Robert Lewis Jackson M.D.
STOCKTON - Robert Lewis Jackson M.D. departed this life on January 12, 2024. Dr. Jackson was preceded in death by his mother, Violet Burden Jackson (PH.D) and his father Lewis Albert Jackson (PH.D) of Wilberforce/xenia, OH.
Dr. Jackson is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Debbie Pittman Jackson, sons Ryan Lewis Jackson (N.california), Ian Robert Jackson (N.california), sister Joyce Jackson Dixon (N.california), sister-in-law Patricia Pittman (Tonie) (N.carolina), sister-in-law Sherri Donald (N.E Ohio), and a host of nieces and nephews.
Dr. Jackson was born on September 3, 1952 in Marion, IN. However, he grew up on the campus of Hbcu-central State University, Wilberforce, OH. Both his parents were professors at the University. His mother in the elementary education department and his father in administration.
At a very young age he began helping his father to build experimental airplanes, which was a passionate hobby for his dad. Because his dad owned his own airplane, Robert got firsthand flight lessons from his dad. At the age of 16 years old, Robert received his Pilot’s license and Instructor’s rating. He hadn’t yet gotten his Driver’s license. Flying was in Robert’s blood. He would spend much time with his dad, building “roadable airplanes”. Soon after, he was fully instrument certified, and he began teaching students to fly after school and during summer months to earn his own money. Graduating from Xenia H.S. in 1970 he went on to attend Miami University of Ohio, graduating with honors in 1974 with a B.A in Zoology.
Robert’s dream was to be a physician and Meharry Medical College was that special place for him. After graduating with honors from Meharry Medical College in 1978, Robert spent one year of Internship at Akron City Hospital, and while in Akron, he met the love of his life - Debbie Pittman.
They were married on September 1, 1979. Immediately after their wedding, they moved to Memphis, TN, where he began paying back the United States Public Health Service. He had received a full scholarship to Meharry and so he spent 4 years at a rural health center, The Rossville Health Center, in Rossville, TN. Upon completion of his US.P.H.S. obligation, he was accepted into a Dermatology Residency at King-drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. Upon completion of his residency, he, his wife and new son Ryan returned to Memphis, TN where he worked for Baptist Minor Medical. Later Dr. Jackson opened his own practice in Memphis, practicing for more than 30 years, when he decided to close his practice and join Kaiser Permanente’s Dermatology department in Stockton, CA.
He retired from Kaiser Permanente/stockton, CA in January 2023 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Jackson was a kind and gentle man to all. He was a true Christian man through and through. His spirit of humility and kindness was evidenced by the way he lived his daily life. He always found a way to give of his time in any way he could, sometimes giving medical advice to those outside of the office. He was absolutely devoted to giving back to Meharry Medical College. He was one of Meharry’s top alumni supporters, having given more than one million dollars during his lifetime. He was a member of Meharry’s Royal Society and The Guardians of Our Legacy.
Dr. Jackson asked that he just be remembered as someone who loved God, loved his family, loved practicing medicine (specifically Dermatology) and loved the many friends and colleagues he met along the way.
Dr. Jackson requested that there be no memorial or service. He will be cremated.
*Should anyone wish to make a donation in his honor, the family invites you to consider The Parkinson’s Foundation, or The Church Health Center, Memphis, TN.