For nearly three decades, Rhonda Jackson provided more than just childcare to the families of Herrin—she created a nurturing second home where countless children began their educational journeys. As the former owner of Just Kids Incorporated, Jackson represents the profound impact Herrin High School graduates have made in their community.

"I always wanted to be a mom," Jackson says, reflecting on her career path. The 1981 Herrin High School graduate grew up locally, moving to the area when she was just 18 months old. After graduation, she pursued her passion at John A. Logan College, earning an associate's degree in early childhood education in 1984.

Jackson's career began immediately after college when she joined Herrin Child Care Center—owned by Nick and Becky Jones—the very building she would later purchase. After several years working as what she describes as the "assistant director," Jackson briefly operated an in-home daycare while raising her own children. In April 1992, her entrepreneurial journey officially began when she purchased the business from the Joneses.

"My daughter turned six weeks old the day we opened," Jackson recalls. Even while recovering from a C-section delivery, she was coordinating with the Department of Children and Family Services from her hospital bed to ensure all requirements were met for her new business venture.

Under Jackson's leadership, Just Kids Incorporated expanded beyond its original Walnut Street location in Herrin. In 1998, she purchased the Totland building in Energy, followed by another property across the street that same year. These strategic expansions allowed her to serve more families throughout the region.

Jackson's approach to childcare was comprehensive and hands-on. "I did every aspect," she explains. "I took kids to school, picked kids up from school. Some days I was the cook, some days I worked in the baby room. Some days I was an office person. When you do daycare, you do everything."

Her commitment to creating a family-like atmosphere resonated with the community. Many of her former daycare children later returned to work for her as teenagers. Jackson even witnessed the joy of caring for second-generation children whose parents had once been under her wing. Her granddaughter, who grew up in the daycare and worked there after turning 16, is now following in her grandmother's footsteps, graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in early childhood education.

Though Jackson sold Just Kids Incorporated in October 2023, her impact on Herrin's families continues. The business remains operational under new ownership, continuing to serve the community's childcare needs.

"I absolutely did not make a lot of money. I was not a rich person, but my heart was very blessed," Jackson shares. For her, the true rewards came in the relationships formed with staff, families, and especially the children. "Between staff and families, I made friendships that have lasted, that I know will last a lifetime."

The connections Jackson built throughout her career continue to bring her joy. Even now, visits to Herrin High School result in former daycare children—now teenagers—calling out "Hey, Ms. Rhonda!" and offering hugs. These interactions are treasured reminders of her influence.

Jackson credits her positive experience in the Herrin school system as foundational to her approach to childcare. "The Herrin schools were good for me," she reflects. "Everybody was family... the teachers all cared about you." She aimed to create that same supportive, family-oriented environment at Just Kids Incorporated.

Now enjoying retirement and caring for her nine grandchildren (ranging from 21 years to 5 months old), Jackson's legacy of nurturing Herrin's youth continues through the generations of children whose lives she touched.

In a community where the first lessons of life were often learned under her watchful eye, Rhonda Jackson exemplifies how Herrin graduates give back to the place that shaped them, creating an enduring cycle of care, education, and community connection.