John Westley Jackson was born on March 3,1934. He was born to the late Joseph and Viola Jackson. He grew up with his eight siblings Jodie, Robert (Zeke), Bill, Janie, James (Fats), Marie, Viola, and Louise. He had six children Stephen, John, Paul, Michael, Gale and Linda.

John grew up in South Philadelphia. As a youth, John was affectionately named "Shorty" by his friends and family because of his stature. When he was 16 years old John's attention was captured by the new next door neighbor Ruby Harrell. She became the love of his life. John married his beloved wife Ruby Harrell on March 23,1957. They shared over 63 years of marriage. Early in their marriage, Ruby started studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. Initailly, John showed no interest. 1 Peter 3:1 proved true in their lives, as John was won without a word through the conduct of his wife. Impressed by her calm disposition John started studying the Bible along with Ruby. One of his greatest joys came when he got baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Adding to that great joy John and Ruby got baptized on the same day, July 14,1962. They enjoyed working in the ministry together. As one of God's fellow workers he aided and encouraged several individuals to cultivate a personal relationship with Jehovah one being his good friend and confidant, Lambert Kiah. John had the privilege of serving as a elder in the Fairmount Park Congregation for many years. No doubt because of his endearing personality John had the opportunity to officiate the marital union of several spiritual brothers and sisters. John prioritized, as to make sure his family attended assemblies and annual conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses.

John placed a high value on providing for his family spiritually and secularly. He worked hard for the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation. He enjoyed using those skills when organizing children's recreational activities in the congregation. In addition, he supplemented his income working extra jobs cutting hair, cutting grass, shoveling snow and painting.

John enjoyed time with his family and friends. He was very fond of his nephews James and Dwayne whom he raised as his own sons. He also shared a very special relationship with Jame's late wife Diane. John showed compassion to others by not just telling them he cared but by showing them. He enjoyed many Sunday afternoon baseball games with the Fairmount Park and Woodside Congregations. John had a great sense of humor and would give nicknames to his friends and family. He was very active with cooking and delivering meals for the elderly in the congregation. Thus, receiving his nickname "meals on wheels".

John was a spiritual man, hard working, kind, generous of his time and energy and will be dearly missed.

John leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife Ruby Jackson; six children Stephen, John, Paul, Michael, Gale and Linda (Predeceased); Daughter-in-laws Tammy Jackson; Carol Jackson (Predeceased); Eight siblings Marie, Preceded in death Jodie, Robert, Bill, Janie, James, Viola, Louise. Also honoring his memory are a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and dear friends.