Marlin "Porgie" Jackson

Marlin John Jackson, Ta’Wamni Oda’ “Many Eagles,” age 54, was born on September 7, 1972, to Reginald Hotomanie and Mary Sue Jackson in Wolf Point, Montana. He made his eternal home in heaven on March 26, 2026, in Billings, Montana-the same day his younger brother, Miles J. Jackson Sr., left us six years earlier. We know he was greeted in heaven by family and friends with overwhelming joy and happiness.

Porgie was raised in Frazer, Montana, and attended Frazer Public Schools, graduating in 1992. He had a deep passion for sports and excelled in everything he set his mind to. He mentored countless young athletes, inspiring them to believe in themselves and guiding them with patience and love. He proudly coached the Frazer Bearcubs elementary, middle school, and high school basketball, track, and football teams as well as coaching traveling basketball teams-sharing his time, knowledge, and heart with the youth.

An outstanding athlete himself, Porgie went to state for javelin during his junior and senior years, taking 3rd place in 1992. His record throw of 178’10” still stands today-a record he proudly claimed would “never be broken.” After high school, he attended University of Jamestown for a short period in North Dakota, often talking about his dream of playing in the major leagues. In the years that followed, he came close to that dream, earning recognition as one of the greatest softball players around-fierce, fast, and competitive. Traveling across the rez and the state, he and his “softball family” brought home many tournament titles, MVP awards, pendleton coats/blankets, and star quilts.

Porgie also carried on the family tradition of Wild Horse Racing, competing alongside his brothers and supporting his nephews as a coach and mentor. He proudly called his uncles “the original O.G.s”-‘Jackson, Inc.’ for life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing any chance he got. He enjoyed fixing things and making different contraptions.

Throughout his life, Porgie held many jobs and excelled in all of them. He worked as a custodian and coach at Frazer School, and later at the MetraPark in Billings, where he enjoyed meeting famous artists and performers. His work ethic and spirit touched every place he went. He had countless jobs to list.

To know Porgie was to love him, he was known for his generosity, quick humor, and endless storytelling. He had a nickname for everyone and a smile that could light up any room. His favorite saying was “Pull my finger.” He showed deep respect for his elders and often shared the teachings they passed down. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Porgie embodied kindness, humility, and pride in his family, community, and heritage. Even in his final days, he was reminiscing about family and friends.

Porgie’s greatest love was his family—his children, godchildren, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren—all of whom held a special place in his heart. One of the greatest joys of his life was his bond with his youngest son Amadeus Iron Cloud who he nicknamed “Fat face”—a connection filled with love and mutual devotion.

In his final days, Porgie shared openly about his faith and his desire to grow closer to God—to give more grace, pray more, and trust more deeply. His words offered peace and reflection to those who loved him. We find comfort knowing he is now with Jesus.

Porgie is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tina Jackson; his children Jessica Jackson, Jayson Jackson, Marlin Damon Jackson, Taylor Jackson, Maiyalin Hotomanie-Jackson, Madison Sioux Jackson, Alexine Antone, Aaron Horsman, Daniel Horsman, and Amadeus Iron Cloud; Goddaughters Marcella Velasquez and Breah Jackson; grandchildren Kolbi Johnston, Arianna Horsman, Chandler Horsman, Koda Luis Fernandez, and his Adopted Grandson Sky Colombe; Special niece Bailey Jai Hotomanie; Special nephew-son Emmit Jackson who he nicknamed ‘Big Girl’; and Daughters-in-law Caty Horsman and Shontelle Talks Different.

He is also survived by his mother Mary Sue Jackson; auntie-mom Wilberta Toavs (Marvin); Sister Marlyce Jackson (Karen); Twin brother Milo Jackson (Jewel); Brothers Moby Jackson (Lana), Myron Jackson (Dee), Chris Bauer, and Phillip “HeeHaw” Fourstar Jr.; special sister- cousin Nicole Brockie; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. To all those not individually named-please know that Porgie held each of you dearly in his heart and was not left out intentionally.

He is preceded in death by his father Reginald Hotomanie; Godparents; Thomas and Rose Doney; Grandparents Mike Ryder, Ruth Hotomanie, Wilbert Jackson, August Hayes, Mary B. Hayes, Ann Helgeson, and Henry “Prince” Brockie; Uncles Wilbert (Chief), Clarence (Indian), Emerson, and James (Jimmy) Jackson, Elvis, Michael, and Garry Hotomanie, and Terry Ryder; aunties Rosalyn (Toni) Jackson, RoseMary, Frances, and Millie Hotomanie and Glennis Jack; Sister Marla Jackson, Brothers Miles Jackson, and Wilbert (Willie) Jackson; Son in law Joseph D. Johnston, and his special nephew, Brayden J. Jackson.

Marlin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness, laughter, strength, and love will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.

A four-day feed will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Prayer services and viewing will follow at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Frazer Community Hall, with interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Frazer, Montana. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences for the family may be left using the guestbook below.