Jack O'Kelley Obituary (2003 - 2023)

O’Kelley III, John Michael (Jack) 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. Private family services will be held in December. PHI ALPHA Arrangements are in the care of McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Dr. Cumming, GA 30040, 770-886-9899.