Judson Ott Jackson

Judd was born in Dallas, Texas on September 11, 1943 to Maxine O. and Jess L. Jackson. He was the son and grandson of pastors. His parents pastored Bethel Temple in Dallas for 21 years, a church founded by his grandparents Elsie D. and Albert I. Ott. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School in 1961. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1967 with a triple major in government, history and psychology. Judd loved learning and continued his education at the University of Houston and Loyola University. He later served in the United States Army where he went to Officer Candidate School and achieved the rank of second lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in 1979.

In 1971, his Aunt Aretes Ott Jones introduced him to Diana Mathews, a young woman who had grown up at Bethel Temple Church in Fort Worth where Aretes and her husband Charles R. Jones pastored. Judd and Diana were married in 1973 and for the matching making his aunt extracted her price from Judd — a set of jade grapes he had acquired in his import and export business.

The newlyweds began their lives with the first of many moves to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Judd’s work in media, largely faith-based media, took them across the globe. They lived as far north as New York City and Chicago to as far south as São Paulo, Brazil; from as far west as Scottsdale to the east in Atlanta. Judd was a pioneer and leader in Christian broadcasting among the first deploying satellite for global ministry impact and forging faith-based media alliances. Diana and Judd raised their two sons during this time and settled most recently in Fort Mill, SC to be close to their grandchildren.

A man of faith, Judd loved his God, his family and his country wholeheartedly. He was a voracious reader, life-long learner, quick-witted and feisty. Judd was loved and respected by many.

Judd is survived by his family: Diana Mathews Jackson, Judson O. Jackson II, Brayden Le Blanc Jackson, Brandon D. Jackson, Erin Jackson, grandchildren Parker, Connor, Madison and Austin Jackson, Judy Jackson White, Kimberly Mathews Britton, and Gary T. Britton.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jo Linda Jackson (Jo Dare).

The Celebration of Life for Judd Jackson will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024 at CrossRidge Conference & Event Center Chapel, 2001 Parkway Drive, Indian Land, SC 29707. There will be a reception immediately following. Flowers and tokens of condolence may be sent to McEwen Pineville Funeral Home, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Memorial gifts may be made to one’s charity of choice or the family requests they be sent to the Christian summer camp that Judd’s parents founded:

Straight Arrow Camp, 90006 Preston Bend Rd., Pottsboro, Texas 75076, www.straightarrowcamp.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com