Rev. Jackson was born in Shelton, LA to James and Mittie Jackson and raised in Oak Ridge, LA, by his grandmother, Maggie Lewis. In 1943 he moved to Crossett, where he was employed by Crossett Lumber Co. Throughout his impressive career, Rev. Jackson joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the usher and deacon boards. He became a minister in 1949 and served as pastor at Ivory Chapel Baptist Church in Bastrop, LA, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Monroe, LA, Rose Hill Baptist Church in Dermott, and Holly Springs Baptist Church in Pine Hill. In 1950, he became pastor of New Bethel and became full-time pastor in 1966.

Rev. Jackson's commitment went far beyond his activities as pastor; he was passionate about giving back through other community service as well. In addition to serving as pastor of New Bethel, he was moderator of the Southeast District Baptist Association for 29 years, second vice president of the Regular Arkansas Baptist Association, and instructor of the ministers' seminar in the association for over 20 years. Reverend Jackson was also president of the Williams Daycare Center board of directors, a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Exodus Lodge 403 of Crossett and Scottish Rites Angerona Lodge 78 in Pine Bluff, and a member of Eastern Star of Silver Star Lodge 306 in Crossett.

A man of great character, he returned to high school at the age of 31 and graduated from T. W. Daniel in 1959. He was also a graduate of United Theological Seminary in Monroe.

While Rev. Jackson may no longer be with us, his spirit and legacy will live on forever in the lives he touched. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife of 62 years, Sallie Lee Jackson; their daughters Hazel Hill, Betty Levy, Bobbie Hendrix and husband John; their son Charles Jackson and wife Mary; his sister Leola Coleman; his fifteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.