Bobcat Attack - Ohio Basketball - In Memoriam: Jerry Jackson

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Topic: In Memoriam: Jerry Jackson

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brucecuth

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brucecuth

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Posted: 1/14/2026 6:50 PM

Big time programs traveled to Perry County to recruit Jerry around 1960, but he chose to play for Ohio and Coach Jim Snyder. Averaged over 16 per game for his three year career (no freshmen back then). Was the star of the '64 team that went all the way to the NCAA Regional final. Jerry scored 25 with 11 rebounds as the 'Cats stunned fourth-ranked Kentucky in the semi.

I believe he earned both an undergraduate and masters degree from Ohio.

Jerry passed away recently. Not positive about his age but I think he was well into his 80s.

OhioCatFan

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OhioCatFan

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Posted: 1/14/2026 11:38 PM

So sad to hear that. I was just thinking about him the other day when I posted how good all the players were on the Elite8 team. Both starting guards on that team were from Corning. All starters where from southern Ohio. The think the only two left now are Charlie Gill, G, Corning; and Paul Storey, C, Xenia. I remember about 20 years ago when Jerry came back and played in a little exhibition game with some other alumni. He still had game at that point. May he rest in peace!

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Kevin Finnegan

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Kevin Finnegan

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Posted: 1/15/2026 10:52 AM

Thanks for sharing the Bobcat history here. I love learning about our teams from the past. My OHIO clock started in 1998, so I only really get familiar with those prior to that through this board.

I guess, since dunking was banned in the NCAA from 1967-1976, we're not going to get a Shabamon post on Jerry Jackson's dunks.

Casper71

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Casper71

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Posted: 1/15/2026 11:29 AM

A bit before my time in the late 60s and early 70s but that team and Jerry were still talked about a lot back then!

OhioCatFan

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OhioCatFan

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Posted: 1/15/2026 12:37 PM

Kevin Finnegan wrote:expand_more

The Elite8 team was before the dunking ban. They made their deep run in the NCAA tournament in 1964. I don't recall memorable dunks by Jerry, though he could certainly play above the rim, but I do recall dunks by the late Don Hilt, and I would say that Nate Thurmond couldn't do any better in his prime in that department.