Joseph Jackson, Jr.

Service will be live-streamed at 11am on our S.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home Facebook page and our S.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home YouTube page.

In Loving Memory of Joseph Jackson Jr.

Joseph Jackson Jr., age 80, of Watervliet, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on June 16, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1944, in Gallion, Alabama, to the late Joseph Sr. and Lucy (Glass) Jackson. His family relocated from Alabama to Albany, New York, in the early 1950s. Joseph was educated in the Albany public school system, where he excelled as an athlete in track and field and in boxing during high school.

Growing up in the 1950s as a young Black boy in Albany, Joseph faced challenges that would have broken many—but not him. He was often forced to fight—not just with his fists, but with his spirit. He learned to defend himself and his family, standing up to bullies and hardships. He turned adversity into strength, becoming a protector, a fighter, and a young man with purpose. His early struggles taught him resilience, and he poured that same strength into everything he did.

In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two years during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, Joseph returned to school and graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1969.

Joseph married his high school sweetheart, Deborah (Mosby) Greenfield, after graduating. They were married for five years. Later, Joseph met Bernice Fantroy, and together they had a son, Kenneth R. Jackson. Bernice also had a son, Marco Jackson, whom Joseph lovingly raised as his own. To Joseph, fatherhood wasn’t defined by blood, but by commitment—and he poured his heart into raising both boys with strength, humor, and wisdom.

Joseph was a skilled machinist, mason, plumber, carpenter—and a true ladies' man. 

By 1975, Joseph had met and married his second wife, Margaret E. (Resington) Jackson. During their 20-year marriage, they raised four children: Jodeya L. Jackson, Orlan R. Jackson, Margaret A. Jackson, and Melantha E. Jackson-Pratt.

Joseph enjoyed weekend gatherings with family, sipping liquor, betting on horses, playing the lotto, and going fishing. He was a natural comedian with a sharp knack for telling it like it is—and often shared jokes, riddles, and playful wisdom from a life well lived.

He lived life on his own terms—boldly, unapologetically, and with a spirit that couldn’t be tamed. Joseph was the kind of man who carved his own path, even if it wasn’t always the easiest one. He valued freedom over convention, honesty over politeness, and lived with a rare kind of self-assurance that drew people to him. He didn’t just survive—he thrived, teaching others that authenticity, humor, and grit are the true marks of a life well lived.

Joseph leaves behind two former wives, Deborah Mosby and Margaret E. Jackson, and his children: Jodeya, Orlan (Sarah), Margaret, Melantha (Wayne Pratt Jr.), and Marco(Lena). 

He was a proud grandfather to Joneen Jackson, Justice Jackson, Nyheem Pinckney, Jahnise Jackson, TazariaFogle, Lyric Jackson, Rahnyia Tibbs, Jackson Pratt, Kentresa Jackson, Jahmeer Jackson, Kenneth Jackson Jr., Kendreya Jackson, Kenyatte Jackson, and KentianaJackson.

He also leaves behind beloved great-grandchildren: JidahviRoberson, Kezziah Morales, Mia Jackson, and Lorenzo Rivers, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Joseph was the last of the “Magnificent Seven,” preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Jackson, his son Kenneth Jackson, his grandson Andrew Jackson, and his six siblings: Iola Jackson, Arsola (Abernathy) Crenshaw, Bernice (Smith) Lewis, Ben Jackson Sr, John Jackson, and Otis Jackson. He was also preceded by two nephews, Willie Pompey and Keith Williams.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Jackson, Jr., please visit our floral store.