James E. Jackson

James Edward Jackson was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 7, 1940 to Ezalia Rhodes Jackson and Jeff Jackson, Sr. He was the second eldest of five children. At an early age the family moved to Cleveland, OH where he attended Cleveland public schools. He joined the Army in 1958 and was stationed at Fort Belvoir Virginia. In February 1965, he married Elizabeth Gilbert Jackson. To that union, two children were born. Evette Renee Elizabeth and Kevin Dwayne. In June 1985, he married Geraldine Preston Jackson. To that union, Erika James was born. James retired from Union Carbide, where he was employed as a Tool & Die Maker. He also pursued a Mechanical Engineering degree at Cuyahoga Community College.James (J.J.) loved music, dancing, cars, traveling, nice clothes and playing cards. He was always the life of the party. He had a big personality, which made him unforgettable to many. While he would not consider himself religious, he accepted Christ at a young age, and valued the power of prayer. He enjoyed laughing and kept his sense of humor even when his health was failing. His debilitating health required him to live in assisted living facilities. Select staff at Embassy Health Care provided excellent care and considered themselves part of the family.James made his transition on June 17, 2017 at 8:20 am. 8/20 is the birth date of his eldest child Evette Jackson Clark.James was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Marcetta Adams. He leaves to cherish his memory: Brothers - Jeff Jackson (Linda) Oakland, CA; Al Prentice (Janice), Birmingham, AL and Sister Larcina Moore, Avon OH.?Children, Grands & GreatsEvette J. Clark - Christopher & Valencia (son: Logan)Kevin D. Jackson ?? Justin (son: Justin) & Arion (Kameron) son: Kameron JrErika J. Jackson ?? Jayda & TyonnaMonique ?V. Webber - Kyle, Dymonique, Dezyree Michaelle D.?Webber - son Branden?And a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.My Last Request- from my uncle\'s funeral Please dont say that I gave upJust say that I gave in.Dont say I lost the battleFor its God\'s war to lose or win.Please dont say how good I wasBut that i did my bestJust say I tried to for whats rightTo give the most I could, not less.Please dont give me wings or halos,thats for God to do.I want no more than what I deserveNo extras, just my dueDont be concerned with me nowDont talk about what could have beenIts over and doneJust see to all my family\'s needsThe battle has been wonWhen you draw a picture of meDont draw me as a saintI\'ve done some good, I\'ve done some wrongSo use all your paintNot just the bright and light tonesUse some grey and DarkIn fact, dont put me down on canvas,Paint me in your heartDont remember all the good timesBut remember all the badFor life is full of many thingsSome happy and some sad.But if you must do somethingThen I have one last request.Forgive me for the wrongs I\'ve doneAnd with the love that\'s leftThank God for my soul\'s resting,Thank God for all who loved me,PRAISE GOD who loved me bestBy: UNKNOWNSpecial thanks to the elect staff at Embassy Health Care who provided exceptional service to him