John David Jackson, 86, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2023, while residing at Heritage Hall in Leesburg, VA. Born in Abington, PA on March 11, 1937, he was the son of the late Rev. A.W. Jackson and the late Dorothy (Hogg) Jackson. Although his later years brought a challenging diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia, the disease never masked the heart of who John was. Even during this hardship, his selfless spirit, wit and God's grace were evident.

John is survived by Donna Jackson and their children, daughter Kristi (Kevin) Trerotola and son Kirk Jackson; grandchildren Natasha (Aaron) Hess and Niklas Abi-Najm and great-grandchildren Adelaide, Emma and Hazel Hess and his sister Ruth (Jim) Reid. He was proceeded in death by his sister, Renee (Leon) Morris, his granddaughter Nicole Abi-Najm, nephew David (Becky) Morris and nephew-in-law Rob (Susan) Good. His love of family extended far beyond those mentioned above, as he purposefully kept close relationships with literally all his extended family on both the Hogg and Jackson sides.

John graduated from W-L high school in Arlington, VA. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Maryland where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He went on to earn his Master of Law from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He joined the U.S. Army and proudly served as a JAG officer from '62 through '66.

John took his first job in the legal field with Litton Industries in a suburb of Philadelphia. He then transferred to Santa Monica, CA, until accepting a job with Fairchild Industries that brought him back to the east coast and closer to family. John worked the remainder of his corporate career at Fairchild Industries until retiring in the role of Senior Vice President in 1995. He continued to work with Fairchild as a consultant after retiring but following in his dad's footsteps, he began to focus more on his heart's calling to inner city ministry. He had always been involved with Gospel Rescue Ministries (now Central Union Mission) in Washington, DC but became Chairman of the Board from 1996-2000 and then served as the Executive Director from 2000-2005. He continued serving on the board of directors through 2018. Additionally, John served on the board of Mercy Medical Angels for many years and was a faithful member of the Washington, D.C. Rotary Club.

All areas of John's life were characterized by his faithful walk with Christ. He had a true servant's heart, evident to all he encountered. John gave generously (and quietly) of his resources and time. He had a strong work ethic which was equally shown in both his very successful career and his volunteer work. John did a tremendous amount of pro bono legal work for anyone who had a need. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his family, studying and teaching the Bible, sports in all forms (playing, watching and coaching), and road trips. Many will fondly remember "The Farm" in Great Falls where he routinely hosted friends, family, and strangers for gatherings great and small. He loved working in the yard - everything from growing vegetables to teaching all his grandkids to drive a tractor. John loved a good joke and had a knack for making others laugh with his quick wit. He loved genealogy, devoting many hours to compiling family stories and sharing them with those around him. In 2013, he wrote a book which documented the life of his father, Reverend A.W. Jackson. It was one of his great accomplishments to not only preserve and honor his father but to have a tangible way to share that legacy with others. Like his father before him, the legacy John leaves behind is undoubtably far-reaching and a testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

A memorial service and lunch will be held on Saturday, April 8 ^th at 11am at Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207.

Memorial donations can be made to the Central Union Mission. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of John Jackson. https://www.missiondc.org/ways-to-give/more-ways/in-memory-honor/