Robert William "B.J." Jackson Obituary (1951 - 2023)

A melody is gently echoing on... Mr. Robert Willam (B.J.) Jackson lit up and gracefully led every room he entered toward the love and light waiting for us all in God. He was gifted in music, aesthetics, and compassion.B.J. spent his life supporting and honoring all forms of life, from plants with his gardening, to animals in his foster care commitment through the Humane Society, and to people, leading and inspiring a community of choir singers to respect their God-given talents and individuality. He was also fortunate enough to share his life with his husband of 38 years, Tim Leslie.B.J. sadly passed away from us too soon at 71 on January 20th, 2023, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born in Homestead, Fl, on October 26th, 1951, to his father, Elbert Carter Jackson and mother, Edith Parsons Wright. He had two brothers and one sister: Tom Jackson (Maureen), Judy Knight (Larry), and John Jackson (Dawn).He began his college years studying to follow in his father's footsteps to become a pharmacist. In his spare time, he joined the Choir at University United Methodist Church and Student Center (UUMC). It turned out that Pharmacy School was not fulfilling, and he changed majors to focus on another of his loves, animal health, changing to a veterinary major for a few years.His love and care for animals eventually shifted to more of a hobby position, and his extracurricular love for music awakened his heart and became his career focus, finishing school with a Fine Arts degree.B.J.'s relationship with the UUMC choir began as a student. He was one of the founding members, in the early 1970s, who formed the Maranatha Choir, meaning "Oh Lord Come". He left the Choir upon graduation to take a church music job in Davie, FL, then returned to be the Director of Music at UUMC in the 1980s as the Choir grew in size to 60 -70 people.The Maranatha Choir was a community of faithful friends supporting each other and growing and sharing their faith throughout their college experience. Many became family-level friends, sharing their connection into adulthood. A unique part of the Choir's culture was that only 2-4 people each season were trained singers. B.J. allowed everyone to learn, grow, and shine in their unique talents.His private life was equally as fulfilling and meaningful. B.J. built a life with his loving husband, Tim, a physical therapist, and both worked together to enjoy their life while ensuring those around them felt supported enough to access the same joy. Traveling with many close friends over the years was one of their favorite hobbies.In 2007, B.J. became the Director of Music for the First United Methodist Church of Gainesville (FUMC) leading this church choir with talent, professionalism, and joy. B.J.'s people skills and infectious energy enlivened and inspired everyone he met with an attitude of participation.Partnered with his husband, Tim, they helped establish FUMC as a Reconciling Congregation as part of the Reconciling Ministries Network. Standing as a beacon of safety within a church structure and gently modeling how God loves us all while encouraging individuals to cultivate their unique gifts in Christ.B.J. and Tim together embraced and navigated through the common limitations that organized religious structures held around Gay marriage and carried themselves with dignity while demonstrating, "It's ok that you are not ok with me, but I love you anyway." Their modeling of acceptance and self-growth through direct relationships won them The Plumbline Award from the Florida Methodist Federation for Social Action. They set in motion a process for healing with individuals who might not yet know how to hold that space for others.His students and friends remember one of his favorite shirts stating, "I'd rather be directing," a role he easily stood within throughout many areas of his life. He brought flair to all the corners of the world he touched, especially with one of his favorite hobbies, decorating spaces. You'd have wished you were his neighbor with the intricate Halloween and Christmas displays, a few of which won him local awards and even placed him on TV.He was a member of The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and was often sought out as a vocal and handbell choirs clinician. He was also a member of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. Activism and community participation were a constant foundation from which he and Tim lived and served.Another love they both shared was their commitment to caring for abandoned animals. Together they fostered many cats through the Humane Society, providing medications, safety, care, and surgeries until they could find their forever homes.One of B.J.'s favorite songs to direct was "Pass It On", written by Christian composer Kurt Kaiser. It begins by saying, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing," B.J. was that spark for so many people. And as we prepare to move forward inspired by him, we can hear him whisper to each of us, "Pass it on!" B.J. Your presence and light are deeply cherished, missed, and forever carried in our hearts.By tribute writer Rev. Adrienne EngelHis memorial service will be at the First United Methodist Church Of Gainesville at 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601 on February 11th, 2023, at 11:00 am.You can make a memorial gift in B.J.'s honor to these local charities, The Humane Society https://www.humanesocietyncfl.org/, First United Methodist Church https://fumcgnv.org/, or The Methodist Federation for Social Action https://www.mfsaweb.org/. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral Homes https://milamfh.com/.