At five years of age, this Tallulah, Louisiana native became a permanent resident of Monroe. He is the oldest son of Willie Mae Coleman and the late James Edward Coleman, whom he credits for instilling and nurturing virtue, value, and vision in his life. The former Nora Fay Staten is the love of his life and his wife of thirty five years. Without her friendship and partnership, he remarks that he would be most deficient. Together, they are the parents of five children: James, Jr., Jacqueline, Shandricka, Shannicka, and Jasmine.
Fondly known as “Little Jack” by his concentric circle of class mates, he is a 1978 graduate of Carroll High School. During his years as a student, James was exposed to academic, athletic, and other after school experiences that proved to be providential. To mention a few—Bookkeeping, business math, choir, free enterprise, speech, and football at Carroll High School tremendously inspired James to further his education at Robinson Business College in Monroe and Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, among other places.
Since his years at Carroll High School, James has secured a Series Six Securities License, owned and operated both an Investment and Insurance enterprise and an Accounting and Tax Practice. He has also endeavored to positively affect the politics of our city, parish, and state. Among the many capacities in which he has served our community, James has given years of service as a Ouachita Enterprise Board Member, OIC Board Member, and Workforce Investment Board Member. Moreover, he has striven over the years to make a constructive impact in the Monroe and Ouachita Parish Schools.
In 1987—to no surprise of his family and most of his church family, principals, teachers, and classmates—James accepted his call to the Gospel preaching ministry. He has pastured Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Louisiana and Pleasant Green Baptist Church of Richwood, Louisiana. On June 8, 2003, he planted Faith Harvest Baptist Church of Monroe, Louisiana, of which he remains pastor. He was honored to serve as the moderator and president of North Louisiana Old Line Missionary Baptist Association, over which he stepped down in 2014 after twenty three years of faithful service. James Earl is also an instructor at the prestigious United Theological Seminary and Bible College in Monroe.
Pastor Jackson remains certain that you can’t get where you should be in life alone. He believes that in addition to so many other people and places, God directed him through Carroll High School to pivotally develop him for his destiny. Since the One about whom he preaches said, “To whom much is given much is required,” this Carroll High School Alumni enjoys being a giver, encourager, and a supporter.