James Fern Jackson, Jr., 86, of Long Branch, Texas, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on June 12, 1939, in Coldspring, Texas, to James Fern Jackson, Sr. and Rula Mae Dunham Jackson. James grew up in Evergreen, Texas, and later married the love of his life, Mearlene Simpson, on March 1, 1961, in Houston. Together they shared 64 years of marriage. James worked for many years in construction with Hassle Construction in Houston before settling in Panola County. He enjoyed spending his spare time fishing and mowing lawns—simple pastimes that brought him peace. He was of the Baptist faith and served at many churches through the years, including Holy House Missionary Baptist Church in Houston. James moved to the Long Branch community over 30 years ago where he continued to served the Lord at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, Pine Hill Church of the Living God, and Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Genise Lewis; grandson, James Edwards; and siblings, Willie Dunham, Jo Etta Simpson, and Glen Garcia.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mearlene Jackson; children, James Jerome Jackson, Myrtle Washington (Kenneth), Wilford Jackson (Angela), Effie Hooper (Danny), and Kyina Routt (William); and sister, Edna Allen. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will dearly miss him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 , at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel.

A guestbook is available at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.