James A. Jackson

Obituary For James A. Jackson

Place of Service: Parkway Cemetery (Graveside)

Date of Service: March 11th 2023 at: 11- a.m.

Visitation: March 10th 2023 From: 9a.m. - 5p.m.

Internment: Parkway Cemetery

Today, we observe the closing of a chapter of a whole generation. Sergeant James Allen Jackson is the last member of the family of Robert "Henry" Jackson and Mary Blanch Willbanks Jackson. To everything there is a season and time to every purpose under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Ninety years of useful, well-lived life came to a close on February 28th 2023, when Sergeant James Allen Jackson sailed away in calm serenity from this earthly scene. It is God's will that the laborer shall sleep. Let the tired laborers be encouraged; there is time for rest. In addition to his given names, James was known to many as "Eagle".

James Allen Jackson, the fifth child of six children of the late Robert "Henry" Jackson and Mary Blanch Willbanks Jackson was born in Kosciusko (Attala County), Mississippi on May 25th, 1932. Four brothers, Robert, Clarence, Charles and Marvin, and three sisters Annie Mae, Myrtle Jo, and Betty Jean all preceded him in death.

At an early age James learned the importance of a Divine Redeemer and joined Travelers' Rest Missionary Baptist Church. He attended the public schools of Kosciusko (Sam Young School). James met the love of his life, Jean Clair Sudduth on the Kosciusko courthouse square in 1948. In 1950, at the age of 17, James joined the military. On June 2nd, 1952 James and Jean were united in holy matrimony in Kosciusko, Ms. The Lord blessed their union with two devoted sons, James M. Jackson and Jeffery M. Jackson.

James is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War. He served honorably in the Army, achieving rank of Sergeant. He served as an intelligence an communication officer. During his service, he earned many awards and accolades for his superb work ethic and expertise (Army Commendation Medal, Nation Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal). During his time as a serviceman, James and his family traveled the country and abroad with a lengthy stay in Germany.

In 1971, James retired from the Armed Forces and the family returned to Kosciusko, Ms. James began working as a police officer with the Kosciusko Police Department that same year. He worked his way up to Assistant Chief of Police becoming the first African American to hold this position. He retired from the Kosciusko Police Department in May of 1994. James and the family attended Wesley United Methodist Church where he was part of the United Methodist Men.

James enjoyed reading the paper, fishing, traveling, gardening, keeping his home and yard tidy, watching westerns, cheering on the New Orleans Saints, eating the delicious meals prepared by his devoted wife, providing for and protecting his family as well as other recreational activities. James and Jean were married 69years and enjoyed a full life of service to their family, community, and country. James remained astute and of sharp mind until his death.

He leaves to cherish two sons; James Michael Jackson and Jeffrey Martin Jackson of Kosciusko, Ms; three granddaughters, Angel (Aron) Hibbler of Union, Ms; Kimberly Jackson of Memphis, TN and Jerra Jackson of Ridgeland, Ms; two grandsons: Jerrell Jackson of Atlanta, GA; Jerren Jackson of Ridgeland, Ms; two great-granddaughters, Jordyn French and Jacksyn HIbbler of Union, Ms; three great-grandsons: Carson Jackson, Anderson Hibbler, and Kashton Harris; many cousins, nieces and nephews - one special nephew Robert Lester Jackson of St. Louis, MO.