Jackson O'Keefe Smith

He is survived by his loving parents, Mike and Angie, his brother and sisters Julia, Boone, Emily, and Sarah, his grandmothers, Martha Ann Asher and Billie Sue Smith and his friends and church family from Woodland Park.

Jack had abundant family and friends whom he loved and who loved him in return. He could be seen coming from afar as he was six feet five inches tall, but just in case you did not see him coming you would most certainly have heard him. On many occasions he could be seen heading to hang out with his friends with a completely unnecessary Monster drink in hand, much to his parent’s dismay. He dealt puns like a deck of cards and used his dry humor and comedic timing to make us laugh at him and ourselves. He was fun, and disarming. He knew how to make you feel at ease through the charm of self-effacing comments that took you a minute to process before it left a room full of kids and parents alike, giggling. Whether it was for good or for bad, you knew when Jack entered and exited a room. The volume of energy in a room and sometimes simply the volume in itself could hit a crescendo when he showed up, leaving a poor parent or youth leader’s heart filled with a muddled mix of joy, exhaustion, and exasperation in equal portions.

We love him, and he will continue to stay in our hearts and memories until we meet him again. While he has gone ahead of us into the arms of our Holy Lord, Jesus, we will still fondly think of him every time we see kayaks, and hammocks, hiking trails and cliff jumping. He loved to play the drums and enjoyed using music to worship in his heart. Those of us left behind will see these sweet reminders and remember to look forward to seeing him again in Glory.

Jack made a profession of faith in Christ and was baptized at Woodland Park. He knew the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection and surrendered his heart to God. John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in his name who were born…of God.”

Jack struggled, it is true. He chose to leave the pain behind, and we will bear the burdens of that decision…but not without hope. For our hope is in Christ, who has conquered the grave.

The family asks that donations should be sent to Walking Worthy Journey or Woodland Park Counseling Ministry.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Woodland Park Baptist Church, (6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421) from 6-8 p.m.

A memorial service will be held outdoors at Woodland Park Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 17, at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Justin Wilson officiating. (Bring lawn chairs).

Private gravesides service will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Hwy. 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.