John “Coach” David Jackson, 72, of Columbus, GA passed away on December 29, 2023 from natural causes. The service will be held January 3, 2024 at 11 AM in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler – Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, Georgia with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service.
David was born to Claud Joseph Jackson Jr. and Elizabeth Spence Jackson on March 19, 1951. David graduated from Hardaway High School in 1969. He received a full scholarship to play football at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a part of the 1971 Samford Bulldogs team which went on to become the 1971 NCAA Division II National Champions. In 2022, he was inducted into the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame.
David received degrees from Samford University, (Bachelors of Arts), a Master’s degree and Education Specialist Degree in supervision/administration from Troy University. In 1976, Coach Jackson began his career in teaching and coaching at Glenwood High School, Phenix City, AL. In addition, he coached at Central High School, Phenix City, AL, and then Shaw High School in Columbus before moving into his role as the Assistant Principal at Hardaway High School. When he left Hardaway, he transitioned into a central office level position with the Muscogee County School District. David went on to become the HR Director in Muscogee County, Columbus, GA. (until 2003) and Harris County (Hamilton, GA) before retiring in 2010.
David was preceded in death by: his father, Claud Joseph Jackson Jr, sister, Connie Jackson Crowe; son, David Heath Jackson. He is survived by his mother: Elizabeth Spence Jackson, of Columbus, Georgia; son, John Hunter Jackson (Kelly) of Columbia, Kentucky; daughter, Hannah Jackson Smith (Luke) of Columbus, Georgia; nephew, Mathew Jackson Richardson, and his daughter, Amelia. He’s also survived by his grandchildren: Kylie, Kameron, Kennedy and Kaden Jackson of Columbia, Kentucky; Moses, Elizabeth “Elle”, David “Abram“ Smith of Columbus, Georgia. In addition he is survived by a maternal aunt, Margaret Spence Bickerstaff, of Columbus, Georgia, and a host of cousins, friends, former colleagues and students.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Truth 107.7 radio station, Columbus, GA., or Samford University Athletics 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham, AL 35229.
