John Harrell Jacobi, 43, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Born April 15, 1983, in Pensacola, Florida — Tax Day — his arrival was a date his father, a Certified Public Accountant, could never forget. He was the grandson of John and Frances Harrell and James and Ann Jacobi. The first of three children of David and Anne Jacobi, John Harrell grew up with his sisters Frances Marie and Margaret Anne in Pensacola, with summers spent on Perdido Key alongside seven of his cousins. Family was always important to John Harrell, and he was deeply loved by his own.

From his earliest years, John Harrell exemplified the spirit of dedication and service. He rose through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout. That same drive carried him as an athlete: he swam competitively with the Greater Pensacola Aquatic Club across the Southeast and found his stride as a runner at Episcopal Day School, a passion he carried through high school and beyond. His academic talents matched his athletic ones, earning him a scholarship at EDS and the University of Alabama.

He was a devoted member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He participated in the Episcopal Youth Community, served as an acolyte, and was chosen to serve at the ordination of Bishop Duncan.

A proud Sigma Nu at the University of Alabama, John Harrell earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and spent over 18 years practicing his craft in Mobile, Baton Rouge, Houston, and Atlanta.

The outdoors grounded him. He was a camper for many years at Camp Mac and then chosen to be a counselor in high school. He loved the woods of Alabama, North Carolina and found peace at the beach, where watching the Gulf sparkle was, for John Harrell, all the restoration a person could need.

Music ran through everything he did. John Harrell shared his favorite bands with his younger sisters, an influence that took root so deeply that one of them now works in the music business. He loved a good festival, good friends, and the joy of both at once.

He was kind, funny, and easy to be around.

John Harrell is survived by his parents, David and Anne Jacobi; his sisters, Frances Jacobi Noyes (Nick) and Margaret Jacobi Lee (Lance); his aunts and uncles, Bob and Adele Balink, Miner and Jeannie Harrell, Billy and Theresa Harrell, John and Jane Jacobi, Forrest Jacobi, Steve and Nancy White; his niece, three nephews, his cousins and their children; as well as his beloved beagle, Cash. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, with a reception following at the church. In the spirit of this Easter liturgy, guests are encouraged to wear white or blue in celebration of John Harrell’s life.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or food, please consider contributions to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.