TARVER Jr., Jackson W. Jackson Williams Tarver Jr., husband of Loretta Thometz Tarver, died August 29, 2015 of complications from esophageal cancer. Born April 14, 1941 in Macon, GA, he was the son of Margaret Taylor Tarver and Jackson Williams Tarver Sr., who was a former editor and publisher of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Jack attended Northside High School in Atlanta, earned his Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, and graduated from University of Virginia Law School. He spent nine years at the law firm Troutman, Sanders, Lockerman, and Ashmore, where he became a partner before leaving to pursue a lifelong passion for the music industry. A charismatic manager and promoter whose career spanned four decades, he was involved in the development of the original Underground Atlanta, and was owner of Muhlenbrink's Saloon. In the 1970s Jack became owner of the Great Southeast Music Hall, where he helped launch the careers of acts such as Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, and Linda Ronstadt, and for many years wrote a weekly music column in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution under the pen name J. Garland Pembroke. In the early nineties, Jack owned The Old Post Office, a popular live music venue on Hilton Head Island that often featured the early years of Hootie and the Blowfish, and Widespread Panic, to name a few. His lifelong passions included attending auctions and collecting antiques, particularly cars and Coca-Cola memorabilia, and supporting local dog rescue organizations. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Jackson Williams Tarver, III, of Athens, Georgia; daughter Margaret-Allyn Gallerani (Jim) of Wellesley, Massachusetts; sister Margaret Tarver Jason, of Jacksonville, Florida; and grandsons Drew and Connor Gallerani. He was predeceased by his first wife, Harriet Lester Tarver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society, where Jack was proud to be a Board member. (CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717) The memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11 AM at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, NW, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jackson Tarver

22 Entries

William Anderson

May 22, 2024

Jack and MA,
Found the memorial page and wanted to give y'all some positive energy.
I loved growing up next-door to y'all. Your dad always had cool people coming by. To be honored with the early trips to the GSEMH now fully register.
We have to honor the Pacer(fishbowl) for your mom, the big green pickup for MA and Jack and I have a leather bag to replace. Beau is in the back.

James C. Hammond

March 7, 2024

Jack I have missed you bro for many years now, you'll always be in my heart an memory!!! We spent many years together in my taxicab, you where a very special friend to me during some of my darkest years, you could always put a smile on my face even when my heart was sad, GOD BLESS YOU BRO AN YOUR SON AN DAUGHTERS, THEY ALSO ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE!!! I AM SURE THEY ALL MADE YOU PROUD, NOW YOUR WITH HARRIET AN GOD ABOVE, LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!

Jill Montana

August 26, 2020

Thinking about the first time I met Jack, as I guess everybody who knew him does, when he and his lovely wife came into my shop in Highlands, It was the start o loving both of them. And I miss him. Wish I knew how to contact lorie.

Tiffany Bryson

September 12, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Jack purely by divine appointment. He was my seat mate on a flight from Atlanta to Key West. He had "ran" home to pay bills only to return to the keys for the winter. I have to admit, after a few short stories of his travels and music acquaintances, I was doubting his tales... Picture this- Jack in a hot pink hanes tshirt, red suspenders and old faded jeans. Not what you'd believe such an accomplished man would be wearing. But boy was I wrong! I loved hearing about his heartfelt efforts to minister, support our furry friends and help those in need. So humble and down to earth. So passionate about life. And it was evident he loved the Lord. I only wish I'd known him longer. He has impacted my life significantly and will be missed greatly. Praying for Lorie and his children during this time.

Clyde Brooks

September 11, 2015

Thank you, Jack for the music you brought to everyone and for your creative spirit that left its flavor on so many people. Thank you for the support you gave to animal shelters to better the lives of our four-legged friends. You are a special person to so many and have enriched all of our lives by your presence. You will be dearly missed.

Larry & Wanda McCleskey

September 11, 2015

Jack was a good friend to everybody and will be missed by all

Martha Wolfe

September 10, 2015

My first date was with Jack. We went to the Buckhead Theatre, driven by his sweet Mother. On the way home we stopped in front of Piedmont Hospital and read the large monument on the beautiful lawn, among giant
Magnolia trees. It was an original thing to do on a first date, I thought.

