James E. Jackson, aka JJ and Junda was born in Feeding Hills, MA on April 15, 1974, to two 17-year-old teenagers who were not able to care for him. He was adopted three months later by Norma and James "Jimmy" Jackson of Mattapan. He was adopted into a loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was a very happy baby who's first word was "bird" because he loved looking out the windows and pointing at the birds.  Even as an adult, JJ would send his mother, Norma, pictures of rainbows, and other animals or sunsets that he enjoyed. He had excellent interpersonal skills, a great sense of humor and made friends wherever he went.

JJ attended The Park School in Brookline, Noble & Greenough in Dedham and spent one year at Syracuse University.  He participated in lacrosse, hockey, fencing, wrestling and several school performances.  He also participated in a French student exchange program that included traveling to France. Skateboarding and snowboarding were his passions while in middle school. Loon Mt. was his favorite place to snowboard. He and his friend, Tim, had trouble finding places to skateboard in Boston and Brookline because skateboard parks didn't exist at that time.

At the age of nine, JJ accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Twelfth Baptist Church by Rev. Michael E. Haynes. While at Twelfth he attended Camp Advenchur a few summers; was the youngest member to join the Audio-Visual Ministry; received awards for participating in karate dojos (classes)/tournaments under the direction of Sensei Richard Scott; was a BYF member; and worked part time in the Central Office. He later occasionally visited Roslindale Baptist Church and participated in activities with the Single's Ministry. He later, however, decided to attend "Bedside Baptist."

After a year at Syracuse, JJ decided to leave college and develop a career in hip-hop music.  He, along with some friends from Twelfth Baptist Church and Berklee College of Music, formed the Down Low Connection (DLC). They performed at the House of Blues, the Middle East Nightclub, and various colleges.  An article written about DLC reads:"… between 94-98 one all-but-forgotten live Hip-hop band called the Down Low Connection (DLC) served as the launch pad for later Boston successes like Akrobatic, Mr. Lif, and RadioActive, along with local instrumentalists who went on to various successes. The DLC won multiple local music awards for best hip-hop and/or funk band and opened for legendary acts like the Roots, Run DMC, the Pharcyde, the Watts Prophets, and Fred Wesley of P-Funk and James Brown fame. They toured the East Coast from Philly to Maine, performing at colleges, clubs, galleries, festivals, and youth empowerment programs."  Although DCL didn't "blow up" as they had hoped, they did have some successes.

JJ spent some time employed as a driver for UPS and other companies.   His stepfather, Earl, encouraged him to enroll in New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT), which he thoroughly enjoyed. He said that cooking relaxed him; and he loved plating delicious food. He worked in various local restaurants like Legal Seafood and the Smoke Shop and eventually found the perfect place to work as a chef's assistant in Quincy. Unfortunately, COVID happened, and he was laid off.  The restaurant business suffered during COVID as did the workers.  During this difficult time, JJ had a stroke.  After treatment and rehabilitation, he was able to live independently. With limitations on the left side of his body, he learned how to function, primarily using his right arm. He continued to cook, clean and do his own laundry.  But there was more; JJ began to experience heart problems and was scheduled to have an implant to regulate his heart.  However, on August 15th, the Lord called him home.

James survived by his mother, Norma Lawrence (Earl); father, James Jackson, Sr. (Roberta); stepbrothers Camara and Kenyatta Grant-Lawrence; sister, Jamie Jackson; long-time best friend, Wendy Mapson and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will cherish his memories.