Athlete – Basketball
Anthony “AJ” Tony Jackson, a native of Lexington, KY, was born as the oldest of six to Robert and Wilma Jackson. While playing pickup ball in West End and East End of Lexington, he discovered a love for basketball. AJ began his athletic journey playing basketball for Winburn Junior High and eventually became a point guard for the Bryan Station Defenders Basketball 1973-1976 teams coached by Bob Barlow. During his career at Bryan Station High, AJ enjoyed several winning seasons, including a trip to the 1974 KHSAA Sweet 16 State Tournament. AJ earned All-City and All-State honors, as well as a spot on the 1976 Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Game. At the conclusion of his senior year, AJ, along with several notable Lexington standouts, traveled to Europe where they played in Russia, led by Henry Clay High School Basketball Coach Al Prewitt.
Known for being calm, cool, and in control, AJ was a precise passer, sharpshooter and leader on the court. Anthony was recruited to play for the Florida State Seminoles by Coach Larry Gay and Head Coach Hugh Durham, where he continued as a point guard until graduation. He earned second-team All-Metro Conference honors in 1979. Recently, his 1978 basketball team, along with Coach Durham, was recognized as the first conference champions in Florida State University’s history.
At the end of his college career, AJ was selected in the fourth round of the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and played for the Anchorage Northern Knights in the Continental Basketball Association. After graduation, Anthony was an assistant coach for Florida State before beginning his career in Criminal Justice for almost 40 years. He has assisted with girls’ and women’s basketball teams on the high school and college levels, including his alma mater – the Bryan Station High School Girls Basketball Team.
After residing in Florida for 20 years, Tony returned home to Lexington. His passion for working with youth and their families continued through his work with the Department of Youth Services and volunteering with the West End Community Empowerment Program, serving on their board for several years. Tony served in several ministries at Pilgrim Baptist Church of Lexington under the pastorate of the late Rev. H.R. Smith, including Men’s Brotherhood, Senior and 1962 Club Choirs, Van Ministry, Vacation Bible School teacher, New Generation, and assisted his wife, Nelda Stephens Jackson, with the Children and Youth Ministry for many years.
Tony is enjoying retirement from his position as Juvenile Services District Supervisor for the Department of Criminal Justice – State of Kentucky. He is working on a book based on his experiences in the juvenile justice system and looks forward to his next chapter as a coach and influencer in the Health and Wellness field.
AJ attributes his success to three things: first, the support of his family, especially his father; those men in the community who took an interest in and provided safe, structured venues for youth to participate in sports; and lastly, the competitiveness and relationships with his teammates on the 1973 team, which led to him becoming a better player and better prepared for success at the next level.
