James Garfield "Chief jackson" Jackson

James Garfield Jackson, known to many as 'Chief Jackson', was born Tuesday, October 24, 1933, in Columbus, Ohio. He passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the age of ninety-one, with his loving wife, Mary L. Jackson, and his family by his side. He was a life-long resident of the city he loved. He attended the historic East High School. The yearbook indicates that his motto was, "Fight for what you want." Following graduation in 1951, Chief Jackson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for three years with an honorable discharge.
Chief Jackson's journey in law enforcement began on March 16, 1958, when he joined the Columbus Division of Police. Over the course of his illustrious career, he achieved the remarkable distinction of being the only person in the Division's history to place first on three written promotional exams (sergeant, captain, and deputy chief). He was appointed sergeant on March 27, 1967, lieutenant on February 14, 1971, captain in July 1974, and deputy chief on June 12, 1977. As deputy chief, he oversaw the Investigative Subdivision for six years, the Patrol Subdivision for one year, and the Special Operations Subdivision for six years.
Chief Jackson achieved the Police Division's highest position when he was appointed Chief of Police on June 15, 1990. He was the first Black Columbus police chief and the longest serving police chief in the history of the Columbus Division of Police. James Jackson dedicated fifty-one years to the Columbus Division of Police and served as chief for nineteen years.
Throughout his career, Chief Jackson was a steadfast advocate for equal opportunities and a vocal opponent of discrimination. His testimony in federal court cases in 1973, 1975, and 1984, played pivotal roles in addressing hiring, assignments, and promotional disparities within the Division. In 1996, the Columbus Division of Police was subject to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, which alleged excessive force, false arrest, improper searches and seizures, and employment discrimination. Chief Jackson refused to sign a consent decree and fought the DOJ, ultimately prevailing and proving that the Division did not promote a pattern of violating citizens' constitutional rights.
Chief Jackson's leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity. He implemented numerous programs to enhance public trust and confidence in the Columbus Division of Police. Under his guidance, the Division achieved its first Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) award in July 1999 and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) award in September 1999. The Division also received the distinction of being the "Best Dressed City-with over 200 Officers" in the annual Best Dressed Police Department Competition in 1991, 1995, and 2002.
Chief Jackson was instrumental in establishing community policing programs, which fostered trust and collaboration between the police and residents. He championed diversity in the police force, ensuring that the department better reflected the community it served. Under his guidance, the division introduced cutting-edge technologies to enhance crime prevention and investigation, earning national recognition for innovation and effectiveness. His unwavering dedication to fairness and integrity made him a respected leader and mentor to countless officers.
Chief Jackson's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He was a devoted resident of Columbus, maintaining his ties to the community he was sworn to protect. He said, "I was born and raised here. I feel attached to the community. I feel I owe it something." Chief Jackson embodied a quote by the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth."
His early experiences, including a newspaper route that taught him integrity, discipline, duty, and self-reliance, shaped his lifelong commitment to public service. He once stated, "I have always sought excellence in my performance not only because it was in me to do so, but because my upward mobility opens doors for others and sets an example of accomplishment." Chief Jackson continually sought professional excellence by attending classes at Harvard University, The Ohio State University, Northwestern University, and the FBI Academy. He also took management courses offered by the Secret Service and other management organizations.
James Jackson's personal life mirrored his professional life in many ways. He advocated justice, equity, and inclusion for all. He was an ardent supporter of Charity Newsies and actively participated in their annual fundraising campaigns as they solicited support from area residents. He was a man of faith who was affiliated with area churches, including St. Paul A.M.E. Church, The Church of the Apostolic Faith, Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc., and most recently, as a member of the First Church of God.
The family has many fond memories of Chief James G. Jackson. He was a good listener who did not judge before hearing. He was easy to talk to. He was loving and affectionate. He regularly checked on family to make sure everyone was okay.
Chief James G. Jackson was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, dedicated friend, servant, and leader. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Jackson; his sister, Barbara Jackson; and his two sons, James G. Jackson II, who passed away in 2024, and Jason Todd Jackson, who passed away in 2019.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of over thirty years, Mary L. Jackson; his daughter, Michelle (Otis "Chip") Smith; and his grandchildren: Jamie's children, Tiffany, Angela, James Jackson III, and Joye Raimey; Jason's children, Josh, Jameson, Jaden, and Jordan; and Michelle's children, Otis G. Smith III and Sydney L. Smith; godson, Vincent Banks; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His family and countless colleagues will remember him for his dedication, strength, and kindness.
Chief Jackson's legacy as a trailblazer, innovator, and dedicated public servant will be remembered and honored by the Columbus community. May he rest in peace.
And what does the Lord require of you? But to act justly and to love mercy; and to walk humbly with your God – Micah 6:8 NIV
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