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Sharon,

I met Howard Jackson in the middle years of the '70 just after he had attained recognition as the number one fighter in the nation. He was hobbled at that time by a knee injury that kept him out of competition for a while. The very first thing that I noticed was how approachable and unpretentious he was. He made you feel comfortable around him from the first moment. He was intelligent an soft spoken and once you told him what your name was he did not forget it. He was unperturbed by any recently gained titles and seemed to be a regular guy.

Just a bit down the road from meeting him he invited me along to one of his therapy sessions for his knee. That's when I first saw the other side that had made him a champion. Low key melted away and he became ferocious about getting back into shape. He worked on that knee so hard it made me feel pain and fatigue.

We attended a lot of tournaments together while he was not participating and he was always being approached by someone that wanted to shake his hand. No matter who it was his hand always extended and he made that person feel glad that they had came over to greet him. He always liked being surrounded by people and the more the merrier.

During his final days he maintained that same attitude. I dropped in the see him about a day and a half before he left us and he had a room full of visitors! His voice was so weak you could hardly hear him but he was still accepting guest and being cordial to them. My hats off to a real humanist and a good friend!

Carlton Morris

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Sharon,

Howard was and still is one of the few people that I consider genuine, honest and great. I feel very fortunate to have known him. He will be missed dearly. I consider both of you good friends.

Wissam

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Sharon,

My condolences go out to you and your family. I've asked the Lord above to give you the strength to get through the lost of your love one. Howard was an exceptional person with a heart of gold. I always remember the happy times we all shared together when you both came down for the seminar. I clearly remember him talking about how great was the food especially the carrot cake. In the short time we shared together, I must say that it felt like I knew the both of you for many years. I will never forget the many laughs we shared. We just had our annual tournament and we had Howard's picture posted and gave him a moment of silence. Please take care and be strong and always remember the happy moments.

Your Friend,

Adrian Mendez

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Sharon,

I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to have met you at Bob Burbidge's memorial last year. That's the last time I saw Howard. He looked so good and was so positive about his life. That's the way he lived... always positive.

When I look back on the years that I knew him, I can only smile. Howard Jackson was a true champion in every way. His legend will live long after his passing. This is the way it should be. I am blessed to have known him, and to have him call me his "FRIEND".

Grandmaster Dennis Ichikawa

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Hello Sharon,

Once again, my condolence goes out to you! Howard will be dearly missed. He was a different breed of individuals. It is not too often where you meet people like him. That man was born with a purpose. He believed in himself, faced his goals and fought like his life depended on it. As I stated on the World Black Belt site, in the short time I to known Howard, he shared enough knowledge with me to last many years to come. However, the most important lesson he taught me, was the power of attitude. That life is not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life. Howard always had a great attitude, as he always made you feel at ease, in the face of the most adverse conditions. There's an old poem by Charles Swindoll that states, We cannot change our past,..we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. Thanks for the lesson Howard!

The Mendez Family & the

Red Dragon Karate Studio

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Hi Sharon

It was great to talk to you again today. You have been such a dear friend and inspiration to all of us, including my mother. Keep up your great strength and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Howard has left behind a legacy in all of his achievements and inspirations for everyone that knew him. He was a great champion and a fighter that showed all of us what life was really about!

My brother, Peter, will fight on and the promise that he will keep for Howard of what he wished of him doing.

My best wishes to you and all of your family

Paul J

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Hi Sharon:

Dottie and I were so very sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. There are no words that I can think of

to comfort you. But I can certainly tell you what a lucky man Howard was. When a soldier dies in

combat, there should be a celebration of his life, for that soldier died for a higher cause. Howard

died from a disease, but fought it with the ferociousness of a marine that he was. He

passed from us not that he did not have the desire to live. He passed from us because the disease

 wore him down. But like a Spartan soldier he stood his ground, bravely, holding on tenaciously to the

end. You stood by him because you loved this valiant human being who just would not give up.

Sharon, Howard is not dead. He lives on in all our minds. He lives in your spirit, and in your love.

He lives in the image of Howard Jr. So let us not grieve, but let us celebrate what Howard gave us all.

The pure image of courage.

Chris & Dottie Biller

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I shall forever treasure the moments shared time and space with truly an angel sent to bless those who believe.

