Stephen Douglas Jackson Jr.

Stephen Douglas Jackson Jr. (Jay) of Niota Tennessee, passed away suddenly of heart failure on February 28, 2022 at the young age of 51. Jay was preceded in death by his father Stephen Jackson Sr. He is survived by his mother Karen Foley Shirey and step-father Bruce Shirey Sr., sister Stacy Jackson, step-brother Bruce Shirey Jr. & wife Rachael Shirey, niece and nephews Cooper, Gracie, and Noah, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.


Jay was born in Chattanooga, and as his father’s career grew, as a young man Jay was lucky to live in Texas, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Missouri before coming back to Tennessee where he graduated from Hixson High school. His school highlight was preforming with the band at the Sydney Australia World’s Fair in 1988! Jay had a true passion for Film and Literature and received an Associate’s Degree in Film Making.

As an adult, Jay spent many years in Pennsylvania and Maryland before settling down in Niota, Tennessee, and was employed by Denso of Athens. He was a true animal lover, and especially loved his cats that he adopted from a local animal rescue. He also enjoyed a good political discussion and was a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac!

As the band lyric’s say – “sweet wonderful you, you make me happy with the things you do.” Jay made us so happy, and his sudden passing is such a shock to his family & friends. He was an amazing person to everyone around him, and he will be missed by many.

Honoring Jay’s wishes, the family will not hold a memorial service, only a gathering of close family. In his memory please donate to your local animal shelter.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Jay or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.