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Alfred Ely Beach High School University of Utah

Mervin Jackson Obituary

Mr. Mervin Peter Jackson, Jr. - SAVANNAH - Mr. Mervin Peter Jackson, Jr., was born to the late Mr. Mervin Peter Jackson, Sr., and the late Mrs. Vestie Dickson Jackson on August 15, 1946 in Savannah, GA, Chatham County. Mervin was the eldest of their two sons, Merle Anthony Jackson, known as Tony preceded Mervin in death. After starring for two Beach High School state title basketball teams, Mervin graduated from Beach in 1964. He attended the University of Utah, where he played baseball and captained the basketball team for two seasons. Mervin led the Utes to the NCAA Final Four in 1966. Although he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1968, he signed with the Los Angeles Stars, and appeared in the 1969 ABA All-Star game. He remained with the Stars franchise when they moved to Utah in 1970, and played an integral role in the Stars' 1971 ABA Championship title. In 1973 Mervin played for the ABA Memphis Tams. Mervin retired from basketball in 1973. He moved to Denver, and was stockbroker and a television advertising executive with KWGN-TV there. In the mid-Nineties, Mervin came back to Savannah to fill a news anchor slot at WJCL-TV. He worked at WEAS-AM Sports Radio as a college basketball color analyst. He also wrote, produced, and hosted WEAS-AM's Straight Talk talk show. He has also been a color analyst for several University of Utah basketball games. Mervin retired to Tinley Park, Illinois. Mervin was called home to God on June 7, 2012. He leaves behind two first cousins, Marsha Jackson-Bob of Round Rock, TX and Barbara Jean Fuller of San Antonio, TX, a host of cousins, a legion of friends and unforgettable memories without number. Memorial service will be held 6 p.m., Monday, July 2, 2012 at Beach High School. A fund has been established through Carver State Bank. To donate, visit or mail a check to the branches at 701 Martin Luther King., Jr., Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401 or 7110 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, GA 31406. Please convey your thoughts of Mr. Jackson on our website: AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com Savannah Morning News June 27, 2012 Please sign our Obituary GuestBook at www.savannahnow.com/obituaries.

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Published by Savannah Morning News from Jun. 24 to Jun. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Mervin Jackson

Sponsored by His many fans and friends in Utah.

14 Entries

Lena Marquez

December 31, 2019

Merv was so kind and shared funny stories with me of his childhood days.
I loved his sense of humor. I have such sweet memories of Merv.

SHARON DAY

July 2, 2012

Merv "The Magician" Jackson was my dear Friend, Brother for 30 years. I am from Salt Lake City, Utah and I could not have had a better friend. He was a mentor and GodFather to my 2 kids. He showed me that I deserved respect when others just wanted to hate on me. I have kept in touch with Merv all of these years and I will miss him, his sense of humor and his kindness. I knew that he was dealing with some health issues but he took the time to comfort me during my ordeals. What A GREAT GUY Rest In Peace my Brother and I will see you in the Rapture. God Bless The Jackson Family, Love and Miss you Merv

Sam McCloud

July 1, 2012

I will remember us practicing our instruments in Yamacraw. God bless you Dumbo.

Larry Krystkowiak

July 1, 2012

God rest your soul Mervin. You were a tremendous representative of Utah basketball. We will share your legacy with our current team and attempt to walk tall in your absence. Peace to your family and friends. Coach krystkowiak

Steve Cotterell

June 30, 2012

It's Saturday morning in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm reading the local newspaper and find that Mervin had passed. I was on the freshman team at Utah along with Merv. He and Gene Lake were the first African-American players I ever played with. I learned a great deal from him as a basketball player and a person. Nearly all of my heroes in basketball were African-American. Now, I was on a team with two great ones. What a privilege! We had a very good season only loosing one game. Later Mervin went on to achieve the recognition he deserved. His playing with the Utah Stars was wonderful. He was slighted during the 2008 Utah Basketball Celebration of "100 years" of basketball by NOT being named to the All-Time 100 year team ! I couldn't believe it !
He and I were not very close, except for the hours wee spent on the court practicing, in team meeting, and playing games. However, he was (and will remain) one of those people who influenced my life ! Thank you Mervin.
My condolences to all who knew him.

Benjamin Gadson

June 29, 2012

We lost a true gentlemen and a friend on the day Mervin died. I will never forget how he used to show me a good time in Salt Lake Utah when I was in college and we played there. Thanks for being my friend and RIP.

Minister Barbara& Bro. William Lipscomb

June 29, 2012

I rememeber Mervin, he like to smile and have fun, we would play chess and chinese checkers together on the play ground. Mervin, mother Mrs. Vestie Jackson was our play ground teacher, for Yamacraw. Mrs. Frankie Cooper, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Mae, Mrs. Berriens, Mrs.Sapp,Mrs. Lucy Laden and Mrs.Daisy Hick these are some of the mother that I rememeber from Yamacraw Village, when I lived there in the 50th. Our family is truly going to miss Mervin. To Mervin family you have my deepest sympathy.Weeping may endure for a night but joy come in the morning. I'm praying that God will give you the strenght you need to get through your bereavement. Me and Mervin were very good friend from childhood to adult,for many years.

Mervin Jackson

June 28, 2012

To Mr. Mervin P. Jackson Family:I was very to shock hear, that Mervin had died. I grew with Mervin and his brother Tony in Yamacraw Village in the 50th. His mother Mrs. Vestie Jackson and my mother Mrs. Annie M.Gadson were very good friends. I can rememeber the time, Mervin father and mother gave him and his brother big birthday party. I also rememeber his father fixing hot dogs and making homemade ice cream for me, my sisters and for the other children in Yamacraw on Saturday, Holiday and Summertime.
Weeping may edure for night, but joy come in the morning. Earth has no sorrow, that heaven can't heal. You have my deepest condolence. We love you Mervin, but God love you best. Truly, I'm going to miss talking to you on the phone and praying for you.

Justine Cheever

June 27, 2012

I remember Mervin as a good trumpet player and great basketball player.
Rest in peace, Mervin.

John Lang

June 27, 2012

Thanks for the fond memories and rest in Peace.

Gloria Ryals Burnett

June 27, 2012

I grew up with Mervin and his brother and still have pictures of birthday parties back in Yamacraw. Rest in Peace. May God comfort the family during this time.

bernard Garvin

June 27, 2012

with my deepest sympathy to the family.Bernard Garvin,SOL C JOHNSON. 1966-68

Beach High Class of 67

June 27, 2012

Mervin ”The Magician” Jackson..What an era For Beach High School..RIP!

Joyce Perry Breckenridge

June 26, 2012

To my school mate, Mervin, rest in peace my brother.

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