After a courageous battle with cancer James Jackson went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2025. James was born to Benjamin and Mariah Jackson on September 26, 1939 in Hoxie Arkansas. James attended Elementary school in Hoxie, Arkansas & and later in Memphis Tennessee. After the death of his Stepfather in 1954, the family moved to Barberton, Ohio. There he attended U.L. Light Jr High School and went on to Barberton High School where he graduated in 1957.

While still living in Barberton, James met the love of his life Helen Webb & they began dating in 1957. After Helen graduated from Barberton High School the couple married in January 1962 & to their union are three daughters: Valerie, Erica and Vikki. They were married for 56 years & remained together until her passing in 2018

James was always known as a hard and dependable worker. He always earned an honest living & worked wherever he needed in order to provide for his family. Throughout his youth, and during summer breaks, he worked on several farms in Hartville, picking vegetables. He also worked as a pin setter at many bowling alleys in Barberton, Oh. James went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. Afterwards, he went on to work for Babcock and Wilcox, Roadway, and the University of Akron, where he later retired. James’s hobbies included: bowling, gardening, fishing, and watching sporting events. He enjoyed planning annual summer vacations. He loved traveling to New York City, South Carolina, Florida and especially Pennsylvania to visit his sister Juanita. He also enjoyed spending the holidays with family & friends.

James will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful Husband, Father & Provider

James was preceded in death by: his loving wife Helen Jackson, Grandparents: Pastor George & Georgia Wells, Parents Benjamin & Mariah Jackson-Taylor. Siblings: Lucille (Monroe) Lewis, Clara Bingham, Juanita (Lugene) Davis, Felix Ware, Thomas Jackson, Minister Wesley Benjamin Jackson. Nephew: Lee Bingham: Uncle Eugene Wells, Aunt Hattie Wells, Uncle Robert & Ellis Wells. Aunt Ernestine Bibbs. Cousins: Charles Brown, William & Louis Bibbs, Dorothy Bibbs Ware, MacArthur “Mac” Bibbs. Eugene, George, L.V., Ormajean, Sue & Senora Wells. In laws: Gene Webb, Terral Jones, Larry (Loretta) Webb.

James leaves to cherish: his Brother Dr William Taylor; Daughters Valerie Jackson Sheppard, Erica (David) Britton, Vikki Jackson Houston. Grandchildren: Austin (Alecia) Sheppard, Sidni Sheppard, Miles Sheppard, Brianna (Alec) Mcleod, David Britton II, Camille (Dustin) Portis, and Monet Houston. Great-grandchild Amaya Sheppard. Special in laws– Cheryl Taylor, Amelia Jones, Odessa Webb, Melvin Webb. Special Friend: Phyllis Fennell. Nieces/Nephews: Tiffany (Steve) Gray, Terral Jones Jr. Harry “Hap” Ware, Farley Lewis, Jerome (Jenny) Lewis, Glenn Lewis, Ronnie Lewis, Robert “Butch” Lewis, Darlene (Isis) Lewis, Lewis Askew, William Taylor, Alden Taylor, Mariah Taylor. Lugene “Sonny” (Natalie) Davis, Harry (Jaqulyn) Davis, Calvin Davis, Dr Clarence Davis, Marie Davis, Lashawn (Derek) Webb, Regina (Richard) Curry, Tedra Webb, Christina Webb. Michael Webb, Matthew Webb, Aaron Webb.. Cousins: Jessica Bibbs Brown, Cleola Bibbs Buckner, Yvonne, Helen, Alfonzo, Larry, Tommy, Floyd & Michael Wells