God is great. Thank you.

Kraiguar

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Dearest Sharon,

I am so glad that he had you to share his life with. We did not have a chance to meet you but my husband, my son and I had dinner with Howard in Los Angeles during the last I year or so. Afterwards, we visited with him at his home. He was very proud of you and talked about you a lot -- and I know why – you have a beautiful spirit – just as beautiful as the photos he showed us of you.

Thank you for contacting us about Mr. Jackson. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Jackson family. We like to think of passings in a positive way rather then the sad – a time to reflect and celebrate happy memories. Our son, Bizhan Alikhaani, studied karate under Howard at his school in Encino and Sherman Oaks, California.

Howard was a very special and genuine person. He loved people and he really loved kids! His karate school was more like a big family and he ran it that way. All of the kids were fond of him. I am not sure that he fully realized the positive effect that he had on the lives of many children.

Howard loved karate and his passion was particularly demonstrated by his work and attitude with the children and they loved him for it. He was tough when he had to be – he had his own brand of “tough love” for his young protégés. He always encouraged them to be their best and he insisted that they not only memorize the martial arts “code of ethics” but to buckle down and try to live by them as well.

At home we often remember the “good ole” karate class days and the wonderful friends our son made and the great parents we met too. It was a great experience and we all had a lot of fun. Mr. Jackson, his staff, and associates provided very meaningful and memorable experiences for the kids, parents – the whole family. We had dinner with him and his daughter, Amber, last year and had a great time reminiscing and looking at old photos. All of the great special classes, demo events, and tournaments with wonderful people and karate greats like Chuck Norris, Bob Wall, Pat Johnson, David Krapes and many others really made the kids feel special. And us parents got a fun “kick” (no pun intended) out of it as well. The kids will remember those special times all of their lives.

In honor of his memory, we would like to thank Mr. Jackson as well as the wonderful associates who worked with him to help make a difference in the community by creating a positive resource and activity for our youth. Mr. Jackson and his team had a vision and a dream to do something special -- and they did – in the true spirit of martial arts. We need more programs like that -- with people who love what they do and really care about young people -- programs that create and build self-esteem and courage. Indeed, no one is perfect, but Howard Jackson was a very fine specimen of a human being. He always gave his best.

The Alikhaani Family

Jacqueline, Sadegh, and

Bizhan (Red

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Howard was a great champion and a great person! He will be missed.

I'm personally thankful for his opening the doors for other African American to realize kickboxing as a great sport to participate in.

I would later win two world championships.

Sincerely,

Johnny Davis

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TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF HOWARD J. IT WAS A BLESSING FROM GOD THAT I MET SOME PEOPLE WHO KNEW OF HOWARD LAST FALL. I OFTEN WONDERED WHAT HAD HAPPEN TO HOWARD. WE MET IN THE 1983 SOON AFTER I RELOCATED TO CALI. HOWARD WAS A COOL GUY. THERE ARE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN LIFE THAT YOU NEVER FORGET AND HOWARD WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. I SPOKE TO HIS FIANCE' OVER THE PHONE AT THE HOSPITAL AND SHE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO PUT HIM ON THE PHONE. ALTHOUGH HE WAS WEAK HE WAS THE SAME HOWARD OF YESTERYEAR. I AM SURE HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY SO MANY PEOPLE. THANK YOU GOD FOR ALLOWING ONE LAST CONVERSATION.

PATRICIA POPE-JORDAN

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Dear Sharon

I was very saddened to here of Howard’s passing, it was a great pleasure to have met Howard and see his studio. Our prayers will be with you, your family and Howard’s family, God bless you and thank you for your lovely letter you sent.

Jack & Mindy Ross

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Dear Sharon:

 I heard several days ago of the loss of my friend Howard. I contacted Dennis Harris, who is a friend to

 both Howard and I. Regarding the Karate tournament that Howard won in 1973. It was the first full contact

tournament using Jhoon Rhees safety equipment. The safety equipment did not work in this event, as the

 foam in the gloves was hard rubber. Over 17 guys got knocked out that day. It was the year I retired from

 my 214 undefeated wins in my weight  division. Mr. Mikami, Tadashy Yamashita and I, where the head

 referees. Howard and his team partner Mr. Lee, "giant of a man" from Detroit, won the event. Howard and

I used to tease one another, about my retirement that year. I would tell him he was lucky I retired, and he

would tell me, I would have had my first loss to him. I remember Howard from back in the late 60's.

