HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | The Alabama A&M University Department of Athletics is saddened by sudden death of former assistant men's basketball coach Sammy Jackson.
 
Jackson, who served as assistant coach at Alabama A&M from 2003-2011, coached at the collegiate level for more than 20 years. Before coming to AAMU, Jackson served as assistant coach at Alabama (2002-03). From 1999-2000, he was the head coach at Savannah State and served as assistant coach at Georgia State (1995-99), Tennessee State (1994-95) and Auburn (1993-94).
 
"My heart and prayers go out to the entire Jackson family," former Alabama A&M head men's basketball coach L. Vann Pettaway said. "He was such a kind and remarkable soul and words cannot express how sad I am about the loss of such a great man."
 
After a decade on The Hill, Jackson took over the program at Fort Valley State as the head coach in 2011. In eight seasons at Fort Valley State, Jackson went 91-138. He then coached at Headland High School, his alma mater, for two seasons (2020-2022), and was inducted into the Henry County Sports Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 2019.
 
Jackson, a Huntsville, Ala. native, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications from the University of Montevallo. While in attendance, he was captain of the men's basketball team and an all-conference selection. He played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the Rockford Lightning (1986-87) and semi-professionally for the Birmingham Magic (1987-88).
 
After his played career ended, Jackson served as an assistant coach and head junior varsity coach at Huntsville's Butler High School from 1988-93.
 
The funeral service for Jackson will be held on Saturday, February 8 at the Steve Williams Arena (Headland High School) in Headland at 12:30 p.m. His brother, Reverend Dr. Bobby J. Jackson will officiate and the burial will follow in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening (February 7) from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory.
 
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