Longtime Alabama Baptist pastor and leader Jimmy Jackson died this morning (July 19). He was 84.
Jackson served as pastor of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville for 40 years before retiring in 2018. Before coming to Whitesburg in 1978, he served as pastor of three other churches — Union Baptist in Grand Bay; First Baptist Key West, Florida; and First Baptist Merritt Island, Florida.
A native of Mississippi, Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in Clinton. He also earned a master’s degree and doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Through the years, Jackson has served in a variety of leadership positions, such as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention (2009–2010) and first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention (2006–2007).
‘Served us well’
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, shared on Facebook, “Pam and I join so many in praying for the Jimmy Jackson family as they mourn his passing. Jimmy Jackson was a statesman among Alabama Baptists and Southern Baptists. He was an excellent president of our state convention. He served us so well at a critical time. To say he will be missed is a vast understatement.”
Greg Corbin, pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham and previous chair of the SBOM trustees, posted, “Through my tears I give thanks to the Lord for his impact on my life over 30+ years and pray for Bobbi and family. I quote him often:
‘The storm you are in is more powerful than you are, but it is not more powerful than you are in Christ.’
‘Be quick to forgive. You will have to forgive some people lots of times.’
‘Stay steady.’
‘Bloom where you are planted.’
‘Stay in the battle no matter what comes.’
Family and arrangements
Jackson is preceded in death by his son, Randy. He is survived by his wife, Bobbi; daughter, Rhonda; son, Russell; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His funeral is set for July 23 at 1 p.m. at Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville (will be live streamed on Whitesburg’s YouTube channel) with visitation July 22 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.
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