He trained in Detroit with a teacher named David Praim. In my mind, Howard was many things I was not.

 These things where all good not bad. In Karate "HOWARD", was the finest sportsman I ever knew.

I understand Howards strength in fighting this terrible desease. He was a true Karate Warrior, who did not

know what it meant to loose. I lost my only brother to Cancer in 1990. So I can understand a loss such as

yours a little bit. But no-one can feel what you feel, only you can Sharon. Be certain of this though. You will

have Howards true friends in your corner forever. For we all know what you faced, many of us would not have

had the strength to do what you did. You shall have my respect and gratitude forever.

God bless my friend Howard and God bless you.

ERNIE LIEB

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We will miss you Howard, peace be unto you in the next life,

J. Greenfield

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Dear Sharon,

I am so sorry for the loss you and Howard's family must be feeling and very sad that Howard did not have more time here on Earth. Everyone touched by his good nature (including me) will miss him greatly. It breaks my heart to think about all the suffering he endured in his will to survive, and you inspire me with your strength and commitment. My faith tells me that even though Howard's body is gone now, his soul is in Heaven, and I know his spirit will live on forever in our hearts.

Love,

Charla USMC Iwacuni, Japan

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Hi Sharon,

Thank you for your email. O.T. called a few days ago and broke the news. We are all deeply saddened by the latest. I take comfort in the conversation we had where Howard told me he definitely believes in Christ as his savior. That truly is the only hope for all of us. I’m sure his Memorial service will be packed, he was so loved and he loved much. I want to compliment you for your tenacity and diligence in keeping him in good spirits and health, helping him to fight this battle. I can only imagine how tough it has been. We all send our love and prayers for you and the family. Let me know if you are in need of anything. God bless. See you soon.

Steve and Trully Mason

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Dear Sharon,

I will miss seeing you from time to time on hospital grounds. You and Howard had become a part of our family. Your patience, faith, hope and love was inspiring for me. Howard, well he will always be remembered for his gentleness, grace and humor. He truly was a gentleman and you a lady. I am so glad to have gotten to know the both of you.

With love and hugs,

Margaret Prior, R.N. Clinical Nurse Manager, HCT

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I met Howard In California at the U S Tang Soo Do Nationals as he was there visiting Grandmaster Hwang Kee & Hyun Chul Hwang , We met and spoke a while , took a Photo . * That photo I took when I accompanied Eric Lee to see Howard in the Hospital when he was first diagnosed Sharon , Eric , Howard and I laughed with the thought of how we both had hair .......way back in the mid / late 80s. remebering way back when .

I maintained contact with Howard through all my years and he has been a Mentor / an Inspiration to me throughout the years on many levels including the Martial Arts , Being a Father , Role Model and in the Profession of Personal Protection.

I would see Howard on many occasions sometimes with Chuck and always he would be extrmely welcoming on all levels, conversing , joking & being himself. What Great memories he has left me with , I thank God that he has shown us all that there are special * angels all around us and Howard was one of them always so positive .

It was a very moving / sad day when I was called and made aware of the Great loss in the world , I spoke with Bob Wall and Robbie Knievel Branscome Richmond was with me in Daytona for Bike Week and all were so moved by this loss , Right away we all wanted to make contact with Sharon / Family & Chuck and tell him how sorry were of all the loss and hurt everyone feels .

My heart goes out to all our friends and families for teh loss of Howard , what a fight he put up and YES WON, He has went to be with God and is watching over us all .

Sincere Blessings

Brian Gates

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Your passing is a loss that words cannot convey.  There are those we liked to fight, and those we liked, j

ust to be around them, how rare to have both in one person.  If there was a role model in martial arts, they

learned how to be from you. You will be in good company my brother, Frank Waller Jr, Professor Moses

Powell, and so many others that made our art come out of the shadows, and God willing, someday, this

writer.  God's Blessing on the Jackson family, and the World Black Belt organization.

