jackson was born in orlando, florida, the son of jeanine (née sharp), an amateur ventriloquist and businesswoman, and dr. rick "ricky lee" jackson, a family physician, country musician and congressional candidate in the state of washington. jackson was raised in battle ground, washington with his brother richard lee jackson, now an actor and musician, and his sister candice jackson, now a lawyer, author, and official in the trump administration. jonathan attended meadow glade elementary school.