Artis Montzel Jackson Sr.

Born in Dallas, Texas to the parentage of James Jackson and Addie Jackson Edwards, Artis was a man of unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and profound love for the game of football. He began his career as a factory worker, where he was known for his reliability, strength, and camaraderie with fellow workers. His hands, worn from years of honest labor, also lifted hearts in the pulpit as a devoted minister, offering spiritual guidance and compassion to all who crossed his path.
Before his life of service, he was a 1983 graduate of South Oak Cliff High School. After graduating from high school, he received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University.
Artis lived three extraordinary callings in one lifetime - each marked by integrity, perseverance, and unwavering faith. He began his journey in humble beginnings, where his talent and dedication led him to the world of professional football. As a member of the Miami Dolphins and later traded to Cleveland Browns. Artis played with unmatched heart, discipline, and strength, earning respect on and off the field.
After retiring from the game he loved, Artis embraced a different kind of strength - becoming a Sanitation Food Safety Manager at Frito Lay for over 25 years, where he labored with pride, purpose, and quiet dignity. To his co-workers, he was more than a colleague; he was a leader, mentor, and friend - always willing to lend a hand or an ear.
But perhaps his most lasting impact came through his spiritual calling. Answering God's voice later in life, he graduated from Southern Bible Institute, became a minister, an associate pastor of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, devoting his time to preaching the Word, guiding souls, and serving his community with compassion and humility. Whether at the pulpit, in hospital rooms, or visiting families in need, his presence brought comfort and hope.
To his family, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, always ready with a word of wisdom, a warm smile, or a firm handshake. To his community, he was a mentor and a friend - a man who embodied humility, resilience, and grace.
He leaves behind a legacy not only of achievement but of character - one built on faith, sacrifice, and love. Artis is survived by his loving wife, Sultry Giles Jackson, his parents, Addie Jackson Edwards of Dallas, TX; and the late James Jackson Sr., children, Chelsea Jackson of Dallas, TX; Artis Jackson Jr. and wife Atraisia of Melissa, TX; Destinee Jackson of Dallas, TX, A'shar Jackson of Denton, TX; Kade Jackson of Garland, TX; Hunter Jackson of Denton, TX; and Zae Giles of Austin, TX. Siblings, Eunice Hamilton of Desoto, TX; Joyce Murphy of Houston, TX; Mary Jackson of Pleasant Grove, TX; Renee Jackson of Dallas, TX; Donnetta Jackson of Dallas, TX and Dwayne Edwards and wife, Leslie of Midlothian, TX; The late James Jackson Jr,, and grandchildren, Mason Potts-Williams, Nia Jackson, Braelon Jackson, Mauriah Love, Ja'Zaira Early, and Hendrixz Giles, countless friends, former teammates, co-workers, and members of his congregation.