Toledo mourns the loss of James Jackson, a dedicated father and pillar of the community, who passed away in Toledo on Sunday at the age of 70 after battling bladder cancer. His son, ex-professional basketball player Jim Jackson, confirmed the sad news and paid tribute to the man who instilled in him the values of hard work and personal responsibility.
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A Toledo native, James Jackson leaves behind a legacy of unwavering principles and a deep commitment to family. Jim Jackson, now residing in Columbus, credits his father with providing him a solid foundation of moral integrity and social responsibility that has shaped his life and career.
Reflecting on his father’s influence, Jim Jackson shared that the lessons imparted went beyond mere words. James Jackson’s actions and work ethic served as a powerful example that guided his son’s path. A former student of Macomber High School, Jim Jackson led his school to its inaugural state title and secured Ohio’s Mr. Basketball award twice during his illustrious high school basketball journey.
Achieving remarkable success on the court, Jim Jackson’s talents extended to Ohio State University, where he garnered two All-American titles. His professional career began when he was selected as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 1992 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Over the years, Jim Jackson made a mark on the National Basketball Association, playing for 12 different teams.
However, the impact of James Jackson’s guidance went beyond the realm of sports. He bestowed upon his son not only a love for life’s pleasures but also a sense of responsibility towards others. Born on October 30, 1943, James Jackson graduated from Scott High School in 1962, where he was part of the basketball team that reached the semifinals of the state tournament in 1960.
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Devoting 37 years of his life to the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), James Jackson served as a bus driver. Colleagues and friends remember him as a soft-spoken family man who embraced his role with dedication. Jerry Austin, former superintendent of transportation for TARTA, noted James Jackson’s commitment to his family and career, describing him as “the eternal family man.”
A man of simple pleasures, James Jackson enjoyed spending free time and working out at the gym. Recalling his early years, Jim Jackson revealed that his father introduced him to the gym and used basketball as a teaching tool to instill discipline and hard work.
James Jackson’s passion for basketball extended to his brother Ron Jackson, who also played the sport at Scott High School. Ron Jackson remembered his brother’s enthusiasm for the game and the jersey number 22 he wore, a number that Jim Jackson adopted as he progressed through high school, college, and professional basketball.
As the community mourns the passing of James Jackson, his enduring legacy lives on through his wife, Sandra; son, Jim; brother, Ron; and a grandson. His teachings of diligence, perseverance, and family values continue to inspire all who knew him.
Details for visitation and services in honor of James Jackson’s life were not available at the time of this report. C. Brown Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, as Toledo comes together to remember a beloved figure who shaped the lives of those around him through his example of hard work, dedication, and devotion to family.
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