Requiem for Raphael Jackman, an icon, a mentor, a man of God

A good man, a leader, a pastor, a friend, a father, were some of the endearing words that described Raphael Earl Ewart Jackman, my cousin, who died at his Georgetown, Guyana home on Jan. 4, after a brief illness. He was 62.

Jackman received a wonderful, “celebration of service”, on Jan. 13, attended by family, close friends, and church members, at First Assembly of God Worthmanville.

Son, Yaphet Jackman, world-renowned filmmaker, who landed his first feature film —”Christmas 4 Sale,” premiered on BET Plus — on Dec. 21, 2021, spoke passionately of his parents’ everlasting love story, that began after they met, while working at Guyana Airways Corporation, writing each other love letters, that ultimately created – a solid bond, filled with adventure and adoration, and lasted for over thirty years,

“The streets of Lodge Village were painted with his personality, he was known for his style, charisma, love for family, his community and most of all football,” Yaphet said of his father, the avid sportsman, who played the game, and for many years coached and served as referee.

A fitting tribute in music — Great Is Thy Faithfulness, filled the church hall, as younger son, Yohan Jackman, a medical technologist, celebrated the incredible life his father lived in song.

Bishop Dr. Murtland Raphael Massiah, in his message for his namesake, praised the man of God for carrying out church assignments with dignity and kindness.

“He served people, and when he met God, he served God. He was the ideal conduit used by God to help people, even with unforgivable circumstances.”

“He was extremely creative and innovative. He had a relationship with God that helped him to work with people, and he went beyond the call of duty. I saw him reach the untouchable Messiah,” said Bishop Massiah of Jackman, who was a pastor of the church where he was memorialized.

The outpouring of tributes, honored Pastor J., as he was lovingly called, and described as a selfless, caring, humanitarian, who helped others, mentored scores of young men, and prayed for shut-ins, and the elderly.

Jackman, a former employee of the then Guyana Airways Corporations, was remembered as a sharp dresser, who had a character that was impeccable and unimpeachable. “His life can be summarized in reference to Timothy 4, 6-8, intertwined into his life, as a generous and loving father, an extraordinary man, whose entire life was centered around order and reverence for God,” said Pastor Balram Jadabal.

He added that Jackman had compassion for those in need, and showed faithfulness and love, towards his family. “Truly, he was an icon in his own rights, he has run his race faithfully, therefore there is a crown of riotousness that the Lord has laid in store for him,” added Pastor Jadabal, who extended sympathies to the family on behalf of the Guyana First Assembly of God Church family.

The requiem, befitting a gentleman, included the first scripture reading by Yeshua Hutson, a second scripture reading by my sister, Joyfayeth Jackman-McPherson, a prayer for the family by Asst. Pastor Loraine Cummings, and praise and and worship by Pastor Paul Benjamin.

Wife Hazel Jackman, mother, Daphne Scott-Jackman, sisters, Myrtle Jackman, Kim Jackman, and Ann Jackman-Hinds, brother Mark Jackman, nephew, Mark Murray Jackman Jr. aunts, Norma, Loraine, and Arlene, cousins, Patricia, Marilyn, Peggy, in North America, aunt Lillieth Clemonds, and many nieces, nephews, his football fraternity, and friends, are left to mourn the loss of Raphael Earl Ewart Jackman.

RIP cousin Raphael.