On Wednesday, May 2, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz ordered the Brooklyn flag lowered at Borough Hall in memory of Brownsville’s Greg “Jocko” Jackson, who died yesterday of an apparent heart attack at age 60.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a true Brooklynite and ‘angel of mercy,’ Greg ‘Jocko’ Jackson. Jocko was so much a part of Brownsville—and Brownsville so much a part of him—that it was hard to separate the two. From the Brownsville Recreation Center—which I propose be named in his honor—to the Brownsville Partnership, Jocko always put people first, especially our youth and Brooklynites most in need. And when you wanted something done in the community, he was the man. Jocko was a former college and professional basketball player—a real towering presence—and I looked up to him both in stature and in admiration. The thoughts and prayers of grateful Brooklynites go out to Jocko’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Jocko was a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful human being who will be deeply missed not only in Brooklyn, but throughout New York City.”