James Wendell Jackson, Sr.

JAMES WENDELL JACKSON, SR. was born on February 27, 1943, in Moulton, Alabama, to the union of James Elton Jackson and Sadie Mae Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Winnie Sue Buford, Cynthia Lane, and Marce ("Pap") E. Wyms, Jr.

James (affectionately known as "Ginny," "Big Jack," and "Didi") and his siblings relocated to St. Louis, Missouri in 1955. He was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools System and graduated Sumner High School in 1961. Upon graduation, James enrolled in the United States Navy and served his country in Long Beach, California, until 1966 and then in the Naval Reserves until 1968.

After his military service ended, James settled back into the St. Louis area where he started working for Lincoln Industrial Corporation as a Drill Press Operator for almost 20 years. In addition to his tenure in the corporate sector, James was an entrepreneur. He owned a lounge, a bookstore, and several barber shops in St. Louis, MO, Oxford, MS, and Moulton, AL. However, one of the most rewarding and fulfilling times in his life was while employed at North Mississippi Region Center in Oxford, he supervised a group of males with special needs. He genuinely enjoyed assisting them with daily living and social skills.

In the early '80's, James began studying the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and answered the call to become a member of The Nation of Islam. He served faithfully and was a staunch supporter for more than 40 years in the East St. Louis, IL, Holly Springs, MS, and Huntsville, AL Mosques.

Also known as "Brother James 3X", he could be found selling the Final Call newspapers in each of these cities multiple times a week and did so until he fell ill in June 2024. James was also a member of the The Nation's Student Minister class, as well as the Fruit of Islam (FOI), and he participated in the historic 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C., of which he was immensely proud. Further, he was a regular attendee at The Nation's Annual Saviour's Day Conference and celebrated Ramadan annually where Muslims fast during that month.

In his heyday, James was an avid Bid Whist and Chess player. He was a "lefty" and a sharp dresser. He could be found making frequent trips to his favorite department store ~Belk. He loved styling in his suits, Stacy Adams shoes, and Fedora hats. He enjoyed making his daily run to Walmart for his fruit and to Captain D's for his dinner. James loved fish, sweet tea (preferably Milo's), sunflower seeds, and black walnut ice cream. He was a basketball fan ~ a fair-weather New York Knicks fan. One of his favorite basketball players was Ray Allen.

He leaves to celebrate and cherish his memory: 6 children ~ James Jackson, Jr. (Erin) (Long Beach, CA); Kerry Jackson (Stanton, CA); Dawn Conner (LaMorris) (Plano, TX); Wendell Jackson (Newport News, VA); Jeronica Jackson (Forsyth, MO); Clara Jackson (Cincinnati, OH); 6 grandchildren ~Tayla Jackson-Martin ) Manchester, VA); Mariah Triplett-Jackson (Long Beach, CA); David & Chase Conner (Plano, TX); Jacinda & Charlie Easy (Forsyth, MO); 1 sister ~Wanda Howard (St. Louis, MO); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

No flower deliveries please! In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sanctuary Hospice House (Tupelo, MS) ~ https://www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com/ or mail checks to: Sanctuary Hospice - PO Box 2177 - 5159 West Main Street -Tupelo, MS 38803