Kappa Journal Spring Issue (Spring 2017)

TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE

tucky; West Point Military Academy and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his military career, he was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Air Medal, among other military honors. In 2006, he was inducted into the West Virginia State ROTC Hall of Fame. In 2013, he was honored by the Broward County Historical Commission for outstanding contributions to the com- munity. His most prized honor, however, was being selected as the 1996 “Father of the Year” at the New Mount Olive Bap- tist Church in Fort Lauderdale, where he was an active member and sang in the choir for many years. For more than 20 years, Brother Jackson worked with the Florida Depart- ment of Education and Dade County Public Schools, retiring as a Regional Director for Title I Education Programs. Brother Jackson was always a com- mitted community servant, focusing on programs that emphasized voter educa- tion, self-empowerment and community values. Since retiring in 1999, he devot- ed more of his time working with civic, fraternal and political organizations. He served as Polemarch of the Fort Lau- derdale (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and was a Life Member as well as a Southern Province Life Member. He also served as Past President of the Fort Lauderdale Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, Inc., as well as the Central Broward Kiwanis Club. Un- der his leadership, the influence of these organizations grew. The Fort Lauderdale Alumni Chapter recognized him as their “Kappa Man of the Year” due to his leadership. He was also a member of the Fort Lauderdale Negro Chamber of Com- merce, Pride of Fort Lauderdale Elks Lodge, Fort Lauderdale Branch of the NAACP and the Urban League of Bro- ward County. As a past Class President and Honorary Social Chair, CJ also enjoyed being an active member of the Class of 1955 of Dillard High School. Brother Jackson was married to Bob- by J. Penn of Martinsville, Virginia in 1968 until they divorced in 1986. They had two children, Clarence O’Brian and Jacquelyn Jeanine. As a testament to their abiding friendship over the years,

CJ and Bobby later remarried. Bobby preceded CJ in death, passing away on September 2, 2016. Brother Jackson was best known for enthusiastically opening his home to everyone. He adored entertaining others, taking immense pride in making people feel welcome and being the consum- mate host. At any given time in the early days, you would find a dozen children play- ing in the front yard or swimming in the pool. They say the fastest way to some- one’s heart is through their stomach, and Brother Jackson took this literally! He captured many hearts over the years through the care he put into the meals that he lovingly prepared for anyone who crossed the threshold of his home. From the sky-high stacks of frisbee-sized pancakes he made for his children’s sleep over guests (from young childhood through college) to his famous three-day marinated fall-off-the-bone ribs, Brother Jackson took great pleasure in everyone enjoying his food. He will always be remembered as a faithful servant of God who served others, a loyal friend and a passionate, unapologetic advocate for the under- served. He left a strong legacy as a servant leader who followed the Golden Rule being the best example of uncondi- tional love, leadership and service for his children and grandchildren. Lt. Colonel Jackson is preceded in death by his father, mother and wife. He is survived by his two children, Brian (Dina) and Jeanine (Cleveland III); his sister and brother, Jacqueline and Al Preston; nieces and nephews, Crystal (Ron), Al P. II, Barbara (Terry) and David (Debbie); grandchildren, Cleve- land IV, Jackson, Anastazia and Bianca; as well as a host of other family mem- bers and friends; including his longtime special friend and loyal caregiver, Shirley Hall.

Lt. (R) Tyrone James 1956–2016 Lieutenant in the United States Navy, Nurse and U.S. Postal Worker

Lt. Tyrone James was born Novem- ber 11, 1956 to the union of Oscar C James Jr. and Bernice C James. He was a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

and resided in Columbia, South Caro- lina. Brother James attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary, Scotlandville Junior and Senior High Schools, all within the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. While attending Scotlandville Senior High, he was a member of the marching band and ROTC program. He contin- ued his education at Southern Univer- sity, Baton Rouge, where he was a 1978 graduate obtaining a degree in Liberal Studies. He was a member of Southern University’s Human Jukebox marching band where he played the trombone. He was initiated at the Evanston (IL) Alumni Chapter in 1982. He received his Life Membership Certificate in November 4, 1985. In addition, Brother James was one of the charter members of the Camden (SC) Alumni Chapter, where he served as Vice Polemarch. Brother James enlisted in the United States Navy in 1978 where he served his country for 10 years becoming a commissioned officer. Upon retiring from the Navy, he chose a career path in Nursing attending the University of South Carolina. Later, he had a long successful career at the United States Postal service from which he retired. Brother James leaves to cherish his memories a loving mother, Bernice C James; son, Troy D James (LaTarsha) of Baker, Louisiana; two brothers, Anthony James (Mary) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Michael James of Copperas Cove, Texas; two sisters, Vertis Lathers of Ba- ton Rouge and Sandra Green ( Eric) of Cocoa, Florida; two grandsons, Troy D

94 |  SPRING 2017  THE JOURNAL

Publishing achievement for more than 100 years

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