Jason Van Den Bogaert's Funeral Details

In memory of

Jason Van Den Bogaert

Ozark, MO

May 4, 1982 - March 8, 2024

May 4, 1982 - Mar 8, 2024

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to General Family Support.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Visitation to speak with the families and share memories of Jason.

Started on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 6 p.m. CDT
Ended on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 8 p.m. CDT
We will have a video camera set up for people to share what they remembered most about Jason, his character, funny stories, etc. We believe it will be a treasured memory for the kids to know and remember who their dad was as they get older.

There is a road closure at Farm Rd 205 and 60. Alternate route is 60 to north on J, east on Farm Rd 174, South on Farm Rd 205 to the church on the right. Come in the main doors where the circle drive is.
Download program
Fellowship Bible Church 4855 South Farm Road 205, Rogersville, MO 65742
Flip flops or sandals in honor of Jason, no black. Hawaiian shirts and casual dresses are great.

Celebration of life

Started on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. CDT
There is a road closure at Farm Rd 205 and 60. Alternate route is 60 to north on J, east on Farm Rd 174, South on Farm Rd 205 to the church on the right. Come in the main doors where the circle drive is.
Speakers: Jason Ball, Tyrone Davis and John Hilton
Fellowship Bible Church 4855 South Farm Road 205, Rogersville, MO 65742
Flip flops or sandals in honor of Jason, no black. Hawaiian shirts and casual dresses are great.

Tyrone Davis

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate Jason’s life. I want you all to know that all of us here today represent only a small percentage, adults and kids, that have been impacted by Jason’s heart, integrity, character, his love, competitiveness, and his desire to serve the Lord.

Today and for the rest of our lives, we will all probably hear many stories about Jason that reflect all of these characteristics I just mentioned. But in the grand scheme of things, among all his qualities and characteristics, I think we can all agree that Jason had a loving and servant heart, and a will win. From the time he came to Christ, til’ the day the lord called him to the Kingdom, he never stopped loving and serving God. Although only 41,he lived what many would consider a full life. Traveling across the country, cracking the code of passive income, never passing up a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends, all while serving the lord, and challenging us to do the same. Jason may have lost his earthly body, but he gained his eternal life, which is the ultimate gift, and ultimate Win.

My relationship with Jason started 12 years ago, and I never would have imagined I would be standing here, in this way celebrating the life of the best brother-in-law I could have asked for.  Jason was not a perfect man, and never claimed to be. But he was an amazing husband, father, friend, coach, uncle, cousin and son. He cared for each and every one of us, and wanted us to be winners too, (just as long as we weren’t competing against him.)

I’ll be honest, I didn't know about Jason the first time I met him. But as you get to know Jason’s heart, it becomes hard not to get along with him.

I remember the first night we hung out, I learned so much about him. My wife Natalie had told me about how cool he was and that I would have no problems getting along with him. But when I saw him, I immediately doubted that. I just couldn't get past the fact that  his biceps were about to pop out of his smedium shirt. And after getting to know him more,  he probably planned that to assert his competitive dominance on me.

That night was the beginning of a great relationship that grew into many years of Friendship and growth and competition.
 I came to find out we had a lot of similarities which became evident in how much fun we had. But at that time of my life, I didn't know the lord. It wasn’t until later that night I got a glimpse of what it was like to have the lord’s provision.

What started as a fun night with love and laughter, ended with anxiety, concern, and much prayer. A fluke accident that night caused Jami to have a brain Aneurysm, and she was life-flighted to the hospital. There was a lot of prayer and concern that night, but what stood out to me was the leadership Jason had during the entire situation. He was concerned for his wife and at times that showed. But I could still feel a sense of strength and peace of protection over him and Jami that night through what I now know was the holy spirit. That strength, that leadership, that resilience, and that obedience he showed inspired me to want the same. It's through those qualities, that he became the winner he is today.

Over the next 12 years, I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Jason. He beat me in Just about everything we ever competed on. (Golf, corn hole, darts, Bench press, Rock Paper Scissors, who could throw a snowball the furthest, and anything else that we could turn into a competition.)

Jason, I am forever grateful for the impact you have had and will continue to have on our lives. My promise to you is that the Legacy you built, will continue to thrive. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing light to the darkness. Thank you, for the memories, the love and support you have shown all of us. Thank you for inspiring us to be better men. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better father and husband. And most importantly, thank you for showing us how to be confident in serving the lord. I love you, and I miss you brother. And until we see each other again, Shaka brah.

Thank you again for everyone’s love and support during this time.

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate Jason’s life. I want you all ... Read moreto know that all of us here today represent only a small percentage, adults and kids, that have been impacted by Jason’s heart, integrity, character, his love, competitiveness, and his desire to serve the Lord.

Today and for the rest of our lives, we will all probably hear many stories about Jason that reflect all of these characteristics I just mentioned. But in the grand scheme of things, among all his qualities and characteristics, I think we can all agree that Jason had a loving and servant heart, and a will win. From the time he came to Christ, til’ the day the lord called him to the Kingdom, he never stopped loving and serving God. Although only 41,he lived what many would consider a full life. Traveling across the country, cracking the code of passive income, never passing up a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends, all while serving the lord, and challenging us to do the same. Jason may have lost his earthly body, but he gained his eternal life, which is the ultimate gift, and ultimate Win.

