"Coach" Les Jackson's Obituary
After an extensive battle with cancer, our beloved Lesley “Les” Wayne Jackson received his Heavenly wings on June 2, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.
Les was born to the union of James and Susie Jackson on April 19, 1952 in Henderson Kentucky. At a very young age, the family moved to Maywood, Illinois where he attended Maywood Public Schools and graduated from Proviso East High School. He was an accomplished basketball player in high school and went on to play in college until he was drafted into the military where he played for the Army team at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington.
In 1975, he completed his term in the Army and returned to Illinois but returned to Washington State shortly thereafter to put down roots in Seattle. As a man of many talents, he worked in several positions before settling in as a sub-contractor until a service related and on-the-job injury ultimately led to early retirement. He eventually met his wife Tiva and they became an officially blended family of 9 by marriage 8 months later. The ceremony was officiated by his Pastor Joseph Carter of Eternity Ministries and her Pastor Doug Wheeler of Christian Restoration Center.
Les had a lot of love for his family and as much as he treasured them all, sports was truly his first love. He was an avid Lakers and Bears fan and when he wasn’t watching sports on tv, he was on the phone loudly discussing them. In addition to playing basketball he also played with the local Playmakers and Back Stabbers softball teams. Though his work injuries curtailed his playing days, he and his former softball teammates continued to meet regularly over lunch to discuss old times.
He was deeply rooted in community sports teams and for several years coached for the Seattle CD Panthers football and baseball teams for not only many of the area’s local children but his own sons and grandsons as well. Many referred to him as coach, but he was also affectionately called Dad or Pops by others. Even in his last days he spoke proudly of those times and was especially proud of his players who went on to play professionally.
Les was a debonair, strong willed and well-connected man who was loved by many and apparently knew everyone in the world. His wife said everywhere they went in their travels, he ran into somebody he knew, including the time they were walking down the street in Canada and when they got caught outside in a downpour in Vegas. He either had friends or made friends everywhere he went and if he didn’t know you, he got to know you.
Over the last 16 years Les battled one illness after the other, but due to his strong will, he fought it through until the end, went out like a true warrior and will be missed by so many.
Les was preceded in death by his parents James and Susie Jackson, three brothers and son Eric Jackson. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Tiva, sons Ilori Jackson (Rachelle), Les Jackson II, Micah Wells (Amisha), Andre Jackson, Namon Wells-Howard, daughter Malika Wells, grandchildren Isabella, D’Eric, L’shon, Sade, Little Micah, Jada, Devin, Zion, Emahsha, Kayanna, Dreanna, Hania, Andre ll, Malik, Naylani, Jason and Nyomi, an extended family of bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren, daughters in love Dana, Kami, Rayshelle, Nerilyn and Salitha, his Mother in Law Sherri Jackson who he affectionately referred to as Mother, sister-in-law Tiffani who he claimed as just sister, his extended Cheatham family, Aunt Marva, Aunt Ramona and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Son, Boo-Bear, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Unc, Dad, Pops, Chief, Grandpa, Coach and Friend, get your rest and continue to watch over us all. Miss you like crazy!!
Attendees of the service are requested by family to wear in honor of Les his favorite color blue, Lakers or Chicago Bears outfits or colors, or your favorite sports team wear.
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