Celebrated Huntsville Pastor Passes Away at 84: A Legacy of Leadership Among Alabama Baptists

The Huntsville community is mourning the loss of a beloved pastor and former president of the Alabama Baptist Convention, Jimmy Jackson, who passed away at the age of 84.

Jimmy Jackson, who dedicated 40 years to leading Whitesburg Baptist Church, died on Friday. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career in ministry that has left an indelible mark on both the local church and the broader Baptist community.

“Dr. Jackson’s impact and legacy continues, not only in the life of Whitesburg Baptist Church but around the world,” said senior pastor Darryl Craft in a heartfelt post on the church’s Facebook page.

Jackson’s tenure at Whitesburg Baptist began in 1978 and lasted until his retirement in 2018. In a reflective interview with AL.com upon his retirement, Jackson expressed his deep sense of calling. “I believe God put me on this earth to be pastor of this church,” he said. “I just felt I was called to be here.”

Under Jackson’s leadership, the church saw substantial growth, expanding its weekly attendance from 600 to over 2,000. His influence extended beyond Huntsville; before his time at Whitesburg Baptist, he pastored Union Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Mobile County, as well as First Baptist Key West and First Baptist Merritt Island in Florida.

Jackson’s contributions to the Baptist community were significant. He served as president of the Alabama Baptist Convention from 2009-2010 and as first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2006-2007. Additionally, he was a trustee for the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a member of the University of Mobile’s Board of Regents.

“Jimmy Jackson was a statesman among Alabama Baptists and Southern Baptists,” wrote Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, on Facebook. “He was an excellent president of our state convention. He served us so well at a critical time. To say he will be missed is a vast understatement.”

Tributes have poured in from those who knew and admired Jackson. “So thankful for his faithfulness to preach truth unashamedly,” one person commented. “Thankful for his leadership and his tender heart for all. Man of integrity. Man of God. He was our family’s pastor for 40 years and the impact he has had on every one of us will be felt the rest of our lives.”

Another heartfelt tribute read, “Brother Jimmy was such a real person to our family. You could come up to him easily at a ballpark or at an altar, and he was ready to give an encouraging word and his friendship. ‘Well done good and faithful servant,’ were no doubt the words spoken as he entered into the presence of our Lord and savior today.”

Jackson is survived by his wife, Bobbi; daughter, Rhonda; and son, Russell, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Randy, who died in a car crash in 1992.

Visitation for Jimmy Jackson will be held on Monday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Whitesburg Baptist Church. His funeral service will take place at the church on Tuesday at 1 p.m., followed by burial at Maple Hill Cemetery.