Calvin Jackson

Calvin R. Jackson, 85, a lifelong Montclair resident who catered many Jewish life-cycle events, died May 2, 2015. He was born in Glen Ridge. 

Before retiring, Mr. Jackson and his late wife, Minnie, were founding proprietors of Catering Extraordinaire, an off-premise firm that served clients across the tri-state region for more than 30 years and catered events at a wide range of venues.

Mr. Jackson, his wife, and their three daughters, who also worked in the firm, developed long-lasting relationships with their clients as they catered business functions, holiday observances, and life events such as marriages, births, and b’nei mitzva. He was known for employing and mentoring college students and young adults — including sons and daughters of his clients — who called him “Mr. J.” He was a frequent contributor to the Jewish community through the United Jewish Appeal and other charitable initiatives. 

At the time of his death, he was chair of the deacons and a trustee at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Montclair, and spiritual adviser for the free meal program the church operates in collaboration with Montclair Emergency Shelter for the Homeless. 

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He served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952, based at Fort Bliss, Texas, and earned the rank of sergeant. 

He is survived by three daughters, Lynn McFarlane, Renee (John) Washington, and Robin Jackson; two sisters, Marion Rhea and Rev. Elizabeth Campbell; and three grandchildren. 

Services with military honors were held May 9 with arrangements by Martin’s Home for Service, Inc., Montclair. Memorial contributions may be made to Rising Mt. Zion Church Youth Ministry, 27 Monroe Place, Montclair, NJ 07042.