Essa George Sackllah

Essa George Sackllah, son of George and Nuha Sackllah reposed in the Lord on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Essa was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 30, 1952, the oldest of five siblings. In high school, he was an All-American heavyweight wrestler, receiving many accolades and scholarships for his athletic accomplishments, including receiving an invitation to the U.S. Olympic trials. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Christian Church in Livonia, Michigan where he helped build the church Sunday School structure. Essa was the first of his family to graduate college earning his B.S. in Education from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana in 1976. Amid political unrest, he was invited to teach in Ramallah, Palestine at the Ramallah Friends School. During his time in Ramallah, he was passionate about furthering the education of his students. Once returning to the US, he taught history in the public-school system in Northville, Michigan. His passion for teaching was felt by all his students.

Essa always fought for the causes he believed in. He was an advocate for human rights for Palestinians in America and abroad. He was a member of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and served as a correspondent with local media. He was very involved in political causes. In 1984, he was selected as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. He was the first Arab-American delegate for a national convention in the United States. He always fought for those less fortunate, serving as an advocate for those impacted by violence, dedicating his time and care to victims of bombings throughout the Middle East.

In 1979, Essa moved to Houston, Texas, where he began his career in the hospitality industry. He and his brothers opened the Traffic Jam Deli in 1980. The Traffic Jam was a local institution and in 1986, Essa was recognized as one of the five outstanding young Houstonians in the city. After years of serving loyal customers, he and his brothers opened T.J.’s Catering, a mainstay in Houston that has catered countless weddings, concerts and events. Essa was devoted to his family, working with his brothers and always spending time with his nieces and nephews. He lovingly cared for his parents in their later years, and always put his family first.

Essa is survived by his siblings Linda (and husband John Salah), Addel (and wife Mona), Jimmy (and wife Tracy), Danny (and wife Maram), his nieces and nephews Janan, George (and wife Lara), Jenna, Nicole, Andrea, David (and wife Claressa), Danielle, Kathrine, and Paul, and numerous cousins and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents George & Nuha Sackllah.

The Trisagion Prayers and Funeral Service will take place on Sunday, November 28 at 6:00 pm at St. George Orthodox Christian Church (5311 Mercer Street, Houston, TX 77005). Interment will take place on Monday, November 29, at 12:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery (12800 Westheimer,

Houston, TX 77077). May his memory be eternal!

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