James Edward Jackson was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 7, 1940 to Ezalia Rhodes Jackson and Jeff Jackson, Sr. He was the second eldest of five children. At an early age the family moved to Cleveland, OH where he attended Cleveland public schools. He joined the Army in 1958 and was stationed at Fort Belvoir Virginia.

In February 1965, he married Elizabeth Gilbert Jackson. To that union, two children were born. Evette Renee Elizabeth and Kevin Dwayne. In June 1985, he married Geraldine Preston Jackson. To that union, Erika James was born.

James retired from Union Carbide, where he was employed as a Tool & Die Maker. He also pursued a Mechanical Engineering degree at Cuyahoga Community College.

James (J.J.) loved music, dancing, cars, traveling, nice clothes and playing cards. He was always the life of the party. He had a big personality, which made him unforgettable to many. While he would not consider himself religious, he accepted Christ at a young age, and valued the power of prayer. He enjoyed laughing and kept his sense of humor even when his health was failing. His debilitating health required him to live in assisted living facilities. Select staff at Embassy Health Care provided excellent care and considered themselves part of the family.

James made his transition on June 17, 2017 at 8:20 am. 8/20 is the birth date of his eldest child Evette Jackson Clark.

James was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Marcetta Adams. He leaves to cherish his memory: Brothers – Jeff Jackson (Linda) Oakland, CA; Al Prentice (Janice), Birmingham, AL and Sister Larcina Moore, Avon OH. 

Children, Grands & Greats

Evette J. Clark – Christopher & Valencia (son: Logan)

Kevin D. Jackson – Justin (son: Justin) & Arion (Kameron) son: Kameron Jr

Erika J. Jackson – Jayda & Tyonna

Monique  V. Webber – Kyle, Dymonique, Dezyree

Michaelle D. Webber – son Branden 

And a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.

My Last Request- from my uncle’s funeral

Please dont say that I gave up
Just say that I gave in.
Dont say I lost the battle
For its God’s war to lose or win.
Please dont say how good I was
But that i did my best
Just say I tried to for whats right
To give the most I could, not less.
Please dont give me wings or halos,
thats for God to do.
I want no more than what I deserve
No extras, just my due
Dont be concerned with me now
Dont talk about what could have been
Its over and done
Just see to all my family’s needs
The battle has been won
When you draw a picture of me
Dont draw me as a saint
I’ve done some good, I’ve done some wrong
So use all your paint
Not just the bright and light tones
Use some grey and Dark
In fact, dont put me down on canvas,
Paint me in your heart
Dont remember all the good times
But remember all the bad
For life is full of many things
Some happy and some sad.
But if you must do something
Then I have one last request.
Forgive me for the wrongs I’ve done
And with the love that’s left
Thank God for my soul’s resting,
Thank God for all who loved me,
PRAISE GOD who loved me best

By: UNKNOWN

Special thanks to the elect staff at Embassy Health Care who provided exceptional service to him