Obituary of David A. Jackson

David Alan Jackson

September 12, 1959 – September 11, 2017

David Alan Jackson, age 57, quietly passed away on September 11, 2017 ending a nine year battle with multiple myeloma (cancer) which he contracted from exposure to contaminated water while undergoing U.S. Marine Corp Basic Training at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Born on September 12, 1959 in Albany, New York to Elise V. Jackson & Thomas J. Holmes, David spent his early childhood in Albany attending Albany Public Schools before moving to Washington, DC and later Gordonsville & Hampton, VA. David was a graduate of Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA. After High School, David enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, where he served four years. David later attended the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences becoming a Certified Pharmacists Assistant.

David was a gentle giant with a big smile. David will forever be remembered for his love of family, his easy smile, his heartfelt laugh, and his easy going spirit. He had a love for sports and games, particularly football and basketball. While at heart a New Yorker, David remained a die-hard Washington Redskin fan. Despite all that life handed David he never complained. While David and Chris had no children of their own, they welcomed neighborhood children into their hearts and home, offering them food, entertainment, support, guidance, education, and hope for a brighter future. David was often referred to as “My David” by children in the neighborhood.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Elise V. Jackson and Thomas J. Holmes, and one sister, Floretta Coger. David leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife and partner of 30 years, Christina Pierce Jackson; three sisters – Deidre Jackson of Silver Spring, MD, Opha Holmes Floyd of Fredericksburg, VA, and Yvette Simon Holmes of Albany, NY; and one brother Derrick Holmes of Albany, NY. He also leaves two aunts, Lucretia Trice of Gordonsville, VA, and Jenny Jackson of Tucson, AZ; his step-mother, Gerelene M. Ross Holmes of Fredericksburg, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Memorial Services will be held on October 7, 2017 at 2:00pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206.