David Harris Jackson

David Harris Jackson died on May 15, 2026, following a motor vehicle collision near Atlanta, Georgia. He was 31 years old, just five days shy of his 32nd birthday.

Born in Atlanta on May 20, 1994, to Leigh Olivar and Robert Patterson Jackson III, David moved with his family to Pasadena, California, as a young child. He attended Chandler School and La Salle College Preparatory before returning to Atlanta to attend Emory University, where he earned a degree in Economics in 2016.

David built a career in commercial real estate lending, with professional chapters in Dallas, New York, and Atlanta. Most recently, he worked with Regions Bank. Ambitious and entrepreneurial by nature, he also owned and operated a multifamily property in Atlanta and had recently been accepted to pursue his MBA.

David will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, humor, and remarkable energy. 

He had countless close friends, building relationships easily and maintaining them faithfully. Whether reconnecting with lifelong friends or welcoming someone new into the fold, he had a gift for making people feel included and valued. He was thoughtful, generous, deeply loyal, and always willing to help others.

David seemed to move through life with energy and purpose, rarely standing still for long. Yet somehow he always found time for the people he loved. He approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and an openness that drew others to him.

An avid water polo player since high school and, more recently, an enthusiastic kickball player, David loved being part of a team. He was also a devoted advocate for rescue dogs, fostering many animals on their journey to permanent homes. Friends and family knew that he frequently became attached to his foster dogs and found it difficult to say goodbye-a reflection of the generous heart that defined so much of his life.

Family was at the center of David's world. He shared a close and enduring bond with his mother, Leigh, and a loving relationship with his father, Pat. He was a devoted brother to Robert, Camden, and Quinn Jackson, and a beloved stepbrother to Jordan Olivar, David Olivar, and Harry Olivar III. He was also fortunate to have Harry Olivar, Jr. as a devoted stepfather and trusted presence in his life. He cherished the large blended family that surrounded him and the relationships that connected them.

Though his life was far too short, David filled it with friendship, laughter, generosity, and genuine connection. He leaves behind countless family members, friends, colleagues, teammates, and neighbors who are better for having known him and who will miss him deeply.

David is survived by his mother, Leigh Olivar; his father, Robert Patterson Jackson III; his stepmother, Jennifer Pellegrino Jackson; his brothers Robert and Camden Jackson; his sister, Quinn Jackson; his stepbrothers Jordan Olivar, David Olivar, and Harry Olivar III; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of the Lives of David Harris Jackson and Harry A. Olivar, Jr. will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena.

In honor of David's dedication to animal rescue, please consider a memorial gift to the Atlanta Humane Society.