John Calvin Jackson Jr.

John Calvin Jackson, Jr. passed away peacefully at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, at 91 years of age. He was born on September 16, 1932, to John Calvin Jackson, Sr., & Ethel Isom Jackson.

John grew up in Griffin, Georgia, and joined the United States Army immediately after graduating high school in 1949, at the age of 17. For six years, he proudly served his country, fighting in the Korean War. With a desire to continue his military service, in 1959, John enlisted in the United States Navy. In the Navy, he completed three tours of duty during the Vietnam War. For his combined 22 years of service and bravery, John received several military honors and medals, including the Good Conduct Award (four times), the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars for participating in two campaigns. In 1982, John retired from the United States Navy as an E-6 Chief Petty Officer.

Serving in the military fueled John’s desire to travel both domestically and abroad. He visited states and countries on six of the seven continents, often returning home from long periods overseas bearing gifts from all over the world. His family experienced life on military bases in Brooklyn, NY, San Diego, CA, Cincinnati, OH, Norfolk, VA, and Philadelphia, PA. After nearly three decades in Pennsylvania, John decided to leave behind the cold, snowy winters and moved to Virginia Beach, VA, in 2014.

During his leisure time, John surrounded himself with joy and laughter. He was an excellent pool player, often referred to by his buddies as a “pool shark.” He enjoyed listening to all genres of music, especially jazz, while savoring the complexity and depth of flavor found in a glass of expensive scotch. In the nursing home, they called him “DJ Jackson” because he played his music loudly from his room, for the staff's listening and dancing pleasures. Some days, John would ride around on his red scooter known as the “Red Cadillac” sharing his love for life.

John considered his greatest accomplishments to be his children and grandchildren. He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and often shared stories about their awards and accomplishments with listeners. The nursing home teams, hospital staff, doctors, and caregivers spoke about his endless conversations regarding his love and admiration for his family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 29 years, Mary R. Jackson, and his youngest daughter, Relatha “Lea” Jackson.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud. He leaves behind three loving and devoted children: Dr. Ruthenia A. Jackson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Renwick (Mihoko) Jackson of Bradenton, Florida, and Mr. Ronald (Sharon) Jackson of Sicklerville, New Jersey; three intelligent and fun-loving grandchildren, Ronald, Jr., Rhiana, and Aiko Jackson; four bonus grandchildren, Charles, Christopher, Leslie, and Brianna Reid-Bey; three sisters-in-law, Connie Williams, Ronda Bell, and Denice Murray; one brother-in-law, Rickie Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Calvin Jackson Jr., please visit our floral store.