Timothy Lee Jackson was born on January 16th, 1958 to parents, Mary Smith-Jackson and Charlie Jackson in Dayton, Ohio. Tim (as he liked being called) joined his parents and ancestors on November 2nd, 2024 at age 66 after struggling for many years with Lewy Body Decease.
Tim was a graduate of the School of the Art Institute where he studied cartooning, graphic design, art, and animation. As a graphic designer, Tim did artwork and cartoons for organizations both large and small leading him to a job with Blue Cross and Blue Shield as their Art Director for many years for their, LifeTimes Newspaper, that was distributed nationally to their insured seniors. Tim also worked at The Historic Chicago Defender Newspaper as their Editorial Cartoonist. Tim was also a self syndicated cartoonist and the leading historian on African American Cartoonists in the country, Publishing his book, Pioneering Cartoonists of Color, with others utilizing his detailed research to write books and papers of their own.
His Editorial and Social Commentary cartoons were featured regularly in the Chicago Defender, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune and in newspapers internationally.
Tim also published books for use by the Chicago Department of Health, The Chicago Board of Education and other Health and Educational Departments around the country. His very first of a series of “What are Friends For”, books “Friends are for Signing” was used by the The National Association of the Deaf, to introduce people to sign language and how to communicate with those with hearing deficits. Among the many different themes of his, “What are Friends For”, books were topics including sexually transmitted deceases, and AIDS, to bullying, creating a format through cartooning that made it more interesting for young people to read and want to learn these important subjects.
Tim never married but remained in a longtime relationship. Tim also never had any children of his own but loved children dearly and adopted an extended chosen family with a neighbors children, who became his children, that he remained close to until his death.
Tim lived to draw! He always had a pencil or a pen in his hand and would draw while watching the news to inspire him for new material for his editorial and social commentary cartoons, “Things That Make You Go, Hmmm!
He also loved watching anime, non-violent anime preferably, unless the story was really good. Miyazaki movies being his favorite. He also loved watching si-fi, foreign films, film noir, old tv shows and cartoons of all kinds, from all countries and oldies from his youth.
Tim was a member of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists, The National Association of Black Journalists, and The Black Age of Comics. Tim would attend
conferences around the country and Canada. Tim was often asked to sit on panels to discuss, the state of African American Cartoonists in the country and the history of Black cartooning in America.
Tim is survived by his siblings, Charlie Jackson, Cronicle Jackson, David Jackson and Tammy Jackson Weaver, his Aunt Alma Jo, many loving cousins, his children, Regina, Cheryl, Lewis, and Otis, many close friends, and his longtime partner.
Tim was a cartoonist and historian of extraordinary talent. Tim touched many people. Not only with his editorial and social commentary cartoons but through his kindness and his insight.
Tim was a quiet man. He spoke softly, but when he did speak, he was funny, insightful, sometimes sarcastic, always genuine, inspirational and always kind. Tim let his cartoons speak for him.
As quoted from his friend, colleague and fellow Artist, Cartoonist, Yaundé Olu, “Tim Jackson was a great man. In addition to his special ability to draw cartoons that made us smile and think, he was an advocate for Black cartoonists everywhere. “He unselfishly served as an advocate for others”. Tim’s passing has left a large hole in the Black cartoonists’ universe, but at the same time, he has also left us with a gift of insight and historical perspective in a scholarly manner regarding it. Tim, with his unique style and his penchant for sharing knowledge and his work, has left an indelible mark on our lives.”
“Tim Jackson was indeed a good person and dedicated editorial cartoonist, scholar, historian, educator. A person who was known for his deeds and calm reserve. He was a positive factor in our shared vision to grow the wealth, impact and prestige of cartoonists, independent publishers of Graphic Novels and related practices.” Turtel Onli, Artist, Graphic Designer, Teacher, Scholar.
I knew Tim for over 50 years. I remember back in our teenage years in high school. “He had a soft voice and a humble heart. He loved kids. He was a very giving person and well respected. There were many good times we had. Tim was a great cartoonist, that was his passion. He loved special effects. You are at rest now. May God keep you in perfect piece. Douglas Middleton.
I was introduced to Tim Jackson at Colonel White High School in Dayton Ohio in the seventies. Then, Tim introduced me to Bookworm, a name he gave to himself. (and later to one of his cartoon characters)
Tim was kind, thoughtful, he was a quiet spirit, his voice kept the same level no matter what, this was my experience with Tim. One of Tim’s greatest attributes was that he was a cartoonist from the day I met him.
Tim used his talent to the best of his ability. He has been a brother, a friend, and an encourager.
To Tim’s friends and his family, be encouraged. Tim left a good legacy not only for a little space in time, but for the world to see and to experience into the future. If anyone were to ask, “can anything good come out of Dayton, Ohio? I can testify, yes! Tim Jackson came and completed his purpose, he pioneered cartoons that were culturally correct.
Tim did something great as an historian, he made sure to carry the torch into our view, he spoke with his hands, as we saw through his eyes, he brought color to cartoons. And that was good; Tim, may you rest in peace, I love you my brother and my friend.
Amithy Smith