Published: July 25, 2008 10:49 am         

One Ranger Returns is an excellent story

Texas Rangers have always held a special place in the hearts of Texans. We might hear about how they violated the civil rights of someone or used too much force in their investigation, but Texans still honor the Rangers. A Ranger who has caught the fancy of readers is Joaquin Jackson. To tell his story the retired lawman has written two books - One Ranger - A Memoir published by the University of Texas Press recalled his early days in the Ranger service, but more needed to be told. Following the runaway success of the memoir, Jackson collaborated with James L. Haley to write One Ranger Returns published by UT Press.

Readers were thrilled by Jackson’s exploits - catching criminals and keeping peace along the long Texas/ Mexico border. Jackson tells about his success in the conviction of Henry Lee Lucas, the famous serial killer of the 1970s and 80s. He was also involved in the United Farm Workers strike in the Rio Grande Valley in 1968-69. Contrary to popular claims, Jackson says that the Rangers conducted themselves in a professional manner when dealing with the protesters. The border area is a hot bed of drug dealings and cattle rustling and the troubles that accompanies such activities, Jackson participated in many raids to curb the problems.

In One Ranger Returns, Jackson’s family gives their point of view of living with a Ranger, one who was often gone for several days at a time. Jackson and his wife had two sons - the youngest is a Texas Ranger while the oldest is serving a forty-eight-year sentence in New Mexico prison for murder. Jackson relates his life as a Ranger and as a family man.

One Ranger Returns is an excellent book, but to really be enjoyed and appreciated, one should get both editions. Jackson is a good story teller and one who has lots of stories to tell. He has become a Texas icon by having served in a famous organization, looking like a true western character, and by probably being a pretty good guy. Get a copy of both books and you’ll be glad you did. Both books can be ordered by calling 800-252-3206 or at bookstores.