Duke Ali Shariff-Bey, Shihan

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Comments: Just heard about Howard passing. A great loss for all of us. I  exchanged emails with him

several times over the past few years, relating to his struggle and hospitalization. He fight was an

 inspirationto a friend of mine who just had a heart transplant, and the  words of support from Howard

were of great help to him at that time. He will remain in our memories.

Brian Jacobs

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I don’t know what I should say.

I’ve known Howard for 3 years.

I spoke with him very often through email, and he helped me in bad times.

I thank him I am the person who I am.

Many people say me, why do you cry, you were only a fan.

I wasn’t only a fan. He gave me the inspiration for life and he knew me

better then I myself.

He was like a brother for me...It hurts very much.

I thank God that I had the occasion to speak with him and be his friend.

Sorry........

Joanna from Poland :(

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Howard, I will love you forever.  You will always be like a  brother to me.  No matter where you were

I felt safe knowing you were a phone call away.  The world will never be the same without you.  You,

Howard Jackson, are one of the greatest, kindest, loved men I have ever known.  I am better for having

had you in my life for 17 years.  We will  never forget you.  "That's what I'm talkin about...."  Are you doing

 your dance in Heaven?  Don't worry about your angel, Sharon.  We will

all take care of her for you as she took care of you.  See you in our Heavenly Office...then you can do the emails again.

I love you so much,

Laura   ox

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i am so sorry for whats happened ,howard j. will be missed in the martial arts world , let me say that

 howard jackson was an exciteing  fighter to watch , as a point fighter and a s a kickboxing champ,

 i got to see him  fight on t.v back in jan 1980 on nbc , he was fighting a japanese fighter , and howard

 had just had knee surgery , he beat the japanese fighter by decision , but he did it with style, he was

awesome to watch , he will be missed , my prayers go out to his family and

friends that were dearest to him.

sincerly yours,

master ector 'scorpio' troncoso

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Dear Sharon:

My DEEPEST condolences to you and the family on the passing of Howard. I was completely shocked to hear that our beloved Howard is no longer with with us. Howard was such a true fighter, a very sweet person, very courageous, and was looked up to by many people including myself. I know Howard loved you very much and you were truly his "rock" and I am so grateful he had you in his life, along with the tremendous love, suppport and care you always gave him. Sharon; you are also a tremendous person.

God Bless you and am sending my love and prayers to you.

April Davila

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He was a good friend and I will miss him.

Ken Rychlik

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Sharon,

I just found out last night about Howard, my heart goes out to you and his family. Everyone will miss him terribly. You have both been an extended part of our family and you will continue to be in our hearts and minds forever. Please take care and remember, Davy and I love you too.

Ellen & Davy Sears

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Dear Sharon,

I got the news from Steve Fisher. He and I had a talked about Howard and he and I loved him like a brother. Howard was one of the greats, in my opinion, not only as a fighter but as a person. He was a marvelous example of what a martial arts master should be - a great fighter balanced by being a warm human being. It was my priviledge to have been a friend of his and to have competed in the era in which he did. My life is enriched by having been his friend. Although I will miss him I do not mourn him. He lives with all of us.

love,
Dan Anderson

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8-BALL,

You are superman you have been a GREAT friend and I am honored to have known you and loved the

 times we would laugh!!!!

Your brother from another mother

 joe murphy

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Dear Sharon,

How sad I am right now, but how thankful I feel to have had Howard as a friend.  I am also thankful that he

 had you in his life.  You were such a wonderful angel to him, giving of your love, time and care.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and with his family.

Having known Howard for over 30 years, I can truly say his friendship was special and ... real.

His positive support and friendship has meant a lot to me throughout the years.  He was aware of

my Dad's (on-going) battle with Lymphoma and that I am my Dad's caregiver.  I felt Howard truly

understood what that meant and that his prayers were heartfelt and genuine.

I'm truly hoping all of your wonderful memories of Howard will fill your heart and replace the sadness

and difficulties of his final days.  I am lucky to have some great memories of Howard...

our Karate tournament days from way back when.... how welcomed he made me feel in Texas when

 I started working on "Walker"... how he loved to be up on stage... singing... like a shining star.

Love and Respect,

Karen Sheperd

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I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Howard Jackson. I never had the privilege to meet and talk

with him but have followed his numerous career and achievements over the years.

