We set out to build a framework for self-adjoint extension theory for powers of the Jacobi differential operator that does not make use of classical deficiency elements. Instead, we rely on simpler functions that capture the impact of these elements on extensions but are defined by boundary asymptotics. This new perspective makes calculations much more accessible and allows for a more nuanced analysis of the associated domains. The maximal domain for n-th composition of the Jacobi operator is characterized in terms of a smoothness condition for each derivative, and the endpoint behavior of functions in the underlying Hilbert space can then be classified, for j is an element of N-0, by (1 - x)(j), (1 + x)(j), (1 - x)(-alpha+j) and (1 + x)(beta+j). Most of these behaviors can only occur when functions are in the associated minimal domain, and this leads to a formulation of the defect spaces with a convenient basis. Self-adjoint extensions, including the important left-definite domain, are then given in terms of the new basis functions for the defect spaces using GKN theory. Comments are made for the Laguerre operator as well.