Clarence Albert Jackson

Clarence "C.J." Jackson was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 11, 1944, to Beatrice and Ollie Jackson. He was the youngest of 11 children. The Jackson family moved to Saginaw, MI when Clarence was 9 years old. C.J. graduated from Saginaw High School in 1962. He was a member of the Trojans 1962 state championship basketball team. After graduating, he attended Delta College. C.J. earned a B.A. degree from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI in 1968. He obtained a M.A. in management and industrial technology from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI in 1974. C.J. was a lifelong learner and completed numerous management and professional training classes through the years. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1969 – 1975.

C.J. married his wonderful wife, Catherine, in 1971. The union between C.J. and "his honey" lasted over 54 years. Their marriage served as an example to many, displaying unwavering commitment, genuine partnership, and deep love that inspired everyone around them. They had two children, Corey and Carmen. C.J. was a devoted family man who made it his mission to check on everyone – he was the person who called, visited, and made sure his loved ones were doing well. He genuinely loved his family, extended family and friends.

C.J. worked for General Motors (GM) for over 36 years. He started his career with GM as a supervisor. C.J. advanced to be a GM Parts Distribution Center manager in 1978. He held this position in New York and in Maryland. In 1991, his career transitioned to the Battery Division where he served in regional battery sales management positions in Georgia, Michigan and Indiana until he retired in 2000. He was a manager at heart – business-minded, strategic, and always thinking about how to improve processes and help people succeed.

C.J. had an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he invested in several businesses, partnered in a battery sales company and became a real estate investor. Real estate was one of his true passions. He loved renovating and flipping houses and was a landlord for many years. A skilled handyman, C.J. was always building and fixing things – there wasn't a project too challenging or a problem he couldn't solve with his hands and his mind. He found genuine joy in seeing a project through from start to finish.

C.J. and his family held Christ as the center of their lives. He attended Zion Baptist Church in Saginaw as a child. C.J. was a deacon and trustee at Grace Bible Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD for 11 years. He attended Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Roswell, GA. C.J. became a member of Trinity Baptist Church in 1995 and remained a dedicated and faithful member until his passing. During his time there, he served as a deacon, trustee, Awana leader, mentor, repairman and dedicated servant. He loved Christ and revered His word. C.J.'s favorite scriptures were Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 41:10, and Romans 5:8. He loved the hymn Trust and Obey, and the songs, My Help (Cometh from the Lord) and Blessed Be the Lord by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. C.J. displayed servant leadership throughout his career and church service. He loved helping others and sharing his experiences to encourage them.

C.J. had a heart for people that was truly extraordinary. He never met a stranger – his warm smile, friendly demeanor, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcomed and valued. He loved to talk and always had a story to tell, sharing wisdom and laughter in equal measure. His generosity knew no bounds; he was always ready to help, no matter the situation. He loved good food and great fellowship, often bringing people together around the table. Most everyone has a "C.J. story" because he helped and touched the lives of so many people. His infectious laugh, encouraging words, and willingness to show up made him a treasure to all who knew him.

C.J. leaves to honor his life: his wife, Catherine Jackson; his children, Corey Jackson (Lauri) and Carmen Williams (Adam); granddaughter, Iman Johnson-Jackson; great grandchildren, Noelle Musa, Noah Edwards and Inaya Mosley; sisters, Judy Jackson and Ollie Mae Wright (Eugene) and a host of extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.