Robert Scott Jackson

Robert Scott Jackson was born March 25, 1951 in Ishpeming, Michigan to Florence Jackson and Virgil Vincent after which he was placed with the State of Michigan foster care system for possible adoption. Mr. Jackson was quickly placed in a loving home and at two years of age was placed with Willie and Ophelia Nash and lived with them until the age of sixteen when he returned to the foster care system. Robert attended Boynton Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, and Hunter Junior High and graduated from Southwestern High in 1969.

After his high school graduation Robert immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. As soon as he received his discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Robert began his lifelong dream of adventure by hitchhiking twice from Detroit across the continental United States and settled in Los Angeles, California.

While living in California, Robert worked in the film industry, and also as an extra in the movie Blackula and assisted with the film editing of numerous movies. He also befriended William (Billy) Thomas Jr. aka Buckwheat from the Little Rascals TV show and remained close friends until Mr. Thomas' death. Years later Robert appeared in two episodes of Life in the ER - Detroit Receiving Hospital while employed with the Detroit Medical Center.

While living in California, Robert was able to indulge in two of his favorite pastimes: hiking the hills of California and being at one with nature. There he would utilize the knowledge and skills he gained as a member of the Boy Scouts which created some of his happiest childhood memories. In time, Robert hitchhiked his way back to Michigan where he worked for the railroad system, cleaned carpets, worked as a portrait photographer and as a baker with Dunkin Donuts where he quickly became well known in his neighborhood. (He would bring the day old donuts home and distribute them to the kids in his neighborhood.) As an industrious person Robert was always busy and even began two companies when unable to find suitable employment.

Eventually one of his customers suggested he apply for a position at Hutzel Hospital where he became fascinated with medicine. With an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, once Robert had stable employment he was able to turn his attention on educating himself. With his love of people and an interest in his own genealogy he decided to study Anthropology and graduated from Wayne State University in 1996 and later returned to complete his Master's in Special Education.

Although Robert always worked hard, he longed to have a family of his own and was elated with the birth of his one and only daughter NaKesha whom he loved unconditionally and later met and married his wife Jacqueline and felt his life was finally complete.

Robert had many interests and enjoyed the outdoors, visiting museums and zoos, and anything involving history and travel. Robert loved to read anything he could get his hands on and built an impressive library over the years. He loved playing video games and made friends with teammates all over the country. He
was an avid table tennis player and competed in tournaments until recently when he became sick. Robert enjoyed watching movies with his wife and attending concerts as he loved listening to all genres of music, especially the big band era of the 1940s and 50s and he loved listening to Frank Sinatra.

However, the most important thing in life to Robert was family and he emphasized this by the high value he placed on his family, relationships and the pursuit of knowledge and education and encouraged all he met to embrace these pursuits in their own lives.

Robert leaves behind to cherish his memory his best friend and loving, devoted wife Jacqueline Henry and daughter NaKesha Sewell. Eight stepchildren: Nina Sewell (Niya), Joenine Sewell (Marvin, JaKayla), Thelmina Sewell (Perry, Kahirah), Quentin Henry, Ebonique Sewell (Jayla, Jamina) Loren Sewell, Janica Sewell (Damaire, Kyhrel, Eric, Ja'liyah, Kylie) and Piper Sewell (Niyare); niece Erica Henry McDade (Ariel, Jason, Justin and the newest addition Jaxen) and nephews Jerome Ronie Rapley and Junious Boonie Sewell; thirteen grandchildren and eight godchildren and three loved them so much should have been his children: Fallon Webb, Kelli Scott and Antonio Taylor. Robert will also be fondly remembered and loved by his extended family and a host of friends, co-workers, students and everyone he reached out to.

In death as in life Robert continued to be a giving spirit by choosing to donate to the Gift of Life Foundation.

Robert was known by and answered to many names: Mr. Jackson, Jackson, Robert, Rob, Bob, Bobby, Uncle Robert, Uncle Bob, Dad, Daddy, "Old Dude" "Dad Dude" and "Papa", but in the end he was a great man and true friend to all who knew him.