James Allen Jackson was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 27, 2019. His funeral will be held 1:00PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Woodard Funeral Home Chapel. Visitations will start 1hr. prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will follow in Carolina Biblical Gardens.
He was born on January 23, 1942, in St. George, SC to the late Willie and Helen Haynes Jackson. James was known as Jimmy by his family, Jim as a ballplayer and Jack as the homeboy from Charleston. James Allen Jackson (Jimmy) loved the outdoors and was an avid fisher, hunter, and swimmer as a young boy. He started out in his young years in private school then went to public school after elementary school. Jimmy loved basketball as a youngster which strongly influenced his parents to allow him to go to public school after elementary school. The remainder of his school years were in the public schools of Charleston County. He graduated from Bonds Wilson High School in 1960. He played with the Bonds Wilson “Cobra” basketball team that prepared the way to the Basketball State Championship playoff. His skills earned him a basketball scholarship at North Carolina A&T State University. Jimmy had successful years as an “Aggie” and lead their team into many championships, such as the NCAA Regional Championship in 1962 and 1964.
Following graduation, Jimmy played in various ABA and Eastern professional leagues. Jimmy also simultaneously played with the Harlem Globetrotters in their earlier years. Jimmy joined the Eastern Pro Basketball League with the Scranton Miners, the hottest team in the Eastern League. They were the Division’s Champions in 1967-68. Jimmy remained with the Scranton Miners until 1970, then the Scranton Apollo in 1970 to 1972. Jimmy returned to North Carolina A&T to complete his Masters in Sociology and graduated in 1973. While playing in the Pro Eastern League, Jimmy worked in New York State as the Physical and Recreational Director of the Taconic Correctional Facility in Westchester County. He also worked simultaneously with the Police Athletic League summer camp for children.
Jimmy worked as the Social Worker, investigator and court constable with the Kinship Care: Office of Children and Family Services with New York State. Jimmy loved this work and often talked about his mentorship to young people during his last days. Jimmy continued to play basketball with the Over the Hill Basketball League for many years after playing pro ball and as he neared retirement.
Jimmy retired after 35 years with the State of New York and summer employment with the Police Athletic League. In 2008, he was inducted into the NC A&T State University Sports Hall of Fame. He remained in New York until 2013 and moved to High Point, NC with his brother John. In addition to his parents, Jimmy is preceded in death by one brother, Rev. Willie Jackson, Jr. and one sister, Annette Sharon Jackson.
He leaves to cherish his memories: son, Darrell Jackson; daughters, Toqui Kennedy (Bruce), RaShanda Jackson Pringle (RaShad); grandchildren; Darian, Bryleigh, Cianna (Darrell); Ryan (Toqui); Zahmir, Bryce, Bailey (RaShanda). Siblings: Robert Jackson, Darlene Jackson, Janet Jackson and John Calvin Jackson (Donna); Aunt Burtie Mae Patrick; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Jimmy is also survived by many young people he mentored and coached. Jimmy also cherished his friends, Warren Davis (Big Red), Jerry Powell (JP), Maurice McHartley (Mo), Dewey Williams (Big Dipper), Henry Fleming (Flem-Flam), John Mathis, Dexter, Tiny Archibald and Earl Monroe.
Woodard Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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