Memorial Set for Dr. Joseph N. Jackson, Pioneering Inventor of the Programmable TV Remote and Forefather of Parental Content Controls
Army veteran and tech visionary behind the 'TeleCommander' and 'V-Chip'-style technology to be laid to rest beside American icons at Inglewood Park Cemetery; Legacy as a key figure in Black innovation history honored.
For press and editorial use. Please provide proper attribution. A complete media kit is available for download below.
Primary Press Downloads
The complete media kit contains organized links to all high-resolution photos, videos, and documents listed on this page.
Individual Press Photos
Dr. Joseph N. Jackson
Official portrait of the inventor.
Dr. Jackson & Don Jackson
Dr. Jackson with his nephew Don Jackson.
Dr. Jackson & FemChoice Handhelds
Dr. Jackson with the FemChoice product line.
Don Jackson - Vice President
Don Jackson, Vice President of FemChoice Technology LLC.
Dr. Jackson with FemChoice Hat
Dr. Jackson representing the FemChoice brand.
Don Jackson - Leadership Portrait
Professional portrait of Don Jackson.
FemChoice Product Package
Official product packaging.
FemChoice Product In-Box
Product and accessories in box.
FemChoice Device Screens
Close-up views of the device screen.
Dr. Jackson & Dr. M Joycelyn Elders
With former US Surgeon General Dr. M Joycelyn Elders.
Black History Celebration
A celebration honoring Dr. Jackson's contributions.
Dr. Jackson & Vice President Don Jackson
Dr. Jackson and Vice President Don Jackson with FemChoice product.
Dr. Jackson & Don Jackson - Leadership
Leadership team showcasing the FemChoice technology.
Dr. Jackson - U.S. Army
Dr. Jackson as a Re-enlistment NCO in the U.S. Army.
Dr. Jackson presents $20,000 Action Track Chair
TTT Veterans | City Of Compton, Ca
Dr. Jackson Obituary Header Banner
Professional obituary banner for media use.
Dr. Jackson - Veteran Portrait
Professional portrait featuring Dr. Jackson in veteran's attire.
Dr. Jackson at Radio Interview
Dr. Jackson discussing his work during a radio interview.
Dr. Jackson as City Commissioner
Dr. Jackson participating in a panel as a City Commissioner.
Memorial Celebration Graphic
Professional memorial graphic with service details and life celebration theme.
Dr. Jackson Life Legacy Collage
Memorial collage celebrating Dr. Jackson's journey from military service to innovation.
Individual Press Videos
Dr. Jackson Legacy Documentary
Comprehensive documentary about Dr. Jackson's life and inventions.
FemChoice Technology Overview
Technical overview of FemChoice products and methodology.
Dr. Jackson Innovation Story
Short-form content highlighting key innovations.
LOS ANGELES, CA — August 26, 2025 — The family of Dr. Joseph N. Jackson (1937–2025) and FemChoice Technology LLC today announced details for the memorial service of the visionary Black inventor whose work laid the foundation for the modern television remote control and parental content controls like the V-Chip—fundamentally changing how families interact with media.
Dr. Jackson, an Army veteran, former Hawthorne City Commissioner, and devoted patriarch, passed away earlier this month. He will be honored with a public memorial on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Grace Memorial Chapel in Inglewood, followed by interment at the historic Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Memorial Service Details
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM PST
Location: Grace Memorial Chapel & Funeral Home
3443 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305
Interment: Inglewood Park Cemetery (immediately following service)
A Legacy in Your Living Room: The Invention That Changed Television
Years before the V-Chip was mandated in every U.S. television, Dr. Jackson invented and patented the "Programmable Television Receiver Controller" (U.S. Patent 4,095,114) in 1978. Marketed as the TeleCommander, his device was the first of its kind to offer programmable, time-based blocking of television channels—a direct precursor to the parental control technology now standard in every home.
"Every time a parent uses a remote to block inappropriate content for their child, they are using technology pioneered by Joseph Jackson. He was a quiet genius who believed technology should serve and protect families. His work on the TeleCommander proved it was possible."— Don Jackson, Vice President, FemChoice Technology LLC
Final Resting Place Among Legends
Dr. Jackson's gravesite will be a permanent landmark for those exploring the history of technology and Black innovation. He will be interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery, the resting place of American icons including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Johnnie Cochran. The cemetery will feature Dr. Jackson in its "Historic Figures and Innovators Tour," ensuring his contributions are recognized by visitors and future generations, particularly during Black History Month.
From Entertainment to Empowerment: A Lifelong Inventor
Dr. Jackson's inventive spirit didn't stop with television. His later work focused on health technology, leading to the creation of Fem-Choice MD, a biorhythmic fertility prediction device. Through FemChoice Technology LLC, he dedicated his later years to empowering women and girls with scientific data to make informed reproductive health decisions.
Tributes from Family, Friends, and the Community
Don Jackson, Nephew; Vice President, FemChoice Technology LLC (on behalf of the Jackson Family):
"At an early age, I admired my uncle—he was my Black superhero. I'll never forget when he was featured in Jet Magazine in the '70s after receiving his first patent for the TeleCommander. That was a very proud moment for me, bringing the magazine to school for show-and-tell. Uncle Joe taught me so much, but one lesson stands out: 'Everything is negotiable, and never sell yourself short. Know your value.' I've carried that wisdom my entire life. He will be deeply missed, and I promised him I would continue his legacy and pass it to the next generation."
Stephen Davis, Chairman at KD New York; Chair & CEO, Black Education Network:
"My friend of over 55 years, Joseph N. Jackson, inventor of the cable remote control, has died. He lived a long and fruitful life. I cannot count the many adventures, trials, tribulations, and great times we shared. My deepest condolences to Lourdes, his wife, his children, and friends. I had no greater loyal and true friend. Rest in peace, my brother from other parents."
Dr. Tori Bailey, Board Member, FemChoice Technology LLC:
"Dr. Jackson was a genius with relentless patience. Despite health challenges, he pressed on with his mission to get the Fem-Choice technology into schools to help reduce teen pregnancies. He was a man with a big heart and a bigger vision."
Dr. Robert L. Jamison, PhD, CCM, BH-C, Founder & CEO, Alternative Healthcare LA:
"Joe's spirit was captured in the phrase we coined together: 'We Have the Power to Save Lives.' That was his driving force—using invention for empowerment. It was an honor to work with him to bring his vision for Fem-Choice to clinics nationwide."
Juanita Douse, Former Colleague in Hawthorne City Government:
"Dr. Jackson was active as a Commissioner for the City of Hawthorne. He always voiced his opinion on issues we might not have been aware of and needed to take action on. He will be missed. My sincere condolences."
The Jackson family requests privacy during this time of mourning as they prepare to celebrate Dr. Jackson's extraordinary life and global impact.
Media Availability
Family members and colleagues will be available for limited interviews following the memorial service. High-resolution images of Dr. Jackson, the TeleCommander patent, and historical photos are available upon request.
About Dr. Joseph N. Jackson
Born in Harvey, Louisiana, Dr. Jackson's fascination with electronics began as a child. After serving in the U.S. Army, he operated an electronics shop and became a pioneering force in consumer technology and health innovation. He co-founded the Black Inventions Museum in the 1990s and spent his life mentoring underrepresented inventors, helping to shape how millions interact with media and health technology.
About FemChoice Technology LLC
FemChoice Technology LLC advances Dr. Jackson's mission by developing biorhythmic fertility prediction tools, education, and curriculum to help women and girls make informed reproductive-health decisions. The organization partners with schools and community clinics to reduce unintended teen pregnancies and empower the next generation through science, data, and early education.