He was one of the most well-liked players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
For 10 seasons, Chris Jackson went about his business in the pros with a positive and disciplined approach. He gained the respect of teammates and opposing players alike for his exemplary attitude on and off the court, earning nicknames like "Stonewall Jackson" for his tough defense and "Action Jackson" for his all-out play.
Jackson never complained about playing time or his role in the team. It didn’t matter to him if he started or came off the bench. To him, the important thing was his contribution to the team, big or small.
Defense was his strong suit. Jackson was neither a shooter nor a scorer. His best scoring average was 7.1 points in 2001 when he registered his career high 24 points. He was a stopper and nobody was more unforgiving particularly when it came to playing post defense.
Although he’s no longer playing in the PBA, Jackson still lives in Manila. He turned 40 last month and it looks like he’s staying here for good.
"Chris is a kind and generous nephew," said Letty Salvador, younger sister of Jackson’s mother Elisa. "My family has watched out for him since he first arrived to play for Chow King in the PBL (Philippine Basketball League). I remember in his early years, his nose often bled because he couldn’t adjust to our weather. When he was playing in the PBL, (Robert) Jaworski kept on calling our house to speak to Chris. I think Jaworski wanted to recruit him but they never got to talk."
Jackson turned pro in 1995, played three years for Sta. Lucia Realty then moved to Shell. It was with the Turbo Chargers that Jackson had his most memorable moments in the PBA. He won two championships–the 1998 Governors Cup and the 1999 All-Filipino Conference titles–with Shell under coach Perry Ronquillo and wound up his career with over 2,500 defensive and 1,000 offensive rebounds.
The youngest of seven children, Jackson is the only pro athlete in the family. His father John Sr. met and married wife Elisa Landicho of Sorsogon when he was assigned at Clark Air Base in Angeles City for the US Navy. Elisa worked as a cashier for the Tambunting group and was also assigned in Angeles City. Their first child John Jr., now 53, was born here.
Elisa stopped working and raised her seven children at home when the family relocated to the US. That’s why the children are very Filipino in their way of thinking, said Letty. The children all finished college and are gainfully employed.
"Chris and his four brothers and two sisters are all family-oriented like Filipinos are," said Letty. "When my brother and sister got sick because of kidney problems, the children helped in paying for their medical expenses. Chris’ oldest brother donated his kidney to my first cousin Consuelo Miranda who lives in North Carolina. Chris spent the last two Christmases here and was with our family during the holidays. The cellphone I use is a gift from him and it wasn’t the first he’s given."
Letty said she doesn’t know if Jackson is thinking of settling down soon. "He’s been dating someone the last five years," she went on. "She’s a very sweet and simple girl. They make a nice couple."
Letty, 62, and Jackson’s mother Elisa, 73, are the only surviving siblings. Their brother and sister passed away due to kidney failure a few years ago.
Jackson’s parents live in Santa Ana, California, with three orphaned children–all below 10. The children are Elisa’s nephews. Their father was Elisa’s and Letty’s brother. Jackson’s parents fetched the three kids here to bring to the US two years ago.
It was by accident that I met Letty. We were both in line at the US Embassy last Thursday waiting to be interviewed in connection with our application for visas. Letty plans to visit her sister in California and visit their ailing cousin Consuelo in North Carolina. Her last visit to the US was in 1996.
"Chris’ mother and I are very close," said Letty. "I’ll be traveling alone. My husband and our five children will stay home. I’ll be gone a month."
Letty said from what she knows, Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen was the last coach to inquire about Jackson’s availability.
"Chris stays in shape playing basketball," she said. "I know he plays with a group every week. Norman Black is one of those he plays with. Chris goes to the gym and rides a bike. I used to tell him not to worry about being called the PBA’s oldest player because he doesn’t look his age and he’s tougher than players who are much younger."
Letty laughed when she was once told Jackson’s Filipino lineage was being doubted.
"I accompanied Chris once to the Bureau of Immigration to swear that I’m his mother’s sister," said Letty. "There’s no question he’s half-Filipino even if he speaks only "barok" Filipino. I remember another Fil-Am player Eric Menk brought his Filipina mother and Filipina grandmother to the Bureau of Immigration to testify. Even as his Filipino heritage was being questioned, Chris never complained. That’s the kind of man he is. He’s so Filipino in that respect."