Samuel Columbus "Skip" Jackson Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Samuel Columbus Jackson Jr. "Skip", age 62, of Meriden, Connecticut, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Born on December 3, 1963, in Middletown, Connecticut, Skip was the son of the late Estelle Byrd-Jackson and the late Samuel Columbus Jackson, Sr. He was raised in Middletown and graduated from Xavier High School, Class of 1982, where he proudly lettered in track, football, and basketball. He later attended Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Skip honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer in the K-9 Unit. During his service, he received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and earned Expert Marksmanship Badges for rifle, pistol, and hand grenades.

Throughout his career, Skip was employed by EIS in Berlin, CT, Walbro in Meriden, CT, and most recently by the State of Connecticut, Department of Education.

A cherished member of both the Meriden and Middletown communities, Skip was deeply involved in youth sports. He loved co-coaching his daughter's softball team during her early years and later returned to co-coach in the Meriden Girls Softball League (MGSL). He was a passionate sports fan, especially devoted to the Philadelphia Eagles and UConn Men's and Women's Basketball teams, and was blessed with the opportunities to see his favorite teams play in their home stadiums. Most recently, he became a fan of the Florida Panthers hockey team.

Skip had a lifelong love of jazz and enjoyed music of all genres. In his spare time, he liked to read motivational spiritual books, fish, play poker, and cook. He was well known for his love of social media, using TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to stay connected with friends and family. Many looked forward to his daily text messages filled with inspirational messages, spiritual quotes, humor, and encouragement. He was a natural cheerleader-always uplifting others with laughter, kindness, and unwavering support. He demonstrated this by attending games, concerts and plays, and stepping in to help wherever he was needed.

Recently, Skip was on a meaningful personal journey, beginning his mornings by regularly attending day opener AA meetings at the Renaissance Club in Wallingford, where he found fellowship and strength as well as a sense of community and belonging.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 35 years, Maria Collazo Jackson; his children, Tashonda Crosby, Jeremy Andrew Griswold, Jamie Francis Griswold, and Joelle Elan Jackson; and his beloved grandchildren Christopher, Allyssa, Karson, Kameron, Kaeden, K'ymoni, Kayne, Kori, and Kenna.

He is also survived by his brothers, Joey Jay Jackson and wife Alisha Jackson and Kenneth Jermaine Jackson and partner Christine Wu; his godchildren, Ismael Ortiz, Asia Virella (Jackson), Monique Lespier, Simone Elan DeLeon and Peter-Julian DeLeon; his aunts and uncles, Thomas Larry Jackson, Geraldine "Geri" Jackson, Howard Byrd, Bishop Jean Byrd-Taylor and Mark Byrd; and a host of Jackson/Collazo nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. His circle of friends played a strong role in his life providing many memories and laughter especially in his infamous "Mancave".

He was predeceased by his parents Estelle Byrd-Jackson and Samuel Columbus Jackson, Sr; grandparents Elizabeth Jackson, Roosevelt Jackson, Juanita Brown Byrd, Jerome Byrd; his-in-laws Julia Carrion and Jesus Pablo Collazo; his brother-in-law Jose Rafael Collazo, and his godchild Ariel Crespo.

Skip will be remembered for his generous heart, listening ear, infectious laughter, kind smile, sense of humor, unwavering encouragement, and deep love for his family and community. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will live on in all the lives he touched.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Burial for the family will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com