David Gilbert Jacox
Calvary Cemetery
Section 21, Block 21, Lot 80, Space NE
(January 12th, 1870- June 4th, 1946)
David Gilbert “D.G.” Jacox was born in Perquimans County, North Carolina in 1870. He moved with his parents to Norfolk at the age of 7. In 1892, he graduated from Old Norfolk Mission College, where he was noted for organizing the college’s first library. He began his teaching career in Durant’s Neck, North Carolina. After teaching there for 2 years, he moved back to Norfolk.
In August of 1894, he achieved an exceptional score on the state teacher examination. Impressed with his performance, Norfolk County Superintendent John T. West appointed him principle of West Norfolk Public School. As principal, he spent 12 years working out of a collection of halls and store rooms which had to suffice for a school during this period. His salary was $25 dollars per month.
In 1906, the Tanners Creek District of Norfolk County elected him principal of Barboursville Public School. In 1910, the school’s name was changed to the John Thomas West Public School. Around this time, Jacox successfully petitioned the school board to add two years of high school curriculum. As a result, the first African-American accredited high school class in the South graduated in 1914.
Jacox also taught night classes for African-American adults in the rear of Queen Street Baptist Church. This would develop into Norfolk Public School’s night school for African-Americans. He was a tireless community activist who organized district principal’s meetings, a teacher association, and the Blyden Reading Circle from which Norfolk’s Blyden Branch Library derives its name. In addition, he was an ordained Baptist minister who started several vacation bible schools.
Even after retiring from teaching, he spent a great deal of his time going door to door teaching illiterate adults. In 1949, the D. G. Jacox Elementary School on Marshall Avenue was named in honor of this man who had devoted over 50 years of his life to advancing African-American education in Norfolk.
Plaque of D. G. Jacox To Be Unveiled On Sunday
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Mar 3, 1951;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B16
Daughter Unveils Plaque Of D. G. Jacox At School
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Mar 10, 1951;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. D6
Man In New York Thinks D. G. Jacox Is Great Charater
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Apr 29, 1944;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B12
Dedication Of New D. G. Jacox School Sunday
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Jun 4, 1949;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. E1
Principal D. G. Jacox Retires From Public School System
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Sep 5, 1942;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. A18
Tribute Paid To D. G. Jacox, Retired Norfolk Educator
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Feb 20, 1943;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B20
Ask New School Be Named For D.G.Jacox
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Dec 21, 1946;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B2
D. G. Jacox, Pioneer Educator, Succumbs
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jun 8, 1946;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B1
Educators And Religious Leaders Pay Tribute To Late D. G. Jacox
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jun 15, 1946;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B1
Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.
Visitor Information
Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Free parking inside cemetery.
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries
Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site: