By Jasmine McBride
Wallace “Jack” O’Neil Jackman, identified affectionately as “Jackie” or just “Jack,” died peacefully on Oct. 27, 2025, abandoning a legacy of management, mentorship and unwavering dedication to neighborhood. A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jack’s life was a grasp class in combining coronary heart, hustle and humor.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jack moved to Minneapolis on the age of 13, rising up in a household whose roots ran deep in service and neighborhood. The son of Launa Quincy (Jackman) Newman and Wallace O’Neil Jackman, he was additionally guided by Cecil E. Newman, the legendary founding father of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR). Newman grew to become a father determine, mentor and mannequin for younger Jack, a bond that will later encourage him to co-publish the newspaper together with his sister, Norma Jean Williams.
(Picture courtesy of Jackman household)
Jackman introduced a visionary method to the MSR. Whereas Norma targeted on writing and administration, Jack oversaw operations, modernizing the newspaper’s know-how and infrastructure at a time when many Black newspapers had been nonetheless utilizing typewriters. Below his steerage, the MSR transitioned to computer systems and fashionable printing techniques, giving employees the instruments to supply high quality journalism effectively. He even orchestrated a significant transforming of the constructing, changing area that had as soon as housed a printing press into workplaces geared up with the most recent know-how, investments that proceed to profit the MSR many years later.
“He was pleasant, enthusiastic and no-nonsense,” recalled longtime colleague Jerry Freeman. “He inspired us to pursue tales that mattered, trusted us to ship and fiercely defended us from unjust criticism. Jack’s loyalty was unmatched.”
Jackman’s affect prolonged far past the newsroom. Often called a connector and a bridge-builder, he helped strengthen Minneapolis’ ties with the African Diaspora. His work with the Worldwide Management Institute took him to Eldoret, Kenya, the place he joined a delegation of Minneapolis firefighters to coach native emergency responders and ship much-needed tools, together with hearth vehicles and an ambulance.
“Jack served as a cultural bridge,” mentioned retired Choose LaJune Lange. “He helped the firefighters immerse themselves in African work tradition, stayed in contact, inspired donations and ensured that our work had lasting influence. His dedication by no means wavered.”
Colleague Michael Chaney, who labored with Jack on quite a few initiatives, known as him “the final word outreach individual. At all times searching for the subsequent connection, Jack introduced individuals collectively, amplified the voices of the Black neighborhood, and carried the MSR’s affect far past Minneapolis.”
But for all his imaginative and prescient and ambition, Jack was beloved for his heat, humor and signature “Jack-isms,” fast, sharp one-liners that would ease stress or fill a room with laughter. He had a uncommon present for turning strangers into buddies and reminding everybody that life’s challenges are lighter when confronted with good humor and good individuals.
Those that knew him greatest bear in mind Jack as a person who lived by precept and function. He poured his coronary heart into his household and neighborhood, all the time prepared to assist, to mentor and to guide. His youngsters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren carry ahead his classes in integrity, humility and compassion.
Jackman is survived by his youngsters, Dauhn J. Jackman, Thomas D. Jackman, Christjon Jackman (spouse, Jennifer), and Dr. Tonya Jackman Hampton (husband, Phillip); his companion Ruth Ann James; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a large circle of household and buddies. He was preceded in loss of life by his father, Wallace O’Neal Jackman; his mom and step-father, Luana and Cecil E. Newman; his beloved spouse, Lynda D. Jackman; and his sister, Norma Jean Williams.
A celebration of his life was held Nov. 14 from 1–4 p.m. on the Wilder Basis, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Minn.
In lieu of flowers, the household welcomes donations to the American Most cancers Society in Jack’s title.
Wallace “Jack” Jackman’s life was a testomony to management grounded in kindness, imaginative and prescient tempered with humor, and a steadfast perception within the energy of neighborhood. He leaves behind a legacy that continues to encourage, reminding us to reside generously, snort usually and lead with coronary heart.
This text was initially revealed by the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder.
