Dr. Prince Albert Jackson, Jr

Dr. Prince A. Jackson, Jr., 85, had his transition Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Candler General Hospital.

Dr. Prince Albert Jackson, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 after a long illness. He was 85 years old. Dr. Jackson was a native of Savannah and the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Prince (Julia Robinson) Jackson, Sr. He was preceded in death by his five siblings: Olga Jackson, Arthur Jackson, Margie Soeltner, Hester Jackson and William Jackson.

Dr. Jackson was baptized at Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church at an early age. He received his elementary and junior high education at Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic School (with honors) and his high school education at Beach-Cuyler High School (with honors). He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After receiving an honorable discharged, he began studies at Georgia State College for Negroes, now Savannah State University. He received his B.S. degree in mathematics from there in 1949. He was first in his class and was awared the first Mathematics Honor Key by the Department of Mathematics. He matriculated at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at the New York University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and earned his M.S. degree. After receiving the National Foundation Award to Study at the University of Kansas and Harvard University, he joined the graduate faculty at Boston College, where he received his Ph.D. degree with distinction in 1966. He was a charter member and charter Vice President of Phi Delta Kappa at Boston College.

Dr. Jackson taught science and mathematics and served as the Director at William James High School in Statesboro, Georgia. After that, he joined the faculty of then Savannah State College, his alma mater, where he taught mathematics. Dr. Jackson became the seventh (7th) President of Savannah State in 1971. During his tenure as President, he increased the percentage of faculty holding doctorate degrees from 32 percent to 71 percent. He also eastblished the third NROTC and the fifth radio station at a Historically Black College or University. After his tenure as President, he returned to teaching at Savannah State. In 1993, he was named ""Distinguished Teacher of the Year;"" He retired in 1999.

Dr. Jackson was the author of fourteen research and scholarly articles. He has received thirty-five academic awards and honors. He was the member of twenty-nine professional and scholastic organizations. He was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and a former Southern Region ""A„lpha Phi Alpha Man of the Yea""."" He was also a member of the Frogs Club, Inc of Savannah. He was a charter member and past Chairman of the Executive Board of Director of the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum and a former Vice President of the Savannah -Chatham Board of Education. He became President of the Savannah Branch of the NAACP in 2003 and was a lifelong member on the organization. While Governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter appointed him to serve as Georgia's representative for the 12 states Southern Regional Education Board, making him the first African American to represent Georgia in this capacity. Dr. Jackson was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Catholic Church. He was a member of the first group of candidates to be ordained in the Diocese of Savannah. He was also a Fouth Degree Knight of Columbus.

Throughout his life, Dr. Jackson was known for his jovial demeanor, his dedication to education and civil rights and his strong faith in God which sustained and comforted him during his illness. He was loved by his students and respected by colleagues for his gift to teach so that all his students could learn. He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

Dr. Jackson is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 60 years, the former Marilyn Striggles of Sylvania, Georgia; his four sons: Prince (Jessica) Jackson, III, Rodney (Marie) Jackson, Anthony Jackson and Philip Jackson; his daughter, Julia (Eric) Chriss; six grandchildren: Prince Jaackson, IV, Dominique Jackson, Brianne Chriss, Eric Chriss, Michelle Jackson and Catherine Jackson; four nieces and eleven nephews; two adopted sisters: Cathy Davis and Barbara Davis; a very dedicated friend, Dr. Jeffrey Jenkins; several cousins and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dr. Jackson's name to the Dr. Prince A. Jackson, Jr. Scholarship Fund at Savannah State University, The Savannah Branch of the NAACP, or the Carmelite Monastery (11 West Back Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419).

Rosary service: 7:00pm, Friday, September 24, 2010 at Cathedral Of St. John The Baptist, 324 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Funeral Mass: 10:00am, Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Cathedral of St. John The Baptist Church, 324 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Interment: Catholic Cemetery, 1600 Wheaton Strteet, Savannah, GA 31404.

Please convey your thoughts and remembrance about Dr. Jackson on our website at: www.adamsfuneralservicesinc.com