The Martial Arts World has lost a great exponent of the arts.  My condolences and prayers go out to Mr.

Jackson's family, students  and friends.

I would like to thank World Black Belt.com and especially Sharon for keeping everyone informed as to the

 health of Mr.Jackson over these past  months.

God Bless,

Justin Colatarci

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Semper Fi you will be remembered always.

Jim Chandler

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I am truly sad about Howard’s Passing, he was a wonderful man, I wish we could have made that fishing trip.I would love to have been exposed to his smile one more time.

Darrell Belch

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Sharon,

I felt compelled to contact you to offer my deepest and warmest condolences. I am truly sorry for this tremendous loss to you personally. I as well as so many others Love Howard and will always remember him with the kindness and warmth he shared. Just know that my heart is filled with sadness right now and I will miss him with all of my heart. Howard has left an incredible legacy. I am glad that I was able to see him last month. God Bless you Sharon for all you have done for Howard, his family and friends. If I can do anything at all for you, please feel free to let me know I will be BEYOND willing to help.

Warm Regards,

Ray Normandine

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Hello Sharon,

You have my deepest sympathy. Howard is a UNIQUE SOUL. I will miss the friendship and bond we

shared.  Although, separated by space and time He is ONE of those people, that when you see him

for the first time in ten years, It is like NO time has  passed. So, it will be when I see him again.

 It appears as God is bringing home some of the truly good souls.

You have been a GREAT wife to Howard. As well, as a TRUE FRIEND for those of us who care.

 Not fortunate enough to be close at hand. I have looked forward to your monthly updates.

I have cherished your personal replies. Please keep in touch?!

Eric Breuer

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It is with great sadness that I announce the passing away of Mr. Howard Jackson. As with every fight he ever fought he fought with bravery, and valiance. Mr. Jackson as all of you know became one of the greatest fighters, practitioners, and teachers of all time. All those that knew him were touched by his friendliness, his sense of humor, and his indomitable spirit. Those who had the privilege to fight him were always impressed with his speed and power, and whether he won or lost, in his gentlemanly ways, he truly represented all that UFAF stands for, Discipline, Integrity, Loyalty, and Respect. He embodied the spirit of CKD. He has great love for his family, for his mentor and instructor Mr. Chuck Norris and for the art that Mr. Norris founded. Whenever asked to teach a class whether it be spur of the moment or with time to prepare he always did so with enthusiasm and excitement. Mr. Jackson will be missed but he has gone on to be with loved ones passed, and with a Lord whom he loved and expressed his great devotion to. He will live in our hearts and our memories always.

Sincerely,

Ken Gallacher

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It comes with great sadness tbe passing of Master Jackson. My condolences go to the family and Mrs.

 Sharon. Our thought and prayers go out to all of you. We will celebrate his life and all of his great

 accomplishments. He will be missed, but all of his great traits and qualities, are instilled in all of his

 students close friends all of UFAF has a little bit of him in their hearts.

Paulo Santos

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Rest In Peace my Brother!

Respectfully,

John Bain KICKSTART Teacher

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Dearest Sharon

We are so very sorry to hear about Mr. Jackson and simply want to send you our Love and to tell you

that if you need any help with anything to contact me at my studio.  I do not want to take up to much

of your time but I will tell you this, I light a candle for Mr. Burbidge every

day in my studio and now I just want you to know that as of today, I will be lighting two.  The world has

 now lost two of its best and it was indeed an honor to be on the receiving end of both of hem.

All of our Love, always

Steven Konblett & Milena

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Hi Sharon,

Our prayers are with you. At least Howard is at a better place with a better body.

Howard.... Thank you for helping me with my fighting over the years. I have passed your techniques along to my students and always made sure you got credit for teaching them to me. Please know that as God allows, I will continue to share your techniques with others and I will always let them know that I was blessed to learn them directly from my friend "The California Flash" Howard Jackson, a true martial arts legend.

Sharon..... Thanks again for being there for Howard. I know God has a special blessing for you.

God Bless, Reggie, Terry, Travis, and Sarah Cochran

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Gods Speed Howard.

