Frank Edward Jackson

Frank Edward Jackson was born on August 1st, 1939 in Birmingham, Alabama - where he spent his formative years. Upon graduation from Wenonah High school in 1957, he gained early-life experience by working several jobs, which included construction, long-haul truck-driving, and weekend disc jockey (known as “Milo Morgan”) at local radio station WJLD.

But in 1963, he was drafted into the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he was stationed at Fort Detrick, Maryland – also working at Walter Reed Army Hospital, until his honorable discharge in March of 1965. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.

On his 26th birthday, he married the former Rebecca Ravenell, at The First SDA Church of Washington, D.C. Though their union did not last, to it was born their “only begotten son” Frank Edward II. As a father, he constant pillar of guidance, discipline, and support to both his son, and (years later) his daughter Ashleigh Elizabeth, no matter what challenges they faced.

In his free time, Frank enjoyed singing and riding his motorcycle. During the 1970s, he sang gospel/spiritual music with The Brothers of Washington, D.C. In the ‘80’s and ‘90’s he performed at The Kennedy Center, with The Paul Hill Chorale. After retirement, he was an active member of the American Legion; and served as President of the Montgomery County Harley Owners Group (HOG) for a time. He was also a member of Montgomery County chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.

Career:

Frank received training in histopathology while serving in the U.S. Army and in electron microscopy at the Leonard Wood Leprosy Foundation. He joined the National Cancer Institute in 1970 as an electron microscopist, and worked there until assuming a position as an Administrative Officer in 1982. In 1987, Frank left the NCI to work in the Division of Contracts and Grants for the National Institutes of Health. He returned to NCI in 1990 to work for the precursors to the Center for Reducing Health Disparities (i.e., Special Populations Studies Branch and the Office of Special Populations Research). The Science Enrichment Program was very important to him. It was designed to introduce incoming 10th grade students to science careers. Students were recruited from all over the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Approximately 1,800 students were trained during the 14 years this program was in existence. Frank was also the primary author of the request for applications (RFA) that created and funded the NCI Special Populations Network (SPN). He describes training as being “essential” stating that, “In addition to academic preparation, you must have real life experiences. The real-life experiences help make the academic preparation meaningful.” Throughout his career he received several awards for his contributions in education, cancer control, and involvement in the elimination of cancer in urban communities. He retired from his position as Program Director in the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities at the National Cancer Institute, in 2006 - after 36 years of service to the National Institutes of Health.

Frank is survived by his son, Frank Edward II (Lesley); his daughter Ashleigh; his grandchildren: Alexandra, Noah, Eddie (FEJ3), and Moses; his sisters: Kathy and Gloria; as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.