Mr. James P. Jackson

James Porter Jackson, lovingly supported by family and friends at his bedside, passed peacefully from this world to the next on his spiritual journey. He lived life to the fullest until three months ago when he suffered a stroke, developed complications and died on the 30th of October 2015.

A native of Beaumont, TX, Jim was born on the 21st of October 1930, the son of Margaret Weed Jackson and Bruce Maxwell Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of fifty-nine years Sarah, their daughter baby Sarah, his sister Ann Jackson Houghton, his brother Bruce Weaver Jackson and his second mother Emily Vaughan Jackson. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Jackson Royce and son-in-law Ben Royce, his son Davis Jackson and daughter-in-law Sheila Morrison Jackson, his sisters-in-law Betty Faulkner Davis and Jimmie Jay Jackson, his grandchildren James Royce, Robert Royce, Ian Jackson and Madeleine Jackson Dunn and husband David, his great-granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Dunn, his sister Amanda Jackson Hochenedel and his extended family including nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim graduated from Beaumont High and Rice University with honors. He earned an MBA from the University of Houston and was selected to be in the founding class of Chartered Financial Analysts. He spent his career as a financial analyst, stockbroker and small business investor with Rotan Mosle in Houston. The firm was later acquired by Paine Webber which was in turn acquired by UBS. Jim’s first job was as the runner who posted new transactions from the ticker tape up on the chalkboard, literally running around the catwalk to keep all the information up to date. No apps back then. Jim was a longtime member of The Church of St. John the Divine, having served on the vestry and in other ministry roles. During their early retirement years residing in Wimberley, Jim and Sarah enjoyed the fellowship at St. Stephen’s Church.

An avid hunter and fisher, Jim is known far and wide for skill, stamina and enthusiasm in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. Many younger men were left gasping for breath as he led them to the best fishing holes – just up this side of the mountain, over the pass and down into the meadow. Then climb back out afterwards. But the fishing was indeed splendid! He was also quite a card player and math whiz. He enjoyed bridge throughout his adult life, and revealed that gin rummy winnings helped put him through college.

Jim was also a wonderful example of generosity, integrity and leadership. He was the steady rock on which several generations of our family could rely for help, advice and a timely rebuke when needed. Jim and Sarah were a wonderful example of two becoming one, a team that truly stood the test of time.

A memorial service, in celebration of Jim’s life, is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 7th of November, in the Sanctuary of The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Doug Richnow is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Sumners Hall.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private inurnment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to a charity of one’s choice.