Harley Christopher Jackson

Harley Christopher Jackson, 43, of Chatham, New York, passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2026. He was born May 18, 1983 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Harley was a man who found joy in the outdoors and in the simple moments that made life meaningful. He loved hunting, camping and hiking and could often be found enjoying anything that brought him outside or into the woods. Especially fishing with his lifelong friend, Nate Williams. He loved listening to music, spending weekends at Lebanon Valley Speedway, and most of all, being surrounded by his family and friends. Harley had a gift for making memories and making the people around him feel at home.

Harley was someone you could always count on. If a friend or loved one needed him, he was already in the car and on his way. He gave his time, friendship, and heart freely, never hesitating to lend a hand or be there for someone in need.

For many years, Harley worked alongside his good friend, Justin Donges. Their years of working together were built on friendship, loyalty, and many memories that will always be cherished.

Above all else, Harley was an incredibly proud father. His son, Ryder, was his greatest source of pride and joy. Whenever Harley spoke about Ryder, he would beam from ear to ear. The love he had for his son was unmistakable, and the bond they shared was one of the most important parts of Harley’s life.

Harley is pre deceased by his paternal grandparents, William and Florence Jackson; maternal grandparents, Richard Pratt and Lois Maloney; his brother, Jasson Jackson; his Uncles Arthur Jackson and Kevin Pratt; his Aunt Louise Marcy; and his cousins, Troy Leavenworth, Alan Keefner and Justis Garrett.

Harley is survived by his beloved son, Ryder Denver Jackson; his step-children, Christopher Patterson and Amaya Brown; his father, Lee Jackson (Kate Timmis); his mother, Cheryl Westfall (Mike Westfall); his sisters, Kelly Claro and Nicole Dobbs (Joe Tortorici); his nieces, Dakota Williams, Morgan Hickey, and Natalie Dobbs and his great-nephew, Bentley Daniels. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles, countless cousins and more friends than he could count including his best friend, Kate Buchan.

Harley will be deeply missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the adventures remembered, the music that brings him to mind, and the many special moments he created with the people he loved.

Though he is no longer here to answer the phone or jump in the car when someone needs him, the love he gave, the friendships he built, and the memories he left behind will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Harley will be loved, missed, and remembered always.

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm on Friday, October 9th, at French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, New York. Where at 11:00am on Saturday a funeral service will be held. Interment will follow in Old Chatham Union Cemetery. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert M. Donaghue & Michael R. Blasl of French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham. 

Donations in Harley's name can be made to the Ghent Sportman's Association, 1128 County Route 9, Ghent, NY, 12075