Jackson McLeod Hightower

1999 - 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of Jackson McLeod Hightower announces his passing. He died peacefully on March 31, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jackson was born in Savannah, Georgia on August 13, 1999. He was raised and schooled in Savannah before starting a career in deep water diving, welding and construction. He earned his dive certifications in Charleston, SC and worked on various projects across the country before settling in Boston. Jackson was highly regarded by his colleagues and coworkers for his diligence, reliability and professionalism. He worked his way into the Local 56 Pile Drivers & Divers Union at a relatively young age. He was described by a senior Union official as "having a bright future" and " an up and coming player in the dive industry".

Jackson loved his work but also enjoyed many outdoor pursuits that he shared with his family and friends. He was an accomplished sailor and boatsman. He was passionate about fishing, shooting, bird hunting, hiking, and most of all snow skiing. Jackson had a great sense of adventure and loved to travel and explore, especially with his dog Cash. He was a talented artist and, despite having no formal art training, created some rather impressive drawings and charcoals. Mainly his art was a way for him to relax and express his creative abilities.

Those who knew Jackson will remember him for his wonderful sense of humor, his big smile and his affable nature. Mostly though he will be remembered for his graciousness and the love and loyalty to his family and friends. His passing represents a great loss and he will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him.

Jackson is survived by his parents Dr. Richard R. Hightower, Jr. and Mrs. Louisa Waters Cate; step parents, Mrs. Cynthia Ragan Hightower and Mr. Grant Cate; sister, Lillian Louisa Hightower; brother, Richard Russell Hightower, III and fiancée Ms. Lindley Russell; aunt and uncles, Holly and Rick Dubois, Brandi and Emerson Waters and Ross and Hayley Waters; cousins, Tinsley, Sawyer, Grace, Mills, June, Hannah and Emma; as well as his beloved dog Cash. He is also survived by his very close friends Julia and Kyle of Boston, and Grainger, Thomas, Will and Noah of Savannah. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Emerson Waters, Jr. of Savannah, Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Hightower, Sr. of McDonough, Georgia, and cousin, Hewitt Waters of Savannah.

Jackson will be laid to rest in Savannah alongside his grandparents, Nina & Dinda. There will be a visitation at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Saturday April 12, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Graveside service and burial will be on Sunday April 13, 2025 at 2:00pm in Greenwich Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Jackson would have loved any contributions to be made to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah, GA 31406.