MEET JACK
Husband, Father, Farmer, Business Owner
Rooted in Family and Farming
Jack and his family live on a farm just outside of Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he grows wine grapes and raises Angus cattle—both sold directly to consumers in the South Lane County community. Above all, Jack is a devoted husband and a loving father to his two sons, Casey and Luke.
Deep Oregon Roots
Jack’s connection to Oregon runs deep. His grandfather, Jesse Tibbetts, served as Superintendent of Roads for Tillamook County from the 1950s through the 1970s. Jack’s father, Nick, worked for the county road crew during high school before attending Willamette University in 1966. Although Nick later moved to California—where Jack spent much of his childhood—the family’s ties to Oregon never faded.
A True “Jack of All Trades”
Throughout his life, Jack has embodied the phrase “jack of all trades.” His diverse experience includes working as a welder, ocean lifeguard, executive, elected official, farmer, and fisherman. He is also a licensed pilot who enjoys introducing others to aviation, often taking kids and young adults on flights around Lane County to experience the joy of flight firsthand.
Leadership and Public Service
At just 25 years old, Jack was elected to the Santa Rosa City Council, representing a city of 180,000 residents. His tenure was marked by extraordinary challenges, including governing through three devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 6,200 structures—most of them homes.
Choosing a Different Path
Despite his success, Jack chose to step away. Disillusioned by California’s culture and political climate, and shaped by the responsibilities of fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and events like COVID-19, he knew he wanted something different for his children. Jack sought a place where his boys could be raised with strong values, a solid work ethic, faith, spirituality, and a deep connection to agriculture.
Coming Home to Oregon
After attending a Tibbetts family reunion in Fall Creek, Jack and his wife, Ali—whose family is also from Oregon—made the decision to return home. While Oregon’s politics may be imperfect, the pull of family, land, and shared roots made the choice clear.
Life in Cottage Grove Today
Today, Jack and Ali farm, ranch, and raise their children in Cottage Grove. In keeping with Jack’s belief in living by the merits of farming and responsible resource management, he remains deeply connected to Oregon’s land and rural way of life.
Jack remains engaged in public service through his role on the Lane County Planning Advisory Commission, where he is known for supporting community dreams, encouraging responsible growth, and pushing back against unnecessary regulation and bureaucratic delays.
Jack also served as Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul, where he worked to help homeless and low-income individuals rebuild their lives, achieve sobriety, and secure stable employment. His professional and political career was accelerating rapidly.
