Dallas, Texas, mourns the loss of Jackson “Jacks” Phillip Bailey, a cherished son, brother, teammate, and friend, who passed away at 22 on June 9, 2025, leaving a serious loss in the hearts of his family, friends, and the PVAMU community.
His energetic spirit, unwavering faith, and spreading positivity touched numerous lives, leaving a legacy that will last far beyond his time on Earth.
Born on January 6, 2003, to parents Debbi (Dee) and Bryon Bailey, Jackson grew up in Dallas, Texas, alongside his siblings, Taylor and Kebron.
From a young age, he was a force of energy and determination, traits that defined him both on and off the football field.
Jackson’s Love For Sports, Inspired By His Mother Dee, Filled His Successful Athletic Career
His dream was to either play in the NFL or become a physical therapist, a goal that showed his desire to uplift and support others.
Jackson’s football journey began at Red Oak High School in DeSoto, Texas, where he was a standout linebacker under Coach Chris Ross.
A two-year starter, he earned recognition as a high school All-American candidate, 5A DI All-State honoree, and MVP at the Top 100 Next Level Athlete.
During his senior season, Jackson recorded an impressive 64 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Ellis County honors.
His talent and work ethic led him to Louisiana-Monroe before he transferred to Prairie View A&M University, a decision that showed his serious connection to his family and community.
At PVAMU, Jackson was more than just a defensive lineman for the Panther Football Program.
As a senior Kinesiology major, he represented Panther pride through his involvement in campus life.
A committed member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Zeta Beta Chapter) and an active participant in multiple student organizations, Jackson was a familiar and beloved figure on campus.
His leadership, encouraging spirit, and unwavering faith inspired those around him, uniting people in a way that left a lasting impact.
Outside of football, Jackson had many skills.
He was a gifted barber (Cutz By Jacks), using his skills to bring joy and confidence to others with every haircut.
His creativity also shone through in his love for music, particularly his hidden talent for playing the piano.
Friends and family remember his love for wings, his passion for Christmas, and his mantra, “God got me,” which guided him through life’s highs and lows.
Jackson’s commitment to service was evident in his family’s organization, Lifted with Love, inspired by his grandmother, Audrey Levins.
The organization aims to address, educate, coordinate, and provide aid to college students and lower-income communities, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.
Jackson’s involvement in this mission reflected his heart for uplifting others, a quality that defined his character.
A Community In Mourning
The news of Jackson’s passing was shared by his sister, Taylor Bailey, in a heartfelt Facebook post:
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of my brother, Jackson Phillip Bailey as of Monday June 9, 2025. A loving son, brother, teammate, LB, and friend—his presence was a gift to everyone who knew him. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Via Facebook
Funeral details TBA.
Rest easy, Baby Boy. We love you”
Prairie View A&M Panther Athletics also released a statement, honoring their beloved player:
The PVAMU Student Government Association, led by its 44th president, highlighted Jackson’s role as a unifying figure on campus.
They encouraged the Panther community to lean on one another and utilize available resources during this difficult time, recognizing the profound impact of his loss.
Jackson’s passing led to many people sharing their love and paying tribute to him, including coaches, teammates, and friends.
His coach, Bam Harrison, shared his grief:
“The hardest part of my job is when you lose a young man that you coached. Jackson Bailey was an amazing athlete and a better person!! I am grateful that I was able to contribute to his growth as a young man. Please pray for his family and friends.”
Via Facebook
Bryson Lewis, another coach, wrote:
One of Jackson’s closest friends, Bez, penned a deeply emotional tribute:
“𝐓𝐨 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫:
Via Instagram
𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬, 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 — 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐠. 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐕’𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞’𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐝𝐨. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 — 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭. 𝐋𝐋𝟐𝟑♦️🖤“
While the cause of Jackson’s death has not been disclosed, his legacy is undeniable.
He was a young man who lived with purpose, driven by faith, family, and a desire to make a difference.
Whether he was making plays on the football field, cutting hair, playing the piano, or simply offering a kind word, Jackson had a gift for bringing people together and making them feel seen.
As the Prairie View A&M community and the city of Dallas mourn this tremendous loss, they are reminded of Jackson’s enduring light.
His dreams of playing in the NFL or pursuing a career in physical therapy may have been cut short, but his impact will continue to inspire those who knew him.
The Panther family, his fraternity brothers, and his loved ones will carry his memory forward, ensuring that Jackson “Jacks” Bailey remains forever a Panther.
Rest easy, Jacks. Your light will never fade.
