Troy Jackson Jr.

Troy L. Jackson, Jr.

Troy Lee Jackson, Jr. was born on March 21, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Troy Lee Jackson, Sr, and Eula M. Smith. He was an only child raised by and surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was married to his loving and devoted wife, Vicki V. Jackson, for 43 years who attend to his health needs for the last 13 years when his health began to fail. He has five beautiful children from his former marriage to Gazie Jackson: Rendale, Wayne, Marilyn, Gary, and Sherri, whom he loved and cherished very much.

He received his early education in Oklahoma City, Omaha, Nebraska, and Ogden, Utah, where he graduated from Ogden High School. During high school, he participated in football and track. Later turning his attention to boxing and was selected to box in the Utah Golden Gloves tournament. Troy furthered his education by attending Kansas City Jr. College, later Denver University, and Jones Real Estate College with any real estate management programs to his credit.

As the Korean War heightened and Viet Nam was heating, Troy enlisted in the U. S. Air Force (1952 - 1956), serving four years. He attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He was stationed in Japan, where he studied and administered medical care to wounded military soldiers. His interest grew into a desire to become a medical doctor. Expressing his wishes to his commanding officer, who suggested he would help him attend Denver University when he discharges from the service and moves to Denver. The plan did not materialize as scheduled, but Troy moved to Denver and attended DU for a while. He worked at the Denver Mint and carried mail for the U.S. Postal Service, later entering into the restate business, while attending night school.

Troy's father had a window cleaning business, cleaning newly built homes' windows, which gave him a great idea to create a real estate business. After a while working for Dave Smith Realty, he opened his company Troy Jackson Realty. Troy began knocking on doors in Park Hill, where few Blacks lived, and started listing homes during that time. Blacks began moving across York Street into Park Hill, thanks to Troy's efforts and vision of seeing Park Hill become housing integrated. Troy opened his office in northeast Denver, later moving to the Cherry Creek location at 1st and Cook Streets under the Century 21 franchise ––naming his company - Century 21 America United, Inc. He was one of the first Blacks to help Century 21 launch the Denver Metro area franchise. His agents, both Black and White, worked alongside each other, as this was unheard of in Denver. Troy was one of the first real-estate brokers to bring about that change of Black and White's working in the same office. He gained a great deal of attention from the public and other White real estate brokers thru his efforts and hard work motivating and training his brokers "in house." Word began to circulate on his training techniques that he soon had several Black and White brokers working in the office. This was his love –– motivating and training his sales staff.

His successful C- 21 America United office amassed more awards and honors than any other single Century 21 office in the five State Rocky Mountain region. It held the title of top-selling Century 21 office of the area for five consecutive years. Troy originated the 1% Listing Plan that's used today by many brokers to list homes. He's instrumental in making the plan a success.

Troy was one of the first Blacks to serve on the Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Troy served on the corporate boards of the Urban League of Colorado, Fair Housing Center, the OIC, and the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Troy held memberships in the National Board of Realtors, Denver Board of Realtors, and the Aurora Board of Realtors and was the Director-at-Large for Century 21 Broker's Council for metro Denver. He was appointed to the Board of Assessment Appeals by Governor Roy Romer. Troy was a past member of the Owls Business club and the Black Ski Club "Sippers 'n Sliders" and several bowling leagues in the Denver metro that his company sponsored. He has numerous business and civic awards to his credit. He was awarded numerous military medals such as the National Defense Service medal, United National Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, and a Commendation Ribbon while in the USAF.

Troy always remained a man of faith, honor, integrity, and possessed a strong belief in the Lord throughout his life. He loved music of all tunes and wrote over 13 lovely songs in his music library. He often tried teaching himself the piano to accompany his songs.

Troy was a member of Zion Baptist Church and later joined New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor M.C. Williams, who married him and Vicki in September 1977. He served on committees, attending church faithfully until his health began to fail, but he never forgot the Blessed Lord's word. Troy also served on the Board of Trustees under the pastoral of Rev. Dr. James Peters. He truly believed in serving and helping the church grow thru his participation and contributions. Troy has been a member of New Hope for over 45 years. He always believed in daily prayer, positive thoughts, and a kind word to all he reached with a warm smile, an embrace, or a handshake to make life more pleasant. He practiced this daily to bring happiness to himself and all he met. He had a zest and enthusiasm for life, and a passion for experiencing all life could offer.

Troy passed away peacefully while the snow began falling on the evening of September 8, 2020. He will be remembered for his humor, the strength of his character, compassion for people, and his extraordinary commitment to the well being of his wife, children, and all he touched in his life.

Troy enjoyed traveling to the mountains; he had a favorite spot by Lake Dillon and Las Vegas, where he and Vicki spent their anniversary for 35 years until health problems took a toll. He enjoyed watching and attending the Denver Broncos and the Denver Nuggets games. He enjoyed skiing, golfing, bowling, and being entertained with comedy movies, stage plays, jazz, and musical concerts. Watching tennis was always enjoyable, hoping that his granddaughter Danielle, would turn her tennis talents to the professional level.

While his body is now at rest, his vibrant spirit lives on in his family, who loved him very much. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Vicki Jackson, his five children: Retired USAF Captain Rendale (Antionette) Jackson of Palm Bay, Florida, Wayne Jackson, San Diego, CA; Marilyn Jackson, Denver; Gary (Stephanie) Jackson, Sparks, NV; Sherrie (Stephen) Jackson-Woolworth, Tacoma WA. and stepson David (Teheria) Lomax, Sacramento CA, eleven lovely grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, several relatives and a multitude of friends, and neighbors.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents and loving aunt Evelyn Moore.

Due to Covid-19, no services are planned. Burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery. A memorial will be held in the Spring of 2021 for everyone to attend and share their fond memories of Troy.