Marc Lambert

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I would like to send our condolences to the entire family.  We met Howard at Karate Camp two

years ago and he was wonderful with the children as well as very entertaining to the adults.  He has

been an inspiration to us all.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Dawn Jarrett

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Howard:

I know that you will never read this, But I never got to say good by, It is hard for me to talk seriously,

But I loved you like a brother, The only difference is that your relatives your stuck with, But with friends

you get to choose to love because they deserve your love, Through the years we have had Many great times,

I remember when you first went to therapy after you came back to L A.  I'll never forget the doc telling

you to do 25 leg extensions, Using 5 lbs. I remember you doing 100 lifts with 15 lbs. and remembering

how you couldn't walk for 3 day's. I remember Julio telling me when I helped train you on your off days,

that my main job was to keep you from overdoing it, and I remember that I usually failed, and that work

ethic was what made you as great as you were. I remember you Steve and Manny trying to get me to go

to the movies, and sitting on all three of you, I remember the time we sparred, And you trying to hit me with

 one of your useless Korean kicks, And how happy you were when you finely did.   Your body may not be

 here any more, But you'll always be in my heart.

Good By Howard, I love you.

Bob Rosenbaum

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Dear Sharon,

Just want to take time out to thank you for taking care of my cousin. Again I must say that you must be an awesome person! We will be praying for you and Butch’s children. He will always remain a special person in our hearts, always full of love. If you should need anything at all, please contact me.

May God Bless You,

Marlene E. Arnold/cousin

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Howard Jackson was a point fighting champion, a full-contact champion and a boxing champion. He was one of the few pioneers who was able to cross-over in different arenas and be successful in all three of them. Though he will be remembered by many as a champion, I will always remember him as my friend. Howard was a man of integrity and honesty. He expressed his strong support for the Museum because he felt it was the right thing to do. I will be forever thankful to Howard for his kindness, his inspiration, his committment and his wonderful attitude about life. The martial arts community is what Howard loved and he will be missed by all. On behalf of the Martial Arts History Museum, we send our prayers and condolences to his loved ones.

Michael Matsuda, president, Martial Arts History Museum

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Dear Sharon,

You are most likely swamped with letters and calls of condolence from many who are grieving over the loss of your beloved husband Howard. I'm in Colorado and just got the news from Mr. Douglas. Just to tell you, when Mr. Douglas told us of Howard's passing he came to tears. I don't think those of us in the room had ever seen him in this state before. It was very moving and I knew they were very close.I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for Howard and you. I know that he is in a better place and out of pain and being received by loved ones.

Know that you are loved by many and that we here in Colorado send our warmest feelings your way in hoping you'll feel our grief and love for Howard and we will never forget his coming out to work with us. I am glad I met you too. I could tell when I met you that you're a strong woman and that God will help you through this time of loss. You are a charming person and I know Howard will miss you. Maybe when the time is right you should come out and get a good dose of the mountains and spend a few days to let them strengthen your spirit. They have a way of doing that. Take care and know you're being thought of.

Love to you and your family,

Brian Mable

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Howard was an example of dedication and courage to all of us. From the competitive spirit he brought to his career, to his positive and loving state of mind in his final days, he showed us how to live well, love well, and end well. He will be missed, but his legacy is the difference he made forever in the lives of those who knew him.

Mike Sawyer

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We will miss you Howard, peace be unto you in the next life,

J. Greenfield

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Howard was one of the best martial artists, fighters and a friend to all.  He is a legend too soon past.

 I will continue to teach my students about those who pioneered the arts in the US and Mr.Jackson

 will be always in our hearts, minds and prayers.  I will miss him.

Richard Fike

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Hi Sharon,

I learned of Howard’s passing Friday. Please accept my deepest sympathies with the loss of a good man, Howard. I will miss Howard. I am glad that he had you for this most important fight in his life. My thoughts turned to you as I know you were there for Howard when he needed someone the most. May god bless you Sharon as you forth with your life.

Semper Fi!

Dennis Harris Michigan

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Howard and I go way back, to when Howard was in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. I took him to his first Karate Tournament. He got disqualified for too much contact. We were sparring partners at Ted Mason’s Tang Soo Do School. Howard was one of the toughest Men I ever knew. I’m very sad to hear we’ve lost him.

Rest in Peace,

Chuck Hawkins

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Aloha Howard,

I write this with a heavy heart and with love and thanks. When I met you on the beach at the workouts for “RAVEN”, I was told by a guy named Achilles who you were. I remembered reading about you in Black Belt magazine and how you called your style of fighting “the Train”.

