Born on a historic Sunday in 1963 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Terry entered the world during the fervor of the Civil Rights movement, a era that subtly shaped his lifelong commitment to community and leadership. He was the beloved son of the late Thomas "Tommy" Leroy Jackson, a decorated military administrator in the U.S. Armed Forces, whose career spanned continents, and Mary Lou Barber Jackson, a retired Professor of English Literature, whose passion for language and storytelling became foundational to Terry’s own charismatic persona.
Terry’s childhood was a tapestry of global experiences as he absorbed the culture of France and Germany, navigated the bayous of Louisiana and the Bay Area of California before settling in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for high school. At DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland USA, he emerged as a towering figure, both literally and figuratively, excelling as a scholar-athlete whose intellect and athleticism set him far apart. Standing out as a defensive lineman, he earned accolades on two scholastic All-America teams and balanced his gridiron dominance with participation in the prestigious U.S. Senate Page Program, where he absorbed the intricacies of governance beneath the U.S. Capitol dome.
His academic brilliance secured him a full football scholarship to Stanford University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering, a discipline that married his analytical mind with his love for innovation. Over four years, he maintained Academic All-American status while anchoring Stanford’s football team, a feat that cemented his reputation as a rare blend of brawn and brilliance. In 1983, he further etched his name in history by founding the Lambda Nu chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., fostering brotherhood and service on Stanford’s campus.
Terry’s professional football career began with the Oakland Invaders of the USFL in 1985, later transitioning to the NFL as a defensive force for the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers. Beyond the roar of stadiums, he championed community causes, notably serving as President of San Jose’s Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 522 in 2015, where he spearheaded initiatives to uplift marginalized families and honor veterans. He was also a Chapter Officer at the Scottish Rite Knights of St. Andrew in San Jose, California, which is a fraternal organization associated with the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Those who knew Terry will remember his magnetic charisma as a man whose baritone laughter and vivid storytelling could command any room. He channeled his creativity into mastering the baritone saxophone, losing himself in the pulsing rhythms of D.C.’s Go-Go music and crafting culinary masterpieces for loved ones. A connoisseur of automobiles and motorcycles, he reveled in the artistry of engines and open roads, yet, above all, he was a devoted father, son and brother, who was nurturing, fiercely protective, and unwavering in his loyalty. His intuitive nature and emotional depth made him a confidant to many, while his insistence on individuality inspired others to embrace their authenticity.
Terry’s legacy lives on through his 3 children: two daughters Bekka Xiomara Jackson (California USA), and Mary Angela Jackson (The Philippines) and his one son Christopher Adams (California USA).
He was also survived by his cherished mother, Mrs. Mary Lou Barber Jackson and three brothers: Thomas Louie Jackson (Ohio USA), M’zée Fula Ngenge (Republic of Angola) and Jahmal Abdul Jackson (Washington, District of Columbia USA), and several nieces and nephews.
A public memorial celebrating Terry’s extraordinary life was held on Sunday, July 6th, 2025. For access, visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ECgmil0F5Y
In Treasured Memory of Terence "Terry/T.J." JACKSON
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