David B. Jarrett MD

David Bernard Jarrett, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and physician, was born on January 20, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester before graduating from Duke University Medical School in 1972. Following residency at SUNY-Downstate Health Science Center in Brooklyn, he became board certified in Psychiatry in 1977 and added credentials in Addiction Psychiatry in 1988.

After several years practicing on Long Island, David and his family moved to Athens, Georgia, in 1988. He directed the Adolescent Substance Abuse unit at Charter Winds Hospital until 1990, then established a private practice in Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry in Athens, continuing to see patients at Charter Winds until its closure. David’s expertise in supporting patients struggling with substance use profoundly transformed countless lives, and his compassionate care continues to impact many today.

Beyond his full-time practice, David volunteered psychiatric consultations at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years, served as Medical Director for DM & ADR Clinic, and was the contract psychiatrist at Athens-Clarke County Jail. After retiring from private practice, he taught part-time for three years at the Georgia Regents University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, also serving as Site Clerkship Director of Psychiatry.

His deep patience and acceptance extended beyond family and professional life, fueling an intense commitment to community service. David served on boards of the Mental Health Association of Northeast Georgia, The Athens Justice Project, Economic Justice Coalition, Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, and Samaritan Counseling Center. His dedication inspired passionate engagement in local politics; he was a member of the Athens-Clarke County Democratic Party Executive Committee from 2000 until his passing in 2026 and served as an Obama alternate delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Of all his service activities, the Unitarian Fellowship of Athens was closest to David’s heart. He joined the UUFA in 1987 and was an active member and leader in the congregation until his death. He served as President of the congregation in 2002. David was a champion for social justice, serving on the Social Action Committee for many years. He helped to form the Endowment Committee and was part of ministerial search committees as well as the Denominational Affairs and First Aid and Safety committees. He treasured his Small Group Ministry community. David also led many worship services at UUFA, Canon Universalist Church in Canon, Georgia, and at congregations in Maine throughout the years.

David had a fervent passion for Duke Basketball, which he shared with his sons Paul and Sean Jarrett. He and his wife, Patricia Jarrett, were longtime season ticket holders and enthusiastic fans of UGA Lady Dawgs Basketball. Cooking and experimenting with new cuisines was another lifelong hobby; he was active in the Athens chapter of the American Wine Society, often preparing dishes for their dinners, and he delighted in hosting annual Mardi Gras parties at his home.

He loved live music, especially blues, and enjoyed traveling with Patricia – whether to New Orleans, blues cruises, festivals, or visiting family and friends across the US.

In retirement, the Jarretts split their time between Athens, Georgia, and Penobscot, Maine, building a warm community among friends and neighbors. At the time of his death, David served on the Board of Directors for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine, Maine, and he and Patricia were actively involved in congregational life at United Methodist Churches in Penobscot and Brooksville. He was also a member of the Penobscot Historical Society. An avid reader, he often relaxed on the patio overlooking the Bagaduce River with a science fiction book in hand.

David’s silly and irreverent sense of humor brought joy to those who knew him well. Above all, he was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Harriet Jarrett of Flushing, Queens, New York.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; children, Paul Jarrett (Christine Green) of Brooklyn, New York; Sean Jarrett (Karen Harvey) of Glendora, California; Robert Carriere of Denver, Colorado; and Christina Carriere of Clarksville, Georgia; sister Rosalind Jarrett Sepulveda of Los Angeles, California; and four grandchildren: Liliana, Henry, Lorraine, and James.

Additionally, David will be mourned by his in-laws Lamar Sepulveda, Caron Livingston, Steven Fleming, and Gail Craddock, numerous cousins, and former spouse Maureen McGarty.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Nuçi's Space (https://www.nuci.org/donateform) or Our Daily Bread (https://downtownministries.org/give/) in Athens, Georgia.

In Maine, donations can be sent to the Community Heating Assistance Fund in Penobscot (administered by the Penobscot United Methodist Church), or Midcoast Music Academy Blues Camp Scholarship Fund in Rockland.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.