Skip to main content

**In Loving Memory of Jackson “Jayso2x” Sullivan McLellan**

September 2, 2007 – May 30, 2024

It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Jackson Sullivan McLellan, who left us far too soon at the age of 16. Jack died of an accidental overdose, a tragic end to his lionhearted struggle against mental illness and addiction. Despite his own battles, Jack’s spirit and compassion shone brightly, touching the lives of many within the recovery community, the theater community, his neighborhood, and his wildly sprawling family. He was a friend and confidant, offering support and encouragement even when he found it difficult to help himself.

teenaged boy in a blue ball cap
Jackson Sullivan McLellan lost his life to fentanyl on March 30, 2024. Help us prevent more loss of life.

Jack’s presence was a beacon of joy and warmth. Gifted with a charming smile, stellar drip, dance-battle domination, and profound empathy, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He had a special place in his heart for those who, like him, faced life’s toughest challenges, always ready with a kind word or a listening ear. He considered it a privilege to serve on the local Young People of AA board, and to give his Friday nights to distributing narcan with A Betor Way (https://abetorway.org/)

In many ways, Jack embodied the boundless energy and positivity of his favorite stuffed animal, Tigger, from the Hundred Acre Wood. Like Tigger, he brought joy and exuberance to those around him, bouncing through life with an infectious enthusiasm. He was goofy and he was wise and he was kind. 

Jack was also a gifted musician and lyricist, known by his artistic name, Jayso2x. He dreamed of a future filled with music, where he could share his talent and passion with the world (and also, own SRTs and Scat Packs and ice). His creativity and lyricism were a testament to his deep soul and complex inner world. He was also planning to go work at Lakeside Hospital as a tech as soon as he turned 18. 

His passions were fierce and often funny. Taki’s, macaroni and cheese, ginger ale, broccoli, and granola bars were among his favorites. He loved hiking in Colorado, tending his school’s flock of chickens, lighting fires, hitting the quan, digging holes, wearing too much cologne (not Axe, though), his jewelry – aka “ice,” saying, “bruh and bet,” his beloved dog Lucy, and repping Memphis Rap. He predicted the rise of Billie Eilish and the horror of Covid – long before anyone else was talking about it. He proudly participated in the Women’s March in 2017 and wore pearls to celebrate our first female vice president. 

Jackson leaves behind a community that truly gave him glimpses of what his life could be like. They showed him a love that he could hardly comprehend. His family is so grateful that he had such an extraordinary community in his life. “Thank you” is inadequate to express how we feel about his recovery family at Worldly Indeed, Great Reality, Two Doors Down, and so many more people from around the world who invested in him and were invested in his future. 

Jack leaves behind a band of brothers with whom he shot hoops, exchanged tall tales, danced, snow sled, trick-or-treated, obsessed over the Elf on the Shelf and Mazerunner. There were countless sleepovers and birthdays and beach trips and general silliness. He truly loved his people: Christopher, Matthew, Evan, Harlan, Graham, Logan, and Noah. They were supposed to grow into men together. 

With Marleigh Brewer, the love of his life, he made big plans to grow old together, and to use their difficult personal experiences to help others. But mostly they laughed, and laughed, and laughed.  Marliegh was a sanctuary, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, and a friend to Jack. 

Jackson was magical. He was beautiful. He was loved, and he loved. He lived a giant life in a very short time. So many people will miss him forever. His absence is horrible, but the light of his life will bring us through this present darkness. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to A Betor Way or to Jackson’s memorial fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. Funds raised will go toward assisting families with securing the best possible treatment for their children who are suffering with mental health issues and addiction. 

##


A Betor Way is a mobile harm reduction service program operating in Memphis, Tennessee.

Harm reduction aims to connect people who use drugs to resources and community to thrive in the midst of challenges. Whether you use drugs, or love someone who does, A Betor Way provides services including syringe access, overdose prevention, education, and rapid testing.

This is a non-judgmental zone, and those we encounter can be vulnerable with us.

.