Jimmie Olander Jackson, Jr. was born in Lexington, MS on July 31st, 1942, to the late Jimmie O. Jackson Sr. and May Betty Ayles Jackson-Smith. He was raised in Lexington and Tchula, MS and attended Saints Industrial School. Growing up in Mississippi produced many challenges and both grandparents had a strong influence on his character. At a young age, he learned self-discipline, work ethics, and a love for family. He would work with his grandfather Mack Ayles, Jr., delivering ice. Jimmie's love for cooking came from his grandmother Albernia Jackson who taught him how to cook. In 1951 Jimmie, Sr. moved the family of six to Paducah, KY with number 7 on the way. Jimmie, Jr. continued his education in Paducah graduating from Lincoln High School in 1960. After graduating, Jimmie went on to join the United States Airforce where he was stationed in Oscoda, Michigan and earned three stripes in the first two years. After completing a 4-year term of the United States Air Force, Jimmie started a career at General Motors as a Laborer where he spent the next 33 1/2 years advancing from Foreman to General Foreman. During his tenor at GM, Jimmie was responsible for bringing on several family members and friends from Saginaw, MI and Paducah, KY as future employees. Jimmie's favorite accomplishment while working at GM was assisting his eldest sister, JoAnn, to get hired in the HR department where she completed her employment until her retirement. Jimmie always felt good about helping others get jobs. His motto was, if they want to work, they were hired. He was an advocate for getting family and friends employed by GM until his retirement.
Jimmie's Family and Friends remember him most for being a jack of all trades, master of many (especially grilling), an advent card player (talking smack to whomever, whenever), a mixologist (always coming up with some type of drink that he wanted you to try), a florist (could make anything grow), the fixer (if it was broke, he could fix it) and the number one stock broker (always watching the stocks and giving advice on where to put your money). He was especially known for his welcoming spirit and generous heart. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, laughter, and unwavering support.
Whether greeting a stranger with a smile or offering help without hesitation, he made everyone feel seen and valued. His generosity extended beyond material gifts through wisdom he always shared, and love he poured into his family and friends
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters JoAnn Mathews and Maggie Jackson, Brothers Keith & Willie Jackson, and son Randall Jackson.
To honor and cherish his memory, He leaves his wife, Rosie Dobson Jackson of 31 years, six daughters and three sons, Rodney Jackson, Rhonda (Kenneth) Green, Regina (Juan) Hilburn, Letreanna Brooks, Ericka Jackson, all of Saginaw, MI, Jimmie "Jay" (Morgan) Jackson III, Tracie (Larry) Mathews of Smyrna, TN, Antonio (Carmen) Stokes of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and LeKisha (Fred) Campbell of Smyrna,TN, his Siblings Mary (Willie) Brewer, Nora Seay, Tommie (Sylvia) Jackson, Betty Jean Walker, Teola Hegwood, Carol (Willie) Matlock, and Sherie Jackson; Bonus Siblings J.C. Davenport, Charles Mathews, Curtis Newell, Nolan Smithers, Donald Meekey, and Thomas (Wink) Johnson; 29 Grandkids Kenny, Keyandra, Keyondre, Randall (Pooh), Ralando, Reytrell (CoCo), Reana, Ja'Shawn, Jazmine, Ja'la, Emanual, Brittany, Anthony, JaMiya, Karter, Kali, Te'Arika, Tom, Toma'J, Ta'Marion, Ty'Aira, Aniyah, Eden, Kaleb, Kristian, Elisha, Destyne, Erynn, Malachi, Kaden; 10 great grandkids, and 7 nephews, Fred (Molly), Edward (Pornchitra), Andre, Marvin, Randall, Ronnie, Ronald; 20 Nieces, Christanza, Tammy, Kim (Quinton) ,Tia (Wayne), Mesha, Brittany, Bethany, Benevolent, Starr (Vincent), Kendra, Terica, Miss (Kevin), Senta, Genia, Valeria (Darryl), Tanya (Ted), TJ, Little Tracie (Wendall), Takiyah, and JoAnn Dobson. Special Friends, Brenda and Weldon Stokes, Inez Thomas, and Shirley Johnson (Joe), Susie (Larry) Dawson. Gloria Thompson, Al Jernigan, Eva Poindexter, Jimmie Nick, Ann Jones, Betty Dobson, Cecilia Barnett, Jesse (Shirley) Mason, Shirley Shumpert, and Tammy Jackson.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah, KY with Reverend James Topp and Evangelist Melanie Nunn officiating. Military Honors will follow.
Family will receive friends at the church on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
You may leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
