Jackson A. Mcdonald

Jackson Adam McDonald, a 21-year-old lifelong resident of Albany County, unfortunately passed away on Wednesday, November 15th 2023 at the Northeast Center for Rehabilitation and Brain Injury where he was in recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury suffered two months prior. Jackson graduated from Shaker High School and since then has worked across the region as a landscaper, a cook, a snow-plow driver, and several other roles. Jackson is survived by his Mother, Tammy, his three brothers, Joshua, Nicholas, and William, his sister, Danielle, his very dear friend, Kristina, his dog, Lilly, and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Jackson was predeceased by his Father, Daniel, and has joined him wherever they may be.

As Jack said in a book he wrote in 1st grade, he liked to spend his free time eating. This remained true the rest of his life, and good food would never go to waste if Jack had something to say about it. Jack could often be found asleep and surrounded by takeout food containers, but occasionally he would get up to order more and hit "Play Next" on whichever streaming platform he had open. Our thoughts go out to the local food delivery drivers after losing such an important customer. Jack just turned 21 this July and quickly became a regular at some of his favorite bars. Jack's brothers say that it is very unfortunate that Jack only got to visit the bars for a few months and confirmed he totally was not visiting them for multiple years at that point.

Jack was also active sometimes, especially during his multiple years on the North Colonie Pop Warner football team. He also learned a bit of skateboarding and was an avid fisherman during family vacations to the ocean. For a while Jack was doing work on vehicles and was his family's go-to guy for car advice. You would never have guessed that if you rode in the passenger seat while he drove.

Jack was especially skillful at going to pick up his brother William. Being the last of William's older brothers to move out, he played an extremely important role in William's home life. At home Jack took on important tasks often, from fixing the new lawnmower more times than we can count to replacing half of the basement ceiling. He then took it up a notch after the passing of his father, and was incredibly tough and supportive for his mother in the time since.

Jack was possibly the biggest fan of his brother Nick's stand-up comedy and was excited to attempt it himself one day. Jack was well educated in dark humor and therefore the greatest test audience for such jokes. Jack had at least one full joke ready to tell which he only got to tell his brother Nick. It will not be shared here due to the content but will be happily shared by his brother upon request. This obituary was written in line with the sense of humor shared between Jack and his family.

Jack and Josh would have been brothers in this life even if they didn't have the same parents. Jack was an enthusiastic partner in every kind of situation; home improvement projects, going fishing, cooking meals together (including 2 full Covid Thanksgivings), captaining the opposing team of neighborhood kids in backyard football games. He was very gentle and respectful, but had an awesome capacity for playful mischief. He was so much fun. He was proud anytime he got to work hard and get covered in dirt. When the brothers were together at the family home, they could nearly always be found milking the last moments of sunlight for one final set of downs or one more inning of wiffle ball in the yard. Jack joined every time until the very end. The brothers will continue to milk the last moments of sunlight for every bit of love and joy and touchdown glory they can bring in honor of Jack, forever… then also have fun at night.

Jack was taken too soon, he was truly a Jack of all trades and unfortunately not provided the time to master any one in particular. While Jack will never have children or start a family of his own, his legacy will continue at least through the impact he made on the lives of his brothers and many others. Jack was an amazing son and one of the best brothers one could wish for. Our disappointment in losing him is immeasurable and, while he may be gone, Jack will never be forgotten by those that loved him and miss him.

In lieu of flowers, please treat yourself to something pleasant and, if you can, treat someone else too. Whether it's cooking a nice meal, going on a fishing trip, or lending someone a helping hand, we would like everyone to do something enjoyable in honor of Jack, as we believe that is what he would want us to do.


Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189 on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.