Harold “Stoney” Jackson: Cultivating Friendship and Beauty in Lees Summit


In Lees Summit, Missouri, neighbors in one over-55 community have come to rely on a man whose hands are rarely idle and whose heart is always open. His name is Harold “Stoney” Jackson, and through simple acts of service — planting trees, cleaning fountains, and helping tend to yards and gardens — he has turned his retirement years into a season of purpose and connection.

Harold was recently named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025, an honor that celebrates Missourians whose everyday actions strengthen community bonds and inspire belonging. The award is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, recognizing those who make their neighborhoods thrive through care and kindness.

Planting Roots After Retirement

For Harold, community involvement blossomed naturally after retirement.

“We live in an over-55 community with 176 homes,” he explained. “After retiring, I had the time to become active in the neighborhood — walking, attending HOA meetings, monthly men’s breakfasts, and other functions. I wanted to get to know the people in the neighborhood.”

That decision to be intentional about connection quickly bore fruit. By being visible, approachable, and willing to help, Harold soon became a familiar face and trusted friend to many.

A Neighbor With a Green Thumb and a Golden Heart

Harold’s nominator described him as the go-to volunteer whenever there’s work to be done:
“He plants trees, cleans fountains, and goes out of his way to help every neighbor with their yard or garden. Anything he can do on his free time to help you out — he does.”

Harold’s love of landscaping has become more than a hobby — it’s his way of contributing beauty and life to the shared spaces that connect his neighbors.

“Since my hobby is landscaping, I do what I can to maintain and improve the common grounds in the neighborhood,” he said. “I’m willing to give a hand when somebody needs it.”

Through his work, paths are cleaner, flowerbeds flourish, and a spirit of togetherness grows right alongside the greenery.

Staying Active, Staying Connected

For Harold, the benefits of neighboring go both ways.

“By becoming engaged in our community, I’ve made many friends and stayed active,” he shared. “I feel blessed to have the good health to be able to help neighbors in need.”

His words capture a truth that Missouri Good Neighbor Week seeks to highlight — that connection is both a gift we give and one we receive.

Advice From a Seasoned Neighbor

When asked what advice he’d offer to those hoping to be more engaged where they live, Harold’s guidance is as practical as it is heartfelt: “Put yourself out there and get to know your neighbors. Become active in improving the neighborhood in which you live.”

Through his example, Harold “Stoney” Jackson reminds us that community isn’t built by chance — it’s cultivated, one conversation, one flowerbed, and one helping hand at a time.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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