Steven Jackson Jr.

Steve Jackson compared life to a journey by train, traveling one place to another with various stations to embark and disembark. Each station along the route becomes part of a timeline that tells our life story once our journey ends. Steven Jackson embarked upon this journey in 1939, enjoying the people, events, and accomplishments along the way.

EMBARKING ON LIFE’S JOURNEY

Steven Jackson, Jr. was born June 26, 1939 in New Orleans, LA to Steven and Clara Jackson. Stevie Jr., as he was affectionately called, was the second of four children. In the 1940’s the family relocated to Queens, NY where he attended PS 48 elementary school, PS 40 Samuel Huntington Jr High School, and Jamaica High School. In high school, he played varsity basketball and baseball, ran track, and was a member of the honor guard. He graduated in 1957.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Immediately after high school, Stevie Jr. proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He traveled the world while dutifully serving his country, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal on May 23, 1960 for his honorable and faithful service. He remained an active member of the 1st Marine Corps Reserves until 1980. After his honorable discharge, Steve attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, majoring in Criminology.

Steve’s capacity and drive to reinvent himself enabled him to become a jack of all trades. He worked for Pan American Airlines, freelanced as private security, and served with the New York Police Department. He was extremely proud to have scored in the top 10% of candidates who took the written part of the NYPD entrance exam and in the top 1% on the sergeant's exam. Turning a side project into something more, he became co-owner of S & J Printing. Later in his career, he served as a Production Manager with Nice-Pak Pharmaceuticals, from which he retired.

MILESTONES

Steve’s first marriage was to Cynthia Humphrey. From that union, his eldest daughter Stephanie Monique was born. He later married Jacqulyn “Jackie” Landry who is now deceased. In 1970, Steve met his partner for life, the former Julia Dyanne “Jaye” Alston. Together, they were blessed with three children: Steven Kobie, JoyDawn Lleah, and Danielle Silvette. Further along the journey, Steve gained four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. When their children were young, Steve and his wife Jaye relocated from Jamaica, Queens, NY to Airmont, NY for several years. Upon his wife’s retirement, the two of them relocated to Villa Rica, GA. where he lived the last seven years of his journey.

NEVER A STRANGER, ALWAYS A FRIEND

Steve never met a stranger or forgot a face. He made friends wherever he went, and made an effort to relate to everyone. Steve’s greatest sources of happiness were his family and friends. Proud of his Jamaican (father) and Louisiana Creole (mother) lineage, he enjoyed sharing anecdotes about his parents. Family remember “Uncle Steve” for his joviality accented with a deep, mellow voice, welcoming smile, lighthearted sense of humor, and “swag.”

Steve routinely and faithfully called friends to tell them a story, make them laugh or just let them know that he loved them. You could ask Steve how he was doing. Instead of complaining, he’d usually reply with a laugh and say, "I'm keeping my head above water…standing on my tippy tippy toes.”

INTERESTS AND TALENTS

He enjoyed many different genres of music. It was not unusual to hear Steve sing and hum to himself, and he shared his musical talent with his children. He dabbled in doo-wop for a while and reconnected with a childhood friend who became a member of the 1950s group, The Chantels, and his second wife. Steve was a great cook and a talent on the grill. He and his wife Jaye made guests feel right at home with their hospitality. His eclectic interests included: playing the lottery, world history, chess, and any other competitive sport. Jogging suits were his attire of choice. He traveled and relaxed in them and occasionally wore them to work with a briefcase.

FINAL STATION

On September 15, 2023, Steve reached the last destination along life's journey. There to greet him were his parents, Steven and Clara Jackson; sister and brother-in-law, Emma Jean and Donald Humphrey; younger brother, Thomas "Tommie" Jackson; and his youngest daughter, Danielle Silvette Jackson. Final resting place will be Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

LEFT TO HONOR HIS MEMORY

Cherishing his memory are his wife of 52 years, Dr. Julia "Jaye" Jackson; daughters Stephanie Jackson and JoyDawn Jackson; and his namesake, Steven Kobie Jackson, III (Ashley). The pride of his life were his grandchildren: Jamal Hill; Rooster, Revel, Herlie Jackson; and great-granddaughter Alani Hill. Steve is survived by his beloved youngest brother, William Jackson; brothers-in-law: Frank Abbott, William Levi Alston, Walter (Selma) Alston; and sisters-in-law: Debbie Jackson, Pargellan McCall, and Joan (Fred) Williams.

Steve adored his Jackson nieces and nephews: Robin, Donna, Scott (Rhonda), Kim, Kelley (Felix), William, Crystal, Darryl, Eric, Pam, Thomas, Wayne, and Darren.

He cherished his Alston nieces and nephews: Joyce, Arniece (Lynwood), Stella (Russell), Chris (Ingrid), Avery (Betty), Jacqueline (Dash), Harry, Terry, Julia MaryEllen, Walter (Jackie), Frankie (Deidra), April, Faith, William, Kortni, Cathy (Jarrod), Stevie, Cardrienne (Rikk), Glisa, Garfield, Andrea (Les) and Kristall (Martin).

CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY

Steve’s reminder to those closest to him to “enjoy each moment of life’s journey,” is a good motto to live by, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made. . . rejoice and be glad in it.” Steve knew that life must be lived as we journey along. Instead of always rushing along, try to: travel the scenic route instead of the interstate, observe more sunsets, sing more, dance more, laugh more, complain less, chat with friends, and hug, kiss, and tell those dear to you that you love them.

The man is a success who has lived well, loved much, and laughed often.-Stevenson

Well done, Steven Jackson, Jr.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/atlanta-cremation for the Jackson Jr. family.