Samuel Duvall Jackson Sr.

Samuel D. Jackson, Sr. passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, April 14, 2020, due to complications from the COVID-19 virus, a few weeks shy of his 83rd birthday. Sam was born in Washington, DC to Philip and Lucy Beatrice (Powell) Jackson on May 1, 1937.

Sam grew up on 11th Street in Northwest DC with his three brothers and two sisters. His father worked for the railroad. After graduating from Cardozo High School, he met and married Klea Davis in 1957 and eventually settled in the Petworth neighborhood. Their children included a daughter, Klea, and two sons, Samuel Jr. and Matthew.

He began his working career as a paper boy, delivering the Washington Post to homes throughout DC. His outstanding customer service and reliability were recognized with a dagger in a leather sheath, which he later used in whittling small items for his children. He went on to serve in the federal government for over 30 years. His last job before retiring was with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He had the honor of meeting several of the astronauts, including the first African American astronaut, Guion Bluford.

Sam also took on extra jobs to support his family and provide additional opportunities for his children, such as violin, flute and clarinet lessons, and trips to church camp on the James River and magic camp on Long Island. The entire family traveled to New York to see the 1965 World Fair. His second jobs included stints at Hechinger, a local home improvement chain, and at the Watergate Hotel. He was working at the hotel at the time of the infamous 1972 failed break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters and was friends with the security guard who helped break the case.

Sam enjoyed playing his many harmonicas and cracking corny jokes. He served as an usher for many years and belonged to the National United Church Ushers Association. He was a devoted son to Lucy until her death in 2003, often traveling the half mile to her home to mow the grass and shovel snow. He was a loving grandfather to Duriel Chandler and Beverly, Charity and Tabitha Parks.

Most recently, Sam resided at the Grand Oaks Assisted Living facility in Washington, DC, where he was a favorite of the staff with his easy-going nature and quick laugh. He is survived by two sisters, Philicia Collins and Mary Paulette Owens, his daughter, Klea, his son Sam Jr., his son Matthew, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Due to the current restriction on large gatherings, memorial services will be planned at a later date.