Nathan Robert Jackson

Nathan Robert Jackson, affectionately known as “Big Nate,” was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 23, 1962 to Leonora Marlene Stephens and Wilbur James Jackson, Sr. Nathan was named after his great-grandfather Elnathan Rowe of St. Elizabeth Parish of the Caribbean island country of Jamaica.

Nate grew up in Boston’s South End neighborhood.  He attended and graduated from Madison Park High School, where he was a member of their basketball team, the Cardinals. Nate later attended Kentucky State University where he was also able to continue to play the sport that he so dearly loved as a member of the university’s basketball team, the Thoroughbreds. Upon his return to Boston Nate began his career in accounting, working at the Boston Globe for many years. He would eventually move on to the New Balance corporate office continuing to engage in his passion for numbers. Nate held accounting positions in various companies over the years.

Basketball was Big Nate’s life.  He played ball with a number of leagues including the Ebony and Ivory League in Natick, MA where he won 3 championships alongside his brother Will, close friend Derek Van Dyke, and others. Nate also enjoyed fishing, and while living in Florida, fishing with friends became his go-to sport.  Nate was known to chef it up in the kitchen too! His specialties were spaghetti and, of course, fish and grits for breakfast! Nate appreciated good music. He had a large music collection and was our self-appointed family DJ. Many a times he could be heard singing 112’s “Peaches and Cream” throughout the house!

Loved by many, Nate was known as a gentle giant, and indeed he was.  He had a good heart, and a kind and loving spirit.  Family was important to him. He cared deeply, especially for his children Chad and Keyana.  There are truly no words to express how much he will be missed.

Nate was preceded in death by his mother Marlene L. Stephens, his father Wilbur James Jackson Sr., his brothers David and Will, and sisters Lisa and Tracie.  He leaves to mourn his son Chad Jackson Glinski and his daughter Keyana Jackson; sisters Valerie Stephens, Alana Jackson, Sandra Jackson, and Carla Jackson; his nieces Aja Jackson and Jasmine Jackson; his nephews Ochoro and Job Jackson; great nieces Kiana Jackson Dubose and Jade Jackson; as well as a host of other family members and many, many friends.

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