James Jackson, first Black Columbus police chief, dies at 91

COLUMBUS, Ohio — James Jackson, the first Black police chief for the City of Columbus and the longest-serving police chief in the city’s history, has died. He was 91. 

The former Columbus police chief died at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center on Thursday.

“Chief Jackson was a giant. He was a giant in this community, he was a giant in the division of police and in law enforcement across the country,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. “He opened so many doors for women and officers of color throughout the ranks, but also he really fundamentally made the officers feel like he had their backs and that he supported them. He encouraged them.”

Current Columbus police chief Elaine Bryant said he was “not only a trailblazer for this division, but also a respected leader who inspired many officers throughout their careers.”

Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti described Jackson as “the epitome of a public servant.” 

“A respected and revered leader, he held the Columbus Divison of Police to the strictest standards of excellence, shaping the agency into a national model. Columbus is better for his 51 years of service. With gratitude, we honor his life and legacy, and send our deepest respects to his family,” Pishotti said. 

Jackson was born in Columbus and served three years in the Marine Corps before he started at Columbus police in 1958. He rose through the ranks from patrol to sergeant, and worked in vice. He was promoted to deputy chief in 1977. Jackson was the first to place first on three written promotional exams as sergeant, captain and deputy chief.

He was promoted to police chief in June 1990.

“I think two words come right to mind: old school. Old-school chief, believed in those small things, looking good, providing good service, being out in the community,” said Hilliard Police Chief Mike Woods.

Woods worked with Jackson in Columbus as the division’s public information officer and worked closely with Jackson.

“He had a sense of humor that he didn’t show,” Woods said.

Jackson retired from the division in March 2009, after 19 years as the division’s leader. He left a lasting mark on not only the division and its academy, but the city.

“Yes, his name is on it, but he was Chief when the academy was built, when the heliport was built [and] when the new SWAT facility was built. He left a legacy that continues on to this day with the things that we still utilize at the forefront of being able to provide service,” Woods said.

“He brought a rough exterior, tough-guy exterior. We all know how compassionate and committed he was to Columbus police and the Columbus community. He loved this city,” Ginther said.