Obituary of James I. Jackson

Ike’s Life Story “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season. Whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1 – 3 James Ike Jackson Sr., affectionately called “Ike”, was born on February 12, 1939 to the late Ike Jackson Jr. and Christine Phillips Jackson in Gadsden, Alabama. The following siblings preceded Ike in death: Susie, Alfred, Gerald, Alexander and Calvin. Ike graduated with the Class of 1957 from Carver High School in Gadsden and attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama where he was a defense player on the football team. Ike married high school sweetheart, Betty Moore of East Gadsden, Alabama, in 1959. They were married for 58 years until her passing in 2017. To this union, three children were born: Sharma Jackson Van Norton in 1959; Kimberly Jackson Davis in 1960, who preceded him in death in 1991; and James Ike Jackson Jr. in 1963. Ike accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at an early age and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Gadsden. Ike and Betty relocated to Ardmore, Pennsylvania in 1960 and joined the fellowship of Memorial Church of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.), Haverford, Pennsylvania, under the pastorate of the late Bishop O.T. Jones Jr., in the same year. Ike believed that his steps were ordered by the Lord; therefore, he was intentional to serve God in every aspect of his life. He was ordained a Deacon at Memorial C.O.G.I.C. by Bishop Jones. During his 63 years of loyal commitment to Memorial, Ike faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher; Sunday School Superintendent for Memorial C.O.G.I.C. and the West District of the Commonwealth Jurisdiction of C.O.G.I.C.; a member of the Memorial Sanctuary Choir; a member of Young People’s Willing Workers; and Chairman, Board of Deacons. Ike devoted his talents and gifts to enhance the vision of Memorial’s pastors including: Bishop Jones, Elder Leonard Lovett, Elder Nathaniel W. Porter Sr. and his its current pastor, Elder Daren K. Miller. Ike faithfully served Memorial until his health prevented him to do so. Ike was employed by Boeing Helicopter Company, Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, for over 50 years and retired at the age of 76 years in March 2016. He had earned the honor of “Man of the Month” on two occasions. Ike loved his family. Being the strong patriarch of his household, Ike was a devoted caregiver to his wife, during her illness; a stern, but loving father to his children; a proud “Pop-Pop” who played an active role in the lives of his three grandsons; and a blessed man to see another generation with the arrival of Isaac and Kanaan. Beyond his immediate family circle, Ike became the leader of the Jackson Family clan that is a part of the Jackson-Dudley-Phillips-Sims-Johnson Family Reunion that meets annually in different cities across the country. God used Ike’s willing spirit to be a witness to young men who he gave performed multiple jobs at Memorial. He always encouraged these young men about the goodness of the Lord and how to be productive and Godly men in today’s society. Ike’s family displayed their love for him with a surprised 80th Birthday celebration in 2019. He was so excited to see so many people in attendance at this joyful event. Ike peacefully transitioned on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Paoli Memorial Hospital. He made an impact on those who came to visit him while in the hospital constantly encouraging everyone about how good it is to know and love the Lord and also to accept Him as their personal Savior. Ike will be fondly remembered his daughter, Sharma Jackson Van Norton, Berwyn, Pennsylvania; son, James I. Jackson Jr. (Eileen), Collegeville, Pennsylvania; grandsons, Matthew A. Van Norton, Washington D.C.; James I. Jackson, III (Anna), Dallas, Texas; Daniel R. Van Norton, Berwyn, Pennsylvania; great-grandsons, Isaac and Kanaan Jackson, Dallas, Texas; sisters, Joyce Scott, Gadsden, Alabama; Maria Scott (Daniel), Gadsden, Alabama; sisters-in-law, Myrtle Lynch, Marietta, Georgia; Virginia Jackson, East Gadsden, Alabama; nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends.