The Pine Belt News recognizes the 2026 class of 20 Under 40. Read about Jarrod (JJ) Jackson here and see the special section publishing on January 29 to read about all of this year's honorees.
As a Respiratory Therapy Clinical Educator for Forrest Health, Jarrod (JJ) Jackson’s primary responsibilities include caring for patients, assisting with education, and pushing the next generation of therapists to excel in their careers. His nominator said, “He chose to go into healthcare because he likes to help people be the best version of themselves. He also chose Respiratory Therapy because as a child he suffered from asthma and thought who better to help treat children with breathing problems than someone who had been in their shoes.”
When asked what makes him successful, JJ says, “I’m always happy, smiling, and having fun. I always want people I come in contact with to be happy, and I want to impact them in the most positive way possible.” He serves on the Hospital Liaison committee for bloodless medicine and volunteers 50 hours a month in his bible ministry.
JJ tells us that the leadership skill that was the most challenging for him to develop was the art of reprimanding someone, adding, “it’s just not natural for me.” JJ’s first job was at the Front Porch where, “I learned to work with others, how to work together, how to be a good work mate. I also learned how to be responsible. Accountable, punctual, and how to cook a lot of different foods.”
If JJ could buy a book or rent a movie for his neighbor, he would choose “Remember the Titans,” saying, “I believe it really highlights that no obstacle is too big to overcome. They Key is tapping into the resources around you and working hard to succeed.” He would tell his 18-year-old self “Make each day count, don’t waste a single one” and when asked about a fun fact we wouldn’t know about him, he replied, “I’m actually shy but I just ignore it LOL!”
