Born in
Sussex,
Virginia, Jackson received a
Bachelor of Arts degree from
Norfolk State University in 1970 and a
Juris Doctor from the
University of Virginia School of Law in 1973. He was in the
United States Army,
JAG Corps, from 1973 to 1977, attaining the rank of captain. He thereafter remained in the
United States Army Reserve, achieving the rank of colonel. He was an
Assistant United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Virginia from 1977 to 1993, and was an adjunct lecturer at the
College of William and Mary,
Marshall-Wythe School of Law, from 1981 to 1991 and in 1993.
Federal judicial service On September 24, 1993, Jackson was nominated by President
Bill Clinton to a seat on the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia vacated by
Richard Leroy Williams. Jackson was confirmed by the
United States Senate on November 20, 1993, and received his commission on November 22, 1993. He assumed
senior status on November 23, 2021. ==Personal life==