Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, beloved husband, cherished father, and devoted grandfather died October 27, 2023, leaving behind family, friends and a community who admired and respected him. Mike, born November 20, 1956, was well-known in Central Ohio as a long-time news anchor at NBC4 Columbus.  But, at home “Big Mike” was husband to the love of his life, Dawn M. Jackson, who he married 45 years ago in Charleston WV.

He also leaves behind to cherish his memory daughters Nicole Jackson (Brian) Tubbs, and Courtney Jackson Earliwine (Michael Hodge), and grandchildren Wesley Tubbs II, Michael Tubbs, Charlotte Tubbs, Christopher Earliwine, Carson Earliwine, Caden Earliwine, Clare Hodge, Cale Hodge, and Caysin Hodge. He also will be dearly missed by the special cousin he viewed as a brother, Norman E. “Eddie” Jackson. Mike was born in Hot Springs, VA to biological parents Geraldine Ward and Melvin D. Jackson, but was adopted as an infant by his paternal uncle Edgar Jackson and his wife Frances Jackson, who lovingly raised Mike in Charleston WV.  All preceded him in death. After graduating from Charleston Catholic High School and West Virginia State University, Mike launched a distinguished 40-year-career in broadcasting.

He initially worked at radio stations in Charleston, then as a sports reporter at WCHS-TV before becoming an anchor and eventual News Director at WOAY-TV in Oak Hill, WV.  He worked briefly at WSYX-TV in Columbus, before serving as an evening anchor at NewsChannel 8 in Washington DC. In 1994 he returned to Columbus to begin his notable career at NBC4, serving in key roles including anchor of the 5 o’clock evening news, the morning news, and eventually co-anchor of the evening news at 6 o’clock and 11 o’clock. Mike also founded the NBC4 consumer series “Better Call Jackson” which he used to tirelessly investigate fraud and tackle consumer complaints.

Mike received many awards and honors for his dedication to journalism and his service to the community.  In 1993 he received a first-place award for reporting from the National Association of Black Journalists in Washington. In 2001 Mike and Colleen Marshall were honored by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists for “Best Coverage of Minority Issues” for their NBC4 series called “The State of Race.” He was nominated for four Emmys and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tribute to African American Committee.  He was the recipient of the Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Association Award in 2019, he was honored for his on and off the field support by the Central Ohio Senior Softball League in 2022 and was the recipient of the Columbus Education Association Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2023.

Mike was a proud and active member of the Columbus Association of Black Journalists and throughout his career he encouraged and mentored countless young journalists. Mike served as a board member at the King Arts Complex, was active in the African American Wellness Walk, the American Heart Association Walk, and was a patron of Autism Speaks and the MS Foundation.  Mike was well-known as the “homerun-hitter” on softball League in 2022 and was the recipient of the Columbus Education Association Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2023.

Mike was a proud and active member of the Columbus Association of Black Journalists and throughout his career he encouraged and mentored countless young journalists. Mike served as a board member at the King Arts Complex, was active in the African American Wellness Walk, the American Heart Association Walk, and was a patron of Autism Speaks and the MS Foundation.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232. Funeral Services will immediately follow also at the church.

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