Frederick Leon Jackson

Fred was a husband, father, uncle, brother, soldier, teacher, administrator, volunteer, leader, spiritual man, and mentor. He was able to be all that in eighty-eight years. He fulfilled his destiny while always maintaining his honor, dignity, humor, his compassion and care for his children and the many children he shepherded along the way.

Born in Albany, New York , to Clarence and Carrie (Rhem) Jackson, and the last of their seven children, Fred decided his life path early. First, secure Mildred as his future wife, maintain his childhood friendships, enlist in the armed services and sustain his family while traveling around the world. After twenty years in the military, he retired a Tech Sergeant from the United States Air Force. He enrolled in a teacher training program with Portland Public Schools and initially worked with Special needs students. He taught students at all levels and ended his career in Portland as Vice Principal at Ben-son Technical High School.

All through his life Fred was a man of service. As a young man he was a Boy Scout leader in Washington, D.C. Later, he worked tirelessly advising and encouraging young men through Bridge Builders and young ladies through Imminent Ladies of Virtue (ILOV), taking them on Black college visitations, guiding activities, and preparing Black historical rites and galas. He was a partner with parents in the education of their young people and maintained relationships with families beyond the school experience. Through his memberships in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Mount St. Joseph Grand Lodge, Portland, and Seattle’s Sons of Haiti Supreme Council, he was able to further enrich and support opportunities for young people.

As an avid music lover, Fred maintained an enviable collection of jazz, R&B, gospel and contemporary tapes, records and CD’s. He was also a philatelist and collected stamps from his travels around the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Clarence (Hattie), Albany, NY; James (Lula) Abingdon, MD; sisters Lille Harris (George), Fremont, CA; Vicki Motley (Frank), Springfield,MA; and Christine Jackson, Albany, NY.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his wife Mildred, sons Leon, Marietta, GA; Anthony (Sandra), Portland,OR; daughter Kimberly Elliot, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; granddaughters Sophia Jackson, Portland,OR; Kimoni Elliot, Ft.Lauderdale, FL; chosen godchildren Rodney and Annette Brown, and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his 25th Avenue neighbors, professional colleagues, friends and former students.

Whenever you think of Fred, treat yourself to his favorite indulgence, chocolate!