*Tuesday night (11-01-16), EURweb was one of the first news outlets to break the news that Ellsworth “E.J.” Jackson, the founder of South Los Angeles based Jackson Limousine Service had passed away. Now we have more details.
Not only was E.J. Jackson a successful businessman, whose limousine and transportation company served the world’s elite and everyday people, but he was also known for his generosity, including his legendary turkey giveaway that brought smiles and holiday meals to thousands each year.
Jackson, 66, was remembered Wednesday at a press conference on the grounds of his company as a kind and generous man who started his own successful business enterprise, but looked out for others in the community.
“His legacy will live on, and on behalf of our family, I want to say thank you so much for showing your love and sharing my father’s love,” said Jackson’s youngest son Tyron. “I learned so much from him, and this is the hardest thing right now.”
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Jackson started his limo service more than 30 years ago, then began the E.J. Jackson Foundation as a way to help residents in South Los Angeles. The centerpiece of the foundation is the annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, which began in 1982 and became one of Southern California’s most prominent charitable events during the holidays.
It will go on as scheduled this year on Nov. 22. The foundation is still asking for donations of turkeys and other meal fixings.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti called Jackson an “inspiration” and a “role model.”
“The holidays in L.A. won’t be the same without E.J. on the streets at sunrise, making sure everyone’s basket is full,” Garcetti said. “He set a timeless example for us to follow, and we can honor his legacy by building on the tradition he started and committing ourselves every day to making a difference in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors.”