Peter Grey Jackson

Peter Grey Jackson, treasured father, son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to all, passed away quietly on Wednesday evening, July 23, 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was 40 years old.

The greatest joy of Peter’s life was the beautiful children he had with their mother, Marianne Moore: Paisley (7); Lilah (6); and Jude (4). Peter loved no one more than his children, and his family and friends delighted as they watched him grow into the playful and doting father they always knew he would be. His children adored him.

In addition to his children and their mother, he leaves behind his parents, Smith and René Jackson; his younger sister, Lauren Jackson of Asheville, NC; his older brother, Hunter Jackson, and sister-in-law Maeve Johnston and their children Hazel and Owen of Oakland CA; his beloved grandmother, Ann Hamby, of Phenix City, AL; aunts and uncles on both sides of his family, many cousins, and countless friends.

Peter was a gifted musician. His love of percussion emerged early in his life, as he drummed on any and every solid surface around him wherever he was. When he was in middle school, he was finally able to sit behind a drum set and feel like a real drummer. And thus began a passion that he carried through life. While in high school he helped start The Demonstration, a metalcore band that put out two albums on Tribunal Records. He simultaneously played for a second band, Kill Whitney Dead, and together the two bands went on multiple cross-country tours, playing sold-out shows at venues coast to coast. He continued to play off and on throughout his life, and in recent years was a drum instructor at the School of Rock in Greensboro.

Peter was a master bartender and worked both behind the bar, and for a period of time, as co-founder and instructor at Liberty Oak Bartending School in Greensboro. He used his artistic skills to create a variety of new and unusual cocktails which were frequently featured at the bar and sometimes appeared on the menu with his name. Visiting him at work felt like walking into his living room, where everyone sitting at the bar was an old friend of his–even if it was their first time in the bar.

Peter moved through the world with the belief that anyone could be his friend. He could charm his way into anyone’s heart, and those who knew him loved him deeply. He had a sharp, observant eye and a lightning-quick wit. His competitive spirit emerged while around a game board at the kitchen table, or trick skating in the driveway and in skate parks. He loved playing doubles ping pong with his parents, brother, and sister, a tradition they maintained throughout his life. He always said he was undefeated within the family, but that was an arguable claim. There was never a dull moment with Peter, who could always make a hilarious joke about the most mundane situation. Many who knew him have described him as the funniest person they’d ever met. There was truly no one like Peter.

Even as a child, Peter was incredibly generous; he would share anything he had with you, always giving you the bigger piece of whatever he was sharing. Not surprisingly, he was an organ donor, and it brings his family and friends solace to know that his final act of generosity saved the lives of five strangers. Peter would have been happy to know that he was able to give this gift to others.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life for Peter’s family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to HonorBridge, whose compassionate care and attention made this very difficult time in our lives easier to bear. Your donation can help them save other lives.