Jackson, Waldemar, 1957-

Waldemar Jackson was born on May 29, 1957 to Charcohe Ann Jackson and Lisele Wall Jackson. The Jacksons were one of the first black families in the West Las Vegas, Nevada neighborhood, Vegas Heights. He grew up facing racial tensions and prejudices.

Jackson attended school through the tenth grade before dropping out to obtain his Graduate Equivalency Diploma. He entered the United States Air Force in 1973 as an aerospace ground equipment repairman. Jackson was stationed at the George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, but had the opportunity to go overseas in temporary duty stations. He travelled to Germany, Italy, Greece, and England.

In 1975, Jackson came back to Las Vegas and began searching for work. He worked as a gardener for the Sanitation District. He then found a job with James Wood Construction building prefab (modular) homes. When that company went under, Jackson was hired as a slot floor man for the Marina Hotel. The Marina closed after the Culinary Union strike, and he began working for airlines, first as an aircraft fueler and later in baggage screening.