Louise A (Jackson) James

In Loving Memory

Louise A. James, beloved mother, educator, mentor, and community leader, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at the age of 82 after a long battle with heart failure. Her life was a beacon of strength, faith, perseverance, and compassion for her family and all who knew her.

Louise A. Jackson was born on February 10, 1944, in Dearing, Georgia, to Nebraska McNair and Leroy Jackson. Her family was part of the historic Great Migration of African Americans who moved from the South to the North in search of greater opportunity. As a little girl, she traveled with her mother by train  to New York City, where they briefly lived in the Bronx before settling in Newark, New Jersey with her father and her eldest brother, Walter Hart.

 Mrs. Louise James was educated in the Newark Public School system. She attended Cleveland Elementary School on 17th Avenue and graduated from Central High School in Newark, New Jersey in 1962. In August of that same year, she married Dutley James. Their union was blessed with one son, Lance James, born on March 4, 1963.

Her husband, Dutley James, preceded her in death in 1967 while serving in the Vietnam War. Despite the profound loss, Louise showed remarkable strength and devotion, raising her son with love, discipline, and determination .She never skipped a beat in raising her son. In 1972 she took Lance on a month-long journey to Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast to ensure he experienced and embraced the richness of his cultural heritage.

Mrs. James began her professional career in nursing before transitioning to a role that reflected her passion for helping others. She became the Director of the Battered Women's Shelter of New Jersey, where she advocated for and supported women seeking safety and independence. Committed to lifelong learning, she later pursued higher education at Montclair State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education followed by two Master’s Degrees in Education and Administration.

In  the early 1980's, Louise James began her career with Newark Public Schools. Through dedication, excellence, and leadership, she rose to become Chairwoman of the English Department for Special Education at East Side High School in Newark NJ. She believed deeply in the transformative power of education and devoted herself to ensuring her students felt seen, supported, and capable of achieving success. After many years of faithful service, Louise James retired in 1998.

Throughout her life, Mrs. James believed in striving for excellence and encouraged others to have faith in themselves and their goals. 

Her leadership and community service were widely recognized. She was an active member of the Negro Professional Business Women of New Jersey, where she was honored as Business Woman of the Year in 1995. Outside of her professional life, Louise James embraced adventure and joy. She was an avid skier and a proud member of the Jersey Ski Club, finding great happiness on the slopes and in the friendships she built there. She and her brother Faquir Mahdi was also fierce Latin dancers during the 70's and throughout her life.

Mrs. James was one of eight siblings. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother Walter Hart (November 23, 2025), her brother Barry Jackson (January 23, 2003), her brother Larry Kinano “Chat” Jackson (July 21, 2012), and her nephew Jihad Jackson, son of Larry Jackson, who passed away on January 1, 1990.

Her legacy lives on through her loving son, Lance James; her siblings Faquir Mahdi (Leroy Jackson Jr.), Barbara King, Deborah Jackson, and Michael Jackson; and her beloved nieces and nephews: Hope Hart, Dustin Hart, and Brooke Hart (children of Walter Hart); Titilayo (Leah Jackson) Smith and Farad Mahdi (children of Faquir Mahdi); Malkia King, Chache King, and Haiba King-Samuel (Haileab Samuel h.), Aja and Che Samuel(children and grandchildren of Barbara King); and Teneerah Baker, John Baker, Johnathan Baker, Tiamoyia Ross, Taneisha Ross, Ramel Ross, Sanobia Ross Alexander, Imani Ross, and Ismail Ross (children of Deborah Marlene McNair Jackson); along with a host of great nieces and nephew, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends who loved her dearly.

Mrs. Louise A. James will be remembered as a devoted mother, passionate educator, wise mentor, and faithful friend. Her legacy of strength, faith, and service will continue to inspire generations. Whether traveling the world, celebrating culture, mentoring students, or gliding down snowy mountains with the Jersey Ski Club, She  lived her life with courage, curiosity, and purpose.

Her light, love, and unwavering faith will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

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