We gather today with feelings of admiration and love to celebrate the Life of TJ Jackson.

TJ Jackson was born May 6, 1933, to the late Ella Mae and Willie Jackson. He was the last of six children. His late siblings were Willie Lee, Eula Mae, Almeta, Eddie Thomas, and Arthur Lee Jackson.

TJ attended Hutto School in Bainbridge, Georgia, and graduated with his diploma. He took a temporary reprieve from his studies to support his family, joining the U.S. Army, and later returned to attend Savannah State University, where he completed his bachelor's in business administration.

At SSU, he met his now-wife, Harriet Anne Jackson, and was then blessed with two sisters-in-law, the late Anice Purse and Claretha Bivins. On October 19, 1962, they married.

As a father, he served as a pillar of support and guidance to his children as they matured into the men they are today.

Throughout his life, he was a diligent and devoted worker. He was an educator who shaped the minds of so many students in Florida.

He also took up work as a librarian. Later, he became an entrepreneur with a number of businesses, one of which he was particularly proud of, TJ's Market. A number of his grandchildren have many fond memories of that Ma and Pa shop. His ambition came from his childhood. At the early age of five, TJ Jackson made a pact with his brother Tommie to work hard to take care of the family until the day they died. He accomplished what he set out to do. With his support, his family grew, and he was blessed with children and a host of grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

TJ Jackson was diligent, devoted, and driven. He served as an inspiration to those who came before him and those who walked after him. He left a legend in his wake of a man who was determined to create a new life for himself and his loved ones, and in turn cultivated a life rich in mind, body, and spirit.