01:57, 22 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Your ongoing efforts to improve the encyclopedia have not gone unnoticed: You have been selected as Editor of the Week, for dedication to service, heart for helping others, love of the community. Thank you for the great contributions! (courtesy of the Wikipedia Editor Retention Project)
The entire EotW project submitted the following nomination for Editor of the Week:
In Memoriam. Wikpedia Editor from 11/22/2009 to 10/21/2013. Reviewer, Rollbacker, Instructor in the Educational program, creator of the Wikipedia:Video and Interactive Tutorials Project through the WMF and facilitated his own adoption program, founder of the IStillCare.org Initiative. and an active Counter-Vandalism proponent. Jackson earned barnstars in Mentorship, Random Acts of Kindness and Resilience. Friends, teachers and fellow Wikipedians glowingly recall his sense of humor and his hard work ethic. He greeted new users as a Teahouse host and staunchly encouraged civility. "I believe in the infinite ways to help others on a large scale through collaboration". Jackson had recently proposed a WMF Individual Engagement Grant called Reimagining Wikipedia Mentorship. Jackson was a very special young man and model Wikipedian.
His tireless work ethic, his continuous good will, and his constant striving to help other individuals. Jackson Peebles showed his commitment and enthusiasm for the project with every edit. His admirable dedication will not soon be forgotten.
Notable work(s)
counter-vandalism, adoption course design, online ambassadorship with the education program, "Reimagining Mentorship on Wikipedia" (an I.E.G. grant proposal), Teahouse hosting
Oh my...
I came to leave you a message (as I have been gone a long while) and found that you are no longer with us here on Wiki. I must say the minute I read that I felt a sense of loss. You were a great part of the last few months that I was here regularly and I am grateful to you for the time you took to teach me through the "adoption" process. I am sad that I never got to finish the final with you, before your passing. I am going to make a huge effort to complete it as soon as life slows down for me. Again, I appreciate your patience and understanding with the "newbies". You will be missed. Peace and Love, Tattoodwaitress (talk) 01:05, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
