James "JJ" Forrest Jackson, Jr

Lt. James Forrest Jackson, Jr. 72 of Rockingham, went to be with his Heavenly Father Wednesday night, February 19, 2014 following a courageous 3 ½ year battle with cancer. JJ as he was known to his many friends was born May 24, 1941 in Richmond County, son of James Forrest and Ila Britt Jackson. He was a member of Jefferson Park Free Will Baptist Church where he played guitar during the musical portions of the services. In the early 1970’s, JJ was bass player for Eastern Seaboard Band. JJ was employed for over 32 years with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department, having served under 3 Sheriff’s, many of those years as Court Bailiff. He was instrumental in the design of the patch and shield used on the department uniforms and cars. When current Sheriff James Clemmons joined the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department in 1989, it was JJ who took him to The Hub in Charlotte to get his first uniform and has served with him ever since. JJ was well known and highly regarded, throughout the state by members of law enforcement, district and superior court judges. Following his retirement he was able to devote more time to his loving wife and their Gospel radio station, WJSG, G104 FM. JJ was currently writing a book to be called “Court Room Stories”, has written many gospel songs and was also known for handing out small pocket crosses to many. In 1986 he married the love of his life, Sherrell Reynolds Jackson, about who he wrote the song “Old Fashioned Baby”. In addition to Sherrell, he is survived by special friends, Scott and Laurie Waters, Brian and Dianne Puckett, Donnie and Tammie Hogan, Max and Sylvia Brigman, the G104 FM Radio family and many other close friends. A service to celebrate JJ’s life will be held at 3 pm Sunday at Jefferson Park Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Webster, Rev. Frank McQuage and remarks by Sheriff James Clemmons. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Richmond County Memorial Park with honors provided by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department. A special time of remembrance and to honor JJ’s life will be held from 5 to 8 pm Saturday at Jefferson Park Free Will Baptist Church. The family will gather at other times at the home. To honor his memory and legacy of service, memorials may be made to Jefferson Park Free Will Baptist Church, 308 Forrest St., Rockingham, NC 28379.