I am so sorry to see this. I was looking Jason up trying to get back in touch with him as he was a huge part of my life as a mentor to me in our time at Cook Compression years ago. Sharing a meal, a conversation, watching some football was always a good time. Talking back and forth over whether Iowa State was going to beat the Longhorns and if or when the Texans would be better than the Cowboys. A lot of good memories there. I owed him a lot in terms of the advice and the career path he set me on. He believed in my work and was one hell of a boss and mentor. I am deeply saddened to now learn of his passing. A friend to me in a city where I didn't have many. I will miss him and am truly sorry for his family.

Jason became one of my first midwest friends when I moved to Iowa from the east coast, almost thirty years ago. He lived down the hall from me in a big rooming house near the UI. The guy was a force of positive energy — incredibly outgoing, funny and intelligent. He had fascinating stories (and some VHS footage) of his two years in Ecuador. You’d hear him up at 1 AM playing perfect versions of The Fly or other U2 songs on his guitar and wah-wah pedal; then he’d be up early, acing classes on campus or heading back to central Iowa to continue working his summer construction job on weekends. In between pinball games and all-you-can-eat Godfather’s buffets, we spent a lot of time talking about our different experiences growing up and dreams of the future. Even at age 22, he had a strong vision of his future family and the type of life he wanted to lead.

After Jason relocated to Texas, we fell out of contact, but not infrequently witty or insightful things he said many years ago would pop into my mind. I started to write him a letter — I was curious to hear his thoughts about the new Bono memoir or the unsettling new relevance of The Unforgettable Fire lyrics or a lot of other topics. When I googled for Jason’s postal address, I learned the terrible news of his passing. As someone else wrote, it still does not quite feel real. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to have known him.

I am so sorry and shocked  to have heard of the sudden passing of Jason.  As a teacher at Gilbert High School during the time Jason was a student at GHS, I feel honored and blessed to have had a small part  in his life during his younger years.  His intelligence was only matched by his superior creativity and his outstanding sense of humor. Jason was simply a joy to be around.  He will be missed. Prayers for his family!

I'm sorry that I can't attend tonight but wish nothing but the best to all of Jason's family and friends.

I don't have ANY negative memories of interactions with Jason.  What a great person!

This news still doesn't seem real.  I wish you all peace and wonderful, full memories.

Sorry for your loss. I will always have such great memories of Jason. Especially his humor! He was one of the good ones.

Deanna Barber Sargent, GHS Class of '89

Hanging out with Jason was always a fun time. We shared a common bond of being Star Wars nerds and deeply loving Eliana.

My dad and I's first dance at my wedding was to A Sort of Homecoming by U2. We spent the entire song smiling and crying.