James Harvey Jackson Sr.

James H. Jackson Sr. (‘Jim’) was born in a sod house on the prairie of South Dakota on June 24, 1920. His father, George, was an itinerant carpenter; his mother, Margaret, was a pioneer woman. Jim was the oldest of four siblings. The family moved frequently and lived in South Dakota, Illinois, Washington, and California. Jim graduated valedictorian from Excelsior Union High School (Norwalk, CA) in 1936. He was a first-generation college student, graduating from Pasadena College with an AB degree (Philosophy & English Literature) in 1941 and an MA degree (Religion) in 1943.

While at Pasadena College, Jim met Alida Scharn. On June 30, 1944, they were married in Bellflower, CA and set off on what they called a “Great Adventure” that lasted 63 years. It began in Oakland, CA, where Jim served as pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene. After their oldest son—Jim, Jr.—was born, the family moved to Merced, CA to take up a new pastorate. A second son—Jerry —was born soon after.

In 1949, Jim returned to his alma mater. Over the next 40 years—which included Pasadena College’s relocation to San Diego and eventually becoming Point Loma Nazarene University—he taught speech, debate, and drama as well as English literature and religion classes. During this time, he also earned a Ph.D. (Speech Communication) from the University of Southern California in 1957.

During his tenure at Pasadena College/Point Loma Nazarene University, Jim served under seven college presidents. In 1960, he was appointed Dean of Students, a position he held for 18 years. When he returned to classroom teaching in 1978, Jim was elected chair of the Faculty Council and, later, president of the alumni association. He retired from full-time teaching in 1989.

Jim was well travelled, having visited every state in the USA and every continent (except Antarctica). Even so, he remained active in the San Diego community as a Rotarian, a board member for Youth for Christ, and a visitation pastor for the First Church of the Nazarene. His many church missions trips to Latin America were a highlight of his retirement years.

Jim was proud of his family of two sons, James Jr (Joanne) of La Jolla and Gerald (Deborah) of Melbourne, FL; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

In 2010, Jim became Chaplain at White Sands. He delighted in playing the piano daily for his neighbors. But most of all, he enjoyed visiting White Sands residents and spreading acts of love and caring. Service to others in Christ’s name is what he will be remembered for.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Jim’s memory to the James and Alice Jackson Speech and Debate Scholarship Fund at Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Dr., San Diego, CA 92106, to the SD Project Grace meal service for homeless persons at the Pacific Beach United Methodist Church, 1561 Thomas Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 or to the Resident Employee Educational Assistance Program at White Sands of La Jolla, 7450 Olivetas Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037.