L.A. Operator & Philanthropist E.J. Jackson Passes Away

Ellsworth E.J. Jackson Los Angeles — Veteran chauffeured ground transportation operator and philanthropist, Ellsworth “ E.J.” Jackson, the owner of Jackson Limousine Service, passed away November 1 from an apparent heart attack.

Jackson was known locally as “Mr. Turkey,” a nickname earned from his annual Thanksgiving turkey drive, which has provided meals for thousands of needy families for more than 30 years. His community service became a tradition in South L.A., and attracted celebrities who volunteered their time to help package and hand out food boxes to the needy residents who would sometimes wait in line for days.

According to the Jackson Limousine Service, the giveaway began in 1982 when some area senior citizens who couldn’t afford Thanksgiving holiday meals approached Jackson, who responded by buying 100 turkeys and creating the E.J. Jackson Foundation. The next year he bought 200, and the following he bought 500, and ultimately grew annual community event. In 2015, more than 12,000 turkeys were handed out, along with other Thanksgiving meal fixings. Family members have said that this year’s turkey giveaway will go on as scheduled on Nov. 22. The foundation is still asking for donations of turkeys and other meal fixings.

Visit jacksonlimo.com or theejjacksonfoundation.com for more information.

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