There on the beach under Hawaiian skies you were friendly to all that attended and encouraged all of us to not be afraid and taught us how to perform. You were always there with a smile and greeted all of us with such warmth that we literally called you our brother. I want to thank you for being there on the set to encourage us, raising our enthusiasm, and putting your arms around us for telling us we did good work. After workouts you always said “next week, bring a friend”, then we would hang out and get pizza and in Hawaiian style, talk story. Those days will always be timeless, and memorable. Your smile, your happy and friendly voice that was instructive, uplifting, and fun and infectious.

A couple of times on the set of Raven I was performing a stunt and you were right there, in our shoes. After it wrapped you put your arms around me and said “you were good”, “that’s why you will keep working”. Those words of encouragement, stayed with me and it was those lessons you taught us that kept me working. Even before we got there you were preparing the work area for us, so that it would be safe. Whenever I am on the set today, it is your spirit and words that stay with me and keep me assured of my abilities. Not only do I thank you for this, but for your forever friendship. Even when you left, I always felt you in spirit, I was so excited when we got back in touch, and prayed to God to put his arms around you and give you the encouragement and uplifting you gave to me so many times.

Selfishly, I wish God did not need you when we got back in touch, but then you bring a friend of yours to me in Vegas to meet. Through Joe Murphy, I felt your spirit and smile and heart. My thanks to you for doing that. But I also thank God for bringing you to Hawaii and sharing his love and aloha thru you. The world has had the pleasure of having you with, now you are needed in heaven. Like the way you prepared the work area for us on the set, I can see you preparing a place in heaven for all your friends. And when we get there, you will be there greeting us with that same infectious smile, the warm hug and your open heart.

My brother Howard, thank you so much for sharing and living and being a person of “QUALITY”. I will try to continue to share the same heart you have given to me to others. Sharon is the compliment of you, she has such a warm heart like yours. I have never met your children but I know the legacy thru them and Sharon goes on.

Peace be with you my brother, until we meet again – love and aloha ke akua (GOD be with you), Kimo Maiwela

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Mike Sawyer

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We will miss you Howard, peace be unto you in the next life,

J. Greenfield

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Howard was one of the best martial artists, fighters and a friend to all.  He is a legend too soon past.

I will continue to teach my students about those who pioneered the arts in the US and Mr.Jackson will

be always in our hearts, minds and prayers.  I will miss him.

Richard Fike

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Hi Sharon,

I learned of Howard’s passing Friday. I will miss Howard. I am glad that he had you for this most important fight in his life. Dennis Harris

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Rest in Peace,

Chuck Hawkins

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Hi Sharon,

Thank you for e-mailing us. We are very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sadness we feel for this brave man. I went to the site and read more and, of course, was touched by your words. I was not in contact with Howard for many years but I am grateful that we once again got together at the dojo to see him doing what he loved most. The visit to our home also meant a lot to me. Our last get together along with Dimitri at the City of Hope was really good for the three of us. We got to reminisce and have a few laughs. I know he really enjoyed it and I am so thankful now that I got to see him one more time. Take care of yourself Sharon. Howard was fortunate to have someone as caring as you to share the good and the trying times. Deanne and I will be there for the Memorial.

Ted Kuypers

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Sharon,
I'm truly sorry for your loss. As accomplished as he was and as strong as Howard was physically, I never met anyone with his big heart. I'm glad I had a chance to visit with him when Theo came out here a few months ago. Howard inspired me when I was nineteen. It's when he set up his first studio in Hawthorne and was recovering from his knee injury. Not only did he train me in the martial arts, but he put forth his outlook on life and spiritual goals, his commitment to friends and family and the way he always inspired you to do the right thing.

He touched us all and will be truly missed. God bless you Howard.
Dimitri Logothetis

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Mr. Jackson.

Im writing to you because i know in my heart and soul you can still hear me. you were much more than

just a Karate instructor. you a mentor, a leader, a teacher, and above all...a great friend! I love you with

all my heart. I will trerish all the the great advise and diceplin you brought to my life. It was years and

years ago, but i still remember my first side kick, my first lap around the studio,

my first advancement to the