Samuel Jackson

Jackson, 75, was called unforgettable, a great leader, a community icon, a Christian man by a few chosen people selected to speak because of their relationship with him. Jackson died in his sleep of an apparent heart attack last Sunday.

Using the scripture from Rev. 14:13, during the eulogy, Dr. Robert Fairley said, "there is a newsflash from heaven. Brother Jackson is at peace. He is at peace because he is at rest, he is renewed..."

Speaking for the family, his daughter Sherry spoke of the lessons taught by her father. "He taught us to think and reason, to have determination and perseverance," she said. She continued: "He believed children could and would succeed at whatever they were to do."

Deacon Robert Jenkins told the story of Jackson making the right choices in life: to go to school, to go into the Air Force and picking the right wife.

Rev. Raymond Turner called Jackson a man of wisdom and an encourager. "He left this world a better place," said Turner.

His passing was recognized by Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod who adjourned the state Senate in his memory as did Assemblymember Amina Carter. Councilman Rikke Van Johnson and S.B. Supervisor Jose Gonzales both held a moment of silence.

Born February 4, 1932 in Uniontown, Alabama, he came to San Bernardino in 1952. Upon graduating from Dunbar High in Bessemer, Alabama, Jackson joined the Air Force. In 1952, he was stationed at Norton Air Force Base and made the Inland Empire his permanent home.

Jackson was best known for the ownership of his insurance agency but he owned other businesses as well, including a malt shop and a dry cleaners. He was an advocate of education and made sure each of his children went to college. Jackson himself graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with two degrees, one in sociology and one in psychology.

Jackson was involved in the community and was a member of a number of organizations. He was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Prince Hall Masons, Westside Action Group, the Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches.

A long time member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, he was a member of the Laymen's Ministry and formerly sang in the male chorus.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Willie Faye, children Sherri Jackson, Ronald (Rhonda) Jackson and Philip (Sharon) Jackson; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a host of friends and family.