#United States #Inglewood #Joseph Jackson #FemChoice Technology #TeleCommander

Honoring Dr. Joseph N. Jackson

On September 5, 2025, the community will gather to celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Joseph N. Jackson, a trailblazing African American inventor and visionary behind the programmable television remote control. Officiating the memorial service will be James Cannon, well-known televangelist and author, providing a fitting tribute to a man whose inventions have become integral to modern family life.

Dr. Jackson, who passed away in August 2025, was an Army veteran and served as a city commissioner in Hawthorne, California. His remarkable journey is marked not only by his professional achievements but also by his profound commitment to improving the lives of ordinary families through technology. His groundbreaking invention, the "Programmable Television Receiver Controller" (U.S. Patent 4,095,114), introduced in 1978 and marketed as the TeleCommander, was the first programmable TV remote. This device allowed parents to block inappropriate content, setting a new standard for media consumption in American homes.

As a key figure in the development of parental control technology, Dr. Jackson's innovations paved the way for the eventual implementation of the V-Chip—a technology all televisions in the United States are required to have. His impact is profound; every time parents use remote controls to filter content for their children, they are utilizing a concept pioneered by this quiet genius.

"Every time a parent uses a remote to block inappropriate content, they are using technology pioneered by Joseph Jackson," noted his nephew, Don Jackson, Vice President of FemChoice Technology LLC. Dr. Jackson's belief that technology should empower and protect families was a driving force throughout his career.

The memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM at the Grace Memorial Chapel in Inglewood, California, followed by interment at Inglewood Park Cemetery. This historic cemetery, which is also the final resting place of renowned figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles, will honor Dr. Jackson’s legacy by featuring his gravesite in its "Historic Figures and Innovators Tour."

In addition to his contributions to television technology, Dr. Jackson's later work focused on health tech, leading to the development of the Fem-Choice MD, a biorhythmic fertility prediction device designed to assist women with reproductive health decisions. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a firm commitment to harnessing technology for family empowerment and health independence.

This memorial not only commemorates Dr. Jackson's accomplishments but also inspires others to consider the role that technology plays in everyday life. The family has requested privacy during this time of mourning, but they also welcome the public to honor the memory of a man who dedicated his life to advancing technology for the common good.

The service will allow family, friends, and the public to reflect on Dr. Jackson's impactful legacy in the field of technology and health. If you would like to support the Jackson family or participate in the memorial service, please do so respectfully and honor the privacy they request.

For those unable to attend, media availability for family members and eulogist James Cannon will be limited after the service. High-resolution images and historical photographs of Dr. Jackson and his inventions will be available upon request to commemorate his innovative spirit.

As we gather to celebrate the life of Dr. Joseph N. Jackson, let us remember the importance of invention, community, and the lasting impacts we can all make in our respective fields. His journey encourages us to envision a future where technology continues to uplift families and enhance lives.