Jackson Thomas Layton

Jackson Thomas Layton entered this world on January 30, 1997 to Robert and Diane (Allcorn) Layton in Olathe, Kansas, where he lived until his college years. He took his last breath peacefully on February 4th, 2026 at The University of Kansas Health System surrounded by his loving family and friends. With his unwavering faith, he knew without question that God would lead him into his kingdom, and he was always comfortable knowing that.

He leaves his sister, Courtney, and two brothers, Zach and Cam, to keep the memories with him alive. Their time together was filled with fun and laughter, some typical sibling rivalries, but always with love for each other! Each held a special place in Jackson's heart. His parents created a wonderful family dynamic, where he flourished and successfully entered his adult years. Rob and Diane raised a remarkable man, with such a beautiful soul.

As a child, Jackson was funny, lovable, determined, athletic, kind, and with a headful of curly dark hair that was adorable! These characteristics followed him throughout his life. He was good at just about every sport, but baseball became his true passion, playing ball at Blue Valley West through his high school years and winning the 6A State Championship in 2013. He was always a true team player and competitor, happy for others successes, and determined to be the best he could be.

His hard work and dedication earned him a baseball scholarship offer to SIUE in Edwardsville, Illinois, where he began his freshman year in 2016. After graduating from SIUE in 2019 with a degree in business management and marketing, he accepted a job in St. Louis, where he worked for one year before deciding he wanted to come back to his hometown. Once back in Kansas, Jackson started working for Kicksite in Overland Park, establishing many lasting friendships through his employment there and finding his love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

It was in KC, where Jackson and his wife, Hannah, became friends online through "Hinge". It did not take long for them to realize they each shared the same feelings for each other! When Hannah's family met him for the first time, there was a unanimous thumbs-up of approval! He was a definite "keeper"! They became engaged in Italy, on the Amalfi Coast, in May of 2023, and were married on June 8th, 2024, with a perfect wedding ceremony at the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, followed by a joy filled reception with their closest friends and family.

The newlyweds bought their first home in Kansas City, Kansas, "the cottage" shortly after they married. It was filled with Hannah's love for anything vintage, with a fun and cozy decor. Dear, sweet Jackson let her do what made her happy decorating. Their three furry kids, Margaret and Tobi, female cats, and Remy, a male mixed breed dog, pretty much ran the show. Though Jackson was not really a cat fan before, he fell in love with both of them. Remy was adopted, and is the sweetest "huge" baby who became the cats' nemesis and friend combined.

In February of 2024, Jackson took a new position with Kansas Fiber Network (KFN), an ideal workplace for him with a group of wonderful co-workers, who supported him and Hannah, with such love and concern throughout his illness. He never stopped working and spent his final year as one of the only people to achieve their annual quota, a true testament to his strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Jackson kept very busy. As an avid hunter, you could often find him on a pond with his closest friends hunting ducks, or in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, deer hunting with his grandpa Barry. After baseball, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became his passion, spending 2-3 days a week perfecting his craft and achieving his purple belt in June of 2024, which was one of his proudest accomplishments. He also played a darn good round of golf! Hosting friends and family, along with Hannah, was a common occurrence. As a die-hard KU fan, he cheered on all Jayhawk sports, and attended as many Royals and Chiefs games he could! Being a connoisseur of good bourbon, he amassed quite a collection that he displayed in a special cabinet in "his" room downstairs, where he shared many pours, laughs, stories, and dart games with his closest friends.

Six months into their first year of marriage, in January of 2025, Jackson received the most devastating news anyone of any age can get, stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to his liver and abdominal wall with a very rare mutation, making it a difficult cancer to treat and try to stop from spreading. He endured a brutal chemo regimen, with his first round starting on his 28th birthday, and continuing every two weeks. Despite this, Jackson continued to work and live life to the fullest, approaching every day with positivity, hope, and faith in God's plan, believing in the power of prayers from all across the country, with the unconditional support of family and friends. Hannah became his "rock", and he became our "hero". This was a situation very few 27 year old newlyweds expect to be faced with, but he took on the task with a vengeance.

His cancer journey took him down the most difficult path to travel. His strength, courage, and his positive attitude to beat this insidious disease were unwavering. He was determined to create change and raise awareness surrounding early detection and screening for colon cancer. Encouraging people to advocate for themselves became his purpose. In some of his hardest days, he took it upon himself to partner with a family friend, Matt Fitzmorris, to help others. Together they created The 3929 Foundation that would aim to educate, inform, and offer financial assistance to cancer patients. This Foundation was created in memory of Matt's dad, Al Fitzmorris, a well-known Royals player #39, and in honor of Jackson Layton #29, with the sole purpose of helping others and making sure nobody fights alone.

Even while fighting for his own life, he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. It is amazing how many people, especially young people, have been touched by his story, and advocated for themselves with their doctors to have a colonoscopy. Already, this past year and even still in death, he is continuing to make a difference.

Sadly, Jackson's story is not unique, with cancer deaths on the rise, especially in the younger population. He met two other young patients during his last hospital stay, and spent his time encouraging them and discussing their faith. One of them got to "ring the bell" signifying being cancer free, and Jackson's happiness for him was so authentic! They will remember his kindness and concern for them forever. Fortunately, the Layton and Winkler families, combined with a multitude of friends, have joined in trying to make any sense of this, by helping others. Not everyone has that kind of support or the passion Jackson had to do that, while fighting their own battle.

Jackson regularly shared many of his favorite bible verses and deep discussions with his Bible study group on Monday nights. He shared specific verses that guided him by faith on his own personal pilgrimage over this past year. He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him, and even to many people who never got the pleasure to meet him but followed his journey from afar. He leaves a legacy of kindness, strength, compassion, selflessness, friendship, fairness, commitment, laughter, faith, hope, and he loved with his whole heart! Everyone who knew him has been changed for the better.

Jackson is survived by his loving wife, Hannah Layton; parents, Robert and Diane Layton; siblings, Courtney (Tristan Alfie), Zach, and Cameron Layton; maternal grandfather, Barry Allcorn (Geri Allcorn); a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins; his mother-in-law, Michelle Winkler and Hannah's family; dog, Remy; cats Margaret and Tobi, and a host of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Carol Allcorn, fraternal grandfather, Charles Layton, fraternal grandmother, Loretta Layton.

His family will receive guests for visitation from 9:00-10:00 am on Monday, February 9th, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe, Kansas, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 am. A celebration party following the mass will be held at Coach's Bar and Grill in Overland Park, KS.

In lieu of flowers, Jackson's family requests that contributions in Jackson's memory be made to The 3929 Foundation https://the3929.com/ to continue helping those affected by cancer and ensuring Jackson's legacy and love for helping others lives on forever.

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