Biography:
James Arthur Jackson (aka Chuck) was born to Bessie and John Henry Jackson on August 9, 1938, in Cheraw, South Carolina with the help of a midwife. Midwife assisted births were common for our folk in the South in those days. While he was actually named Darnell by his father, his birth certificate (completed by the midwife) stated that his official name was James Arthur. A very fitting and regal name for the distinguished gentleman that he became. He was the youngest male of 12 children.
Sadly, after a blessed, long, rich, full, and sometimes difficult life, he was taken home on October 28, 2022.
In 1940, after the death of his beloved mother, his father moved the family to NYC (147th St bet. Amsterdam and Broadway). In a household of 6 siblings, overseen by his eldest sister, Alberta, James grew, thrived and often got into mischief.
He attended PS 146, Geo. Wash. H.S., served in the U.S. Army & was granted an honorable discharge. He seriously considered re-enlisting to serve on the soon to be front lines in Vietnam but, instead, became employed at Bird S. Coler Hosp. on
Roosevelt Island as a Food Tech Specialist and was a loyal activist for Local 420 for the next 38 yrs.
It was at Bird S. Coler Hosp. where he met, fell deeply in love with, and married the woman with whom he would spend the next 63 years of his life – his beloved Evelyn. James and Evelyn were married at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church by Rev. Monroe Wall on July 26, 1959. Their only child, Janine, was born the next year on June 9, 1960.
James was a hard-working provider, sometimes working two or three jobs to make sure his family had what they needed. He was a fun-loving prankster, had a warm, generous, and loving heart, and had a variety of interests--music, sports, game shows, and traveling the globe. He especially loved and cherished his only grandchild, Jonathan, with whom he had a special bond.
James began to regularly attend Mt. Calvary Church late in his life. He served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, teaching and guiding male youth, was an Usher, in the Prayer Band, the PTA, and served on the Male Chorus. As long
standing and devoted members of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, both he and his wife were ordained as Deacon and Deaconess on April 13, 1997, under Rev. Adolph
Roberts.
James is survived and deeply missed by his daughter and grandson, Janine and Jonathan. Also, by his last remaining sibling, Edith, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, friends, and Church Family. Our comfort comes from knowing that he is now in heaven joined with his loving wife, his other family members, and is at peace and out of pain. He will be missed, but never forgotten and always loved and remembered in our hearts.
Sorrowfully Submitted by The Family
