Ian Jackson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of lan Jackson, JD, MBA, BSEE, an intelligent, creative and hardworking man who inherently put the needs of others ahead of his own. Ian was born on December 7, 1970 in Bronx, New York, son of the late Leslyn and Albert Jackson. He passed on November 11, 2025 in Elmsford, NY. Throughout his journey of 54years, Ian was known for his quiet nature, giving spirit and unyielding perseverance.

He spent his early childhood in Tuskegee, AL, where he developed a love for basketball. Ian also became a loyal Tuskegee University football fan. After returning to New York in his youth, Ian spent most of his life in White Plains, NY where he continued to excel academically, challenged himself to step outside of his comfort zone, continued to develop long-term friendships and played many games of basketball.

Ian’s approach to life was shaped by his mother, maternal aunts, sisters, brother-in-law, extended family and friends. He dedicated his life to supporting others professionally and personally. Ian began the process by increasing his comfort with advocacy and public speaking as a high school INROADS intern. He often stated that INROADS was an integral part of his professional development. As an intern, Ian made a conscious effort to become more extroverted and outgoing, as he said it was the only way to survive environments of constant meetings, conversations, and presentations.

As a freshman at Tufts University, Ian realized there were very few black engineering students. Although shy and quiet, he was also a strategist and problem-solver at heart. So, when Ian saw that there was a gap at Tufts that needed to be filled, he created the local chapter of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). By his junior year of college, Business Today Magazine recognized Ian as a national student leader.

Ian graduated from Tufts University, cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and was awarded the Class of 1911 Prize for academic excellence. After graduating, Ian spent his career working in the telecom industry, where he was consistently rated as top talent and inducted into corporate-wide programs for emerging leaders. While working in strategy and business development,

Ian furthered his education with a JD from Boston University and executive MBA from Cornell University. He had an entrepreneur’s heart and wanted to pursue his dream of expanding the business venture he founded at Cornell. Ian wanted to use his knowledge of engineering, law, and business to create a CEO platform so that leadership skills were accessible to all individuals at all levels of their career.

Ian also lived a life filled with quiet generosity, including serving as a mentor throughout his academic and professional career, and providing pro bono services for New York City. Due to his contributions, Ian received numerous awards and was cited in Who's Who in America for three years. Although his life was filled with success, it was not easy. Alongside several medical conditions, Ian was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that often causes major impairments. However, this did not stop him from pursuing his dreams.

Ian’s persistence was unyielding. After his diagnosis, he completed both his JD and MBA while working at least 60 hours/week in business strategy and management. One would think that such professional and academic stress would exacerbate his illness. Yet, Ian thrived. Even though his chronic illnesses progressed, Ian continued to strive for a better life by pursuing business ventures, falling in love, and spending time with family and friends. His persistence and giving nature are awe-inspiring and will not be forgotten.

Ian is survived by his sister, Dawn; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Jeff and their children, Jessyca and Justin; brothers Malcolm and Rasberry; and friends, including his former mentee and long-time friend, Ashanti. Ian’s burial will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Pompano Beach, FL on February 28, 2026 at 10:00 am.