Longtime AISD football coach Andrew Jackson, who spent much of his 28-year career at Reagan and LBJ early college high schools, died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 50.

In March, Jackson was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer that had already spread to his liver and lungs. Nevertheless, Jackson insisted on coaching LBJ this season while undergoing treatment, and helped lead the Jaguars to the playoffs.

“Coach Jackson, a proud son of East Austin, was a respected member of the coaching fraternity and a guiding light to hundreds of student-athletes,” said AISD Athletics Director Leal Anderson. “His record as a coach is remarkable, but it is his legacy as a tireless advocate for young men and women that will be remembered the most. We are all better for having known and coached with him.”

In addition to five seasons at LBJ, Jackson coached at Reagan from 1996 to 2001. He won 46 games and led the Raiders to the Class 4A Division II state semifinals in 2001.

“In the past, we’ve steered our players to be successful in society, not negative to society,” Jackson told the Austin American-Statesman in August. “So I consider myself blessed. I’ve had players reach the NFL and (others) who are playing in college right now. We’ve had kids who have gone on to Wall Street. For me to have found my purpose in life, that’s a blessing.”

Memorial services Jackson are set for 2 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18 at the Delco Center. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with funeral services set for Monday at 2 p.m.