Jess Jackson

$1.90 B

Ranked #536 in World

About Jess Jackson

Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr., an influential American billionaire wine entrepreneur, lawyer, and racehorse owner, passed away on April 21, 2011. Born on February 18, 1930, Jackson rose from humble beginnings in San Francisco's Sunset District during the Great Depression to establish the renowned Kendall-Jackson wine business. Transforming an 80-acre pear and walnut orchard into a thriving vineyard in 1974, his Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay quickly became America's favorite. With a law degree from UC Berkeley and a diverse career that included founding a law firm and co-founding Decimus, Jackson's legacy extends beyond wine to include significant contributions to thoroughbred racing. His induction into the Vintner's Hall of Fame in 2009 and ownership of champion racehorse Curlin underscore his multifaceted impact. Jackson's visionary approach to wine production and marketing left an indelible mark on the industry, with his brands producing 5 million cases annually by the time of his death.

Born

February 18, 1930 in Los Angeles, California

Died

April 21, 2011 (aged 81)

Source Of Wealth

Jackson Family Wines

Industries

Service

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Geyserville, CA

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, University of California Berkeley; Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of California Berkeley

Spouse

Jane Kendall Jackson, Barbara Banke

Parent

Jess Stonestreet Jackson, Sr. and Gertrude (Brock) Jackson

Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr. was born on February 18",1930,"in San Francisco","s Sunset District. He grew up during the Great Depression, and his father, a teacher, faced unemployment during his childhood. To support his family, Jackson worked various jobs from a young age. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and went on to earn a law degree from UC Berkeley, working as a dock laborer, Berkeley policeman, and ambulance driver to pay for law school.

Jess Jackson: Family

Jackson was married twice. His first wife was Jane Kendall (Wadlow) Jackson, with whom he started the Kendall-Jackson wine business. After their divorce, he married Barbara Banke, who became co-manager of their wine businesses.

Jess Jackson: Career Highlights

Jackson started a law firm in the San Francisco area specializing in property rights issues. He was also a founding member of the American California Trial Lawyers Association. In 1974, he purchased an 80-acre orchard in Lakeport, California, and converted it to growing Chardonnay and other varietals. He sold grapes to local wineries until a market surplus led him to make his own wine in 1981. The first Kendall-Jackson Vintner\"s Reserve Chardonnay was released in 1982, winning a Platinum Award from the American Wine Competition.

Jess Jackson: Companies

Jackson\"s wine empire included Kendall-Jackson, Murphy-Goode, and Robert Pecota Winery. As of early 2009, it was ranked as the ninth largest winery holding company in the United States, producing 5 million cases of wine annually.

Jess Jackson: Major Achievements

Jackson was inducted into the Vintner\"s Hall of Fame in 2009 for his contributions to the wine industry. He was honored alongside winemaker Warren Winiarski and the Beringer Brothers. His Vintner\"s Reserve Chardonnay, which debuted in 1982, won the first-ever Platinum Award from the American Wine Competition in 1983 and became the most popular selling wine made from Chardonnay, making it the most popular wine in America.

Jess Jackson: Awards & Achievements

In addition to the Platinum Award from the American Wine Competition, Jackson received the Sportsman of the Year 2008 Insider Award for his belief in the greatness of champion racehorse Curlin, in which he bought a controlling interest in 2007.

Curlin won the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders\" Cup Classic that year, as well as the $6 million Dubai World Cup in 2008.

Jess Jackson: Personal Life & Legacy

Jackson passed away on April 21, 2011, after treatment for melanoma. He was buried in a newly-created cemetery on an Alexander Valley hilltop. His legacy as a successful wine entrepreneur and thoroughbred racing enthusiast continues to inspire future generations.

Jess Jackson: Trivia

Jackson\"s Vintner\"s Reserve Chardonnay was mentioned in a People Magazine article as owned by former President Barack Obama. Ray Isle of Food and Wine Magazine also recognized it as one of \"50 Wines You Can Always Trust.\"

Wealth History

Timeline

February 18, 1930

Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr. is born in San Francisco, California.

1974

Converts 80-acre pear and walnut orchard in Lakeport, California to a vineyard.

1981

Makes his own wine due to a market surplus of grapes.

1982

Releases the first Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, winning a Platinum Award from the American Wine Competition.

2007

Buys a controlling interest in champion racehorse Curlin.

2008

Curlin wins the Preakness Stakes, the Breeders' Cup Classic, and the $6 million Dubai World Cup.

2009

Inducted into the Vintner's Hall of Fame.

April 21, 2011

Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr. passes away after treatment for melanoma.

Jess Jackson : FAQs

What is Jess Jackson's net worth?

As of 2010, Jess Jackson's net worth was $1.90 billion.

What are Jess Jackson's main sources of wealth?

Jess Jackson's main source of income comes from Jackson Family Wines.

In which industry does Jess Jackson primarily operate?

Jess Jackson is primarily involved in the Service industry.

What is Jess Jackson educational background?

Jess Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from the University of California Berkeley and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of California Berkeley.

Is Jess Jackson dead?

Yes, Jess Jackson died on April 21, 2011 (aged 81).

How many children does Jess Jackson have?

Jess Jackson has 5 children.

Who was Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr. and what was he known for?

Jess Stonestreet Jackson Jr. was an American billionaire wine entrepreneur, lawyer, racehorse owner, and businessman, best known for starting the Kendall-Jackson wine business and becoming a prominent figure in the wine industry.

How did Jess Jackson start his wine business?

Jess Jackson entered the wine business by converting an 80-acre pear and walnut orchard in Lakeport, California into a vineyard in 1974, eventually founding the Kendall-Jackson wine brand with his first wife, Jane Kendall Jackson.

What achievements did Jess Jackson's Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay accomplish?

Jess Jackson's Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay won the first-ever Platinum Award from the American Wine Competition in 1983, contributed to the rise of Chardonnay's popularity in America, and became one of the most popular wines on the market.

What contributions did Jess Jackson make to the thoroughbred racing industry?

Jess Jackson made significant contributions to thoroughbred racing by purchasing a controlling interest in champion racehorse Curlin in 2007, who won prestigious races including the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Classic, and investing over $200 million in racehorses.

When was Jess Jackson inducted into the Vintner's Hall of Fame and why?

Jess Jackson was inducted into the Vintner's Hall of Fame in 2009 in recognition of his substantial contributions to the wine industry, including his success with Kendall-Jackson wines and his influence on American wine culture.