We had already tried to uninstall and install Jetpack fresh. After communicating with our host, I was able to bring the PHP up to 5.5.13. Taking it to PHP 7 would involve moving to a different server and possibly breaking other sites, especially some custom ones, so I want to do that on a more deliberate approach.
After increasing PHP to 5.5.13, the activation was slow but ultimately successful. We will monitor the situation to be sure it is stable.
Thank you for your suggestions @cena . Thank you for the positive comments on our project. Since they will be web videos, one does not have to be in San Diego to enjoy and benefit from them. We also have another WordPress site (with Jetpack) called http://Stratemeyer.org which is to share information about Edward Stratemeyer and the Stratemeyer Syndicate.
James