Sara Brown.

September 10, 2015

Blessings to Jacks family. He was such a fine classmate .

Kevin Heeney

September 10, 2015

Jack,
God rest your creative soul.

Gaye Boardman

September 10, 2015

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to family during this difficult time. Jack and I have been friends since elementary school. He has touched many lives over the years and I will truly miss him. The Class of 1959 at Northside has loss a greatly admired and amazing classmate. There will never be another Jack!!

September 9, 2015

First met Jack and Harriet when my exhusband and I went to UVA to law school, and spent many, many happy times in their company. After Harriet passed away, during the early 2000s, I spent some time with Jack in North Carolina and Atlanta, and he continued to be a good friend. For all his quirkypersonality, he had a huge heart and if you were his friend, you'd be it for life. A very giving man, was my friend Jack. Haven't seen him for some years, and was saddened by news of his passing. RIP Jack....you will surely not be forgotten!
Ellen Forbes

Dave Rodgers

September 8, 2015

Jack was an intelligent, fun loving, and giving person who became a close friend. I will remember the good times, and will forever be grateful for the joy and insight he has added to my life. My deepest sympathy is extended to Lorie and the entire Tarver family.

September 4, 2015

Lorie,
How shockingly sad to hear of Jack's death, especially after seeing him in the car at Bryson's parking lot just last week. What a loss to the world. My thoughts and prayers are with you, dear. Will try to contact you later.
Jill Montana

Ron Hudspeth

September 4, 2015

Jack was a friend for 40 years. During my thirty-year Atlanta newspaper career, Jack Tarver was one of the most interesting, intelligent, funny and multi-faceted human beings I ever met. Where else would you find a Troutman-Sanders lawyer, who gave up all that to become a nightclub owner, concert promoter, record executive, country music columnist and lover of Southern humor and music. At one point, he changed professions and delivered a cord of firewood to my home, not for the money, but because he loved the country smell of the wood, the overalls he wore and the old pickup he drove. He is one of a breed of true Atlanta gentlemen who are gone with the wind. I will miss him dearly.

Smith Martin

September 2, 2015

I will miss my dearest friend, Jack. I often referred to him as my little brother. Mrs. Lori and Mr. Jack became my extended family. I will NEVER forget his jokes, love for animals and care for his friends and family. I will miss most our walks and talks in the morning. I will NEVER forget his determination for walking a mile after his surgery. HE DID IT! Mr. Jack, you will be missed but never forgotten! Angel and I prayers are with your lovely wife, children, dogs and friends.

Randy Flack

September 2, 2015

Jack was brilliant, funny, loyal and generous. He was my hero, my mentor, my supporter and my dearest friend. His loss is devastating, to all who loved him. My prayers are with Lorie, M.A., J III, and his grandchildren. Thank you, for sharing Jack with us.

Alun Vontillius

September 2, 2015

Thank you Jack for all you have done and meant to so many people personally and the entire Atlanta music community. You and your accomplishments will be remembered forever in Atlanta history.
My condolances to your entire family at this time.
Thank you for letting me be the lead sound engineer from when I came to Atlanta from New Orleans in 1976 till the closing in Cherokee Plaza.
Rest in Peace with the music you loved.

With Joe from the Emporium!

Lynn Marie Hammonds (Bolien)

September 2, 2015

I had the pleasure of working on the Box Office at the GSEMH 1975-77 and remember Jack well. May he rest in peace and his surviving family know he gave joy to so many.

Jj Jones

September 1, 2015

May god bless you you were a great friend I will never forget your kindness and yes you will survive in heaven God bless jj

September 1, 2015

Our sincerest condolences for such a "great guy"
The Montanus Family

Madelyn Lucas & Family

September 1, 2015

I would like to send my condolences to Mr.Jack's wife and family. May your memories of him keep him in your hearts forever. I only knew of Mr.Jack through my friend Smith Martin who spoke of him with such admiration and love, it was overwhelming to see his sadness. May you all be blessed and stay strong.

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