Having briefly managed his father-in-law's NSW jewellery business, he qualified as a gemologist and established his own jewellery store, Loloma, in 1959 on Townsville's Flinders Street.
Under his stewardship, the retailer expanded to seven stores throughout northern Queensland.
Jackson was also the foundation chairman and managing director of the Australian buying group Showcase Jewellers.
He especially had time for young people entering the industry. His love of the jewellery industry was only matched by his love of Townsville and northern Queensland.
He represented various local business organisations, including Townsville Enterprise Limited and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, and was a director and deputy chairman of the Queensland Small Business Development Corporation.
In 2002, he received an Order of Australia for his work in social welfare and health organisations and for his contributions to local sport. Some years ago, he was a co-owner of the Cairns Taipans National Basketball League team.
Jackson was bestowed a Queensland Great Award in 2011. The award recognises outstanding Queenslanders for their years of dedication and contribution to the state's development and their role in strengthening and shaping the community.
The awards are presented as part of the Queensland Day celebrations. Each award is commemorated with a plaque on a wall in the Roma Street Parkland.
"I just had to tell you"
Jackson was a tireless advocate of the Australian jewellery industry and a strong supporter of this magazine.
He was always available for comment and information, and journalists new to the industry were often advised to introduce themselves to Jackson with simple instructions: “Sit back and listen to everything he has to say.”
In August 2022, I received an unexpected email saying, “Good afternoon Angela, I have been running jewellery stores for 62 years, and have to congratulate you because the current July issue is the best industry magazine which has ever been printed.
“I just had to tell you. With best wishes, Graham.”
Knowing that our December issue that year was a special issue devoted to “What Do Jewellers Think?” I replied, asking him if he would like to contribute. His reply was immediate: “YES.”
This enthusiastic response was just one of many examples of Jackson’s tireless commitment to the Australian industry and his willingness to volunteer his time, energy, and insight.
Sadly, when I followed up with him sometime later, he advised that he was under medical treatment, adding that he would be in contact when he had recovered.
He is survived by his six children and 14 grandchildren.
Vale Graham Jackson.
A LOOK BACK