2023 Jack’s public speaking class
2015 NYO Titians
2015 Holy Innocents Football
2020 North Atlanta Warriors Football Video
Mike O'Kelley
37w
frames around the house
random photos of Jack around our home that help us remember him.
In Memory of
John (Jack) Michael O'Kelley, III
March 17, 2003 – November 23, 2023
Lived 20 years
Oconee Hills · Athens, GA
"Love ya, my boy", "How bout 'em"
Life story
Jack was born on March 17, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the North Atlanta High School International Baccalaureate Program in 2021. He was Captain and Quarterback of the football team and Captain of the Lacrosse Team. He was a member of the National English Honor Society, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and lettered all four years in both football and lacrosse. A recipient of the Zell Miller Scholarship, Jack was a junior at University of Georgia and was a third-generation member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jack was the pledge trainer for the new members this year, helping them gain brotherhood status. He also attended Athens Y Camp and Camp High Harbour on Lake Burton.
Remembered for his kindness and authenticity, Jack lit up the room with his infectious laughter and big smile. Everyone wanted to be around him. He honored his mother’s memory by always protecting his younger siblings and was a cherished companion to his father.
Some fond memories of Jack include his participation in team sports at an early age at the Northside Youth Organization (NYO) of Chastain Park in Buckhead. Jack was a member of the 2012 NYO Bulldogs Football team that went undefeated and won the league championship, and he was chosen to join the Red Devils who won the Turkey Bowl that year.
Jack also exhibited his athleticism on the baseball field and won a championship with the 10U NYO Yankees, a State Championship in the Dizzy Dean League, and made the 12U NYO Titians Travel Team.
Jack spent his last two summers with friends in Charleston, South Carolina and Innsbruck, Austria in a study abroad program. He was truly coming into his own and developing a deep appreciation for all that the University of Georgia has to offer.
Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Diaz O’Kelley, in 2012 as well as his grandfather Freddy Diaz. He is survived by his devoted parents Mike and Angela O’Kelley; his adoring siblings Jamie and Anna Kate O’Kelley; Pano, Lucas and Sophia Karatassos; his grandparents Diane and John O’Kelley, Argentina Diaz, and Gail King; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.
Photo book
John’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from John’s 49 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved John.
Videos
Lifetime
The world John knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
2003
Born March 17
2003
Born Date
2004
John was 1 when Facebook was launched
2005
John was 2 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2010
John was 7 when Instagram was launched
2016
John was 13 when Pokemon Go sent millions outdoors hunting creatures
2021
2021 North Atlanta High School
2021
University of Georgia College
2022
Summer in Charleston Charleston, SC
2022
John was 19 when Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years on the throne
2023
Summer in Innsbruck Innsbruck, Austria
2023
Passed away November 23, age 20
Tributes and memories
5 memories shared
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Mike O'Kelley
42w
Jack’s College Friends
Jack did not miss an opportunity to make friends and have fun. I do hope they all remember Jack as they continue to grow and become successful. Unfortunately, this app only allows 10 photos per tribute, which makes it really hard to capture his friends.
Mike O'Kelley
42w
Jack and the ΣΑΕ House in Athens
Jack was a third generation ΣΑΕ at UGA with 10 family members who were also in GA Beta! Jack was the Pledge Trainer for the Class of 2023. Since Jack’s passing, the members of GA Beta have delivered a peer to peer presentation to sorority and fraternity chapters across campus called, “Take the Pledge”. This is an all hands on deck campaign that will continue in his honor to prevent tragedy and loss of life from the Fentanyl crisis.
Mike O'Kelley
42w
Jack’s Love for the Bulldogs
jack was an avid Bulldog fan before ever becoming a student in Athens. He traveled to games, knew all the players, and never gave up hope! While a student at UGA he saw two National Championships. At Jack’s gravesite service, a member of the Red Coat Band played the Battle Hymn of the Republic. At the start of every home game the first few notes of this song are played and should remind us all of Jack. “Glory, Glory”
Mike O'Kelley
42w
Jack’s Sports
Jack loved sports and excelled in youth, middle school, and high school. He was a leader and made many friendships over the years with his teammates and coaches. One thing is certain, Jack loved to compete, learn the game, and give it his complete effort at all times. His passion for sports is something we will always cherish. He loved the Bulldogs, Braves, and Hawks and was a student for two UGA National Championships.
Links
Family and friends
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