I have fought a good fight;
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith
II Timothy 4:7

James A. Jackson, the eldest of seven children, was born to the late Jasper Lee and Robbie Lee Jackson, on August 31, 1942. James accepted Christ as his savior with the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Dallas Texas. He later united with the Greater Garth Chapel under the tutelage of Rev. Faizer Thomas, and later became Sunday school Superintendent under E.F. Hutchinson. He was a native of Dallas, Texas and received his formal education in the Dallas Independent School District graduating from Lincoln High School in the class of 1960 (The Mighty Tigers). In school, he was an active member of the ROTC, later fueling the decision to enlist in the military. After graduation, he matriculated through Paul Quinn College in Waco, TX, making a decision to serve his country, enlisting into the United States Marine Corps on May 16, 1962.

He enjoyed a successful military career achieving the rank of 1st Sergeant, on December 12, 1981 having served three tours in Vietnam. He was a highly decorated Marine, receiving numerous awards and citations including: The Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award); National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation; Rifle Sharpshooting and Pistol Expert. After Retiring with over twenty years of active service with the United States Marine Corps he continued his career with Arthur Andersen Consulting Firm for ten years.
James, (Jack, Sarge) as he was affectionately called was loved by all. He enjoyed being with people and people loved him for his wonderful sense of humor, loyalty and wisdom. He was a great domino, spade, bid whist player and an avid fisherman. Friends, family and people in the neighborhood could count on him to stay in touch, and his calm disposition and demeanor earned their respect.

On March 17, 2018, his body gave way to his spirit and he went on to be with our Heavenly Father. Several loved ones waited for his arrival in glory; Debbie Jackson (daughter), Jasper Lee Jackson (father), Robbie Lee Jackson (mother) Bobbie Ray Jackson, Sr., Roy Lee Jackson, Sr., and Kelvin Lynn Jackson (brothers). Stories will continue and the memories will never fade for those who loved him most.

He leaves to cherish his memories: His children, Jerome K. Jackson, James A. Jackson, Jr. (Alisa), Tara R. McDow (James), D'Aaron L. Harris (Angela) and Kandice Minor (Kendrick). Grandchildren, Kamala Strickland, Blake Jackson, Kennedy Bivins, Kaitlynn Thomas and Ashton McDow. Siblings, Dwight Jackson (Dorothy), Jacqueline Washington and Cynthia Taylor (Paul). Aunts, Lillie B. Johnson and Versia Jackson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends all thank God for his life's legacy and service to our country. To have an encounter with James Jackson, you were definitely in the presence of one great character who will truly be missed.

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.