Opher Jackson was born on May 14, 1926 in Brinkley, Arkansas to Irvin N. Jackson, Sr. and Inez Morreau (Fullerton).  Opher was preceded in death by three brothers: Oscar Jackson, Clarence Jackson and Irvin N. Jackson, Jr. and a daughter, Dianne Jackson.

Opher was a long-time member of East Glenville United Methodist Church and Celebration United Methodist Church, consecrated after East Glenville and Werner United Methodist Church combined. He served on the Trustee Board, was a member of the Men’s Choir and the United Methodist Men. He helped organize the Annual Men’s Pancake Breakfast, Men’s Fish Fry and other fundraising events. He supported East Glenville and Celebration with his time and energy. Opher Jackson was vigilant, listened and trusted the Lord, Jesus Christ until the end of his life.

Big “O” as he was affectionately known by his family, came to Cleveland in the 1930s. He attended Central High School. He joined the Army and fought in the South Pacific from 1945-1946.  After being honorably discharged, he worked for the city of Euclid. He was a member of Teamsters Local 138 and retired from ACME Foods in 1988.

Big “O” married Catherine Jackson in June 1954 and from this union one child was born, Opher Ervin Jackson. They were married for sixty-five years.

Big “O” was a quiet and loyal man. He was an exceptional roller-skater. The “Pla-Mor” Skating Rink had a display of him skating. He loved to dance with his wife and play catch with his son. He rooted for the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers. He was a prolific Browns fan and attended the games with his family from 1946-2015 and as a season ticket holder from 1965. He enjoyed his daily walks around Euclid Creek Park for over 30 years after he retired.

Opher peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. He leaves to celebrate his transition to Heaven, his son, Opher Ervin Jackson (Belinda); three grandchildren, Jackson Brown, Christian Jackson, and Christine Jackson; one brother-in-law, Floyd Duncan, four sisters-in-law, Clara Duncan, Gwendolyn Eckstein, Eldora Whye and Lannie Saviour all of Cleveland, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.