My relationship with Jason started 12 years ago, and I never would have imagined I would be standing here, in this way celebrating the life of the best brother-in-law I could have asked for. Jason was not a perfect man, and never claimed to be. But he was an amazing husband, father, friend, coach, uncle, cousin and son. He cared for each and every one of us, and wanted us to be winners too, (just as long as we weren’t competing against him.)

I’ll be honest, I didn't know about Jason the first time I met him. But as you get to know Jason’s heart, it becomes hard not to get along with him.

I remember the first night we hung out, I learned so much about him. My wife Natalie had told me about how cool he was and that I would have no problems getting along with him. But when I saw him, I immediately doubted that. I just couldn't get past the fact that his biceps were about to pop out of his smedium shirt. And after getting to know him more, he probably planned that to assert his competitive dominance on me.

That night was the beginning of a great relationship that grew into many years of Friendship and growth and competition.
I came to find out we had a lot of similarities which became evident in how much fun we had. But at that time of my life, I didn't know the lord. It wasn’t until later that night I got a glimpse of what it was like to have the lord’s provision.

What started as a fun night with love and laughter, ended with anxiety, concern, and much prayer. A fluke accident that night caused Jami to have a brain Aneurysm, and she was life-flighted to the hospital. There was a lot of prayer and concern that night, but what stood out to me was the leadership Jason had during the entire situation. He was concerned for his wife and at times that showed. But I could still feel a sense of strength and peace of protection over him and Jami that night through what I now know was the holy spirit. That strength, that leadership, that resilience, and that obedience he showed inspired me to want the same. It's through those qualities, that he became the winner he is today.

Over the next 12 years, I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Jason. He beat me in Just about everything we ever competed on. (Golf, corn hole, darts, Bench press, Rock Paper Scissors, who could throw a snowball the furthest, and anything else that we could turn into a competition.)

Jason, I am forever grateful for the impact you have had and will continue to have on our lives. My promise to you is that the Legacy you built, will continue to thrive. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing light to the darkness. Thank you, for the memories, the love and support you have shown all of us. Thank you for inspiring us to be better men. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better father and husband. And most importantly, thank you for showing us how to be confident in serving the lord. I love you, and I miss you brother. And until we see each other again, Shaka brah.

Thank you again for everyone’s love and support during this time. Read less I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate Jason’s life. I want you all to know that all of us... Read more here today represent only a small percentage, adults and kids, that have been impacted by Jason’s heart, integrity, character, his love, competitiveness, and his desire to serve the Lord.

Today and for the rest of our lives, we will all probably hear many stories about Jason that reflect all of these characteristics I just mentioned. But in the grand scheme of things, among all his qualities and characteristics, I think we can all agree that Jason had a loving and servant heart, and a will win. From the time he came to Christ, til’ the day the lord called him to the Kingdom, he never stopped loving and serving God. Although only 41,he lived what many would consider a full life. Traveling across the country, cracking the code of passive income, never passing up a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends, all while serving the lord, and challenging us to do the same. Jason may have lost his earthly body, but he gained his eternal life, which is the ultimate gift, and ultimate Win.

My relationship with Jason started 12 years ago, and I never would have imagined I would be standing here, in this way celebrating the life of the best brother-in-law I could have asked for. Jason was not a perfect man, and never claimed to be. But he was an amazing husband, father, friend, coach, uncle, cousin and son. He cared for each and every one of us, and wanted us to be winners too, (just as long as we weren’t competing against him.)

I’ll be honest, I didn't know about Jason the first time I met him. But as you get to know Jason’s heart, it becomes hard not to get along with him.

I remember the first night we hung out, I learned so much about him. My wife Natalie had told me about how cool he was and that I would have no problems getting along with him. But when I saw him, I immediately doubted that. I just couldn't get past the fact that his biceps were about to pop out of his smedium shirt. And after getting to know him more, he probably planned that to assert his competitive dominance on me.

That night was the beginning of a great relationship that grew into many years of Friendship and growth and competition.
I came to find out we had a lot of similarities which became evident in how much fun we had. But at that time of my life, I didn't know the lord. It wasn’t until later that night I got a glimpse of what it was like to have the lord’s provision.

What started as a fun night with love and laughter, ended with anxiety, concern, and much prayer. A fluke accident that night caused Jami to have a brain Aneurysm, and she was life-flighted to the hospital. There was a lot of prayer and concern that night, but what stood out to me was the leadership Jason had during the entire situation. He was concerned for his wife and at times that showed. But I could still feel a sense of strength and peace of protection over him and Jami that night through what I now know was the holy spirit. That strength, that leadership, that resilience, and that obedience he showed inspired me to want the same. It's through those qualities, that he became the winner he is today.

Over the next 12 years, I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Jason. He beat me in Just about everything we ever competed on. (Golf, corn hole, darts, Bench press, Rock Paper Scissors, who could throw a snowball the furthest, and anything else that we could turn into a competition.)

Jason, I am forever grateful for the impact you have had and will continue to have on our lives. My promise to you is that the Legacy you built, will continue to thrive. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing light to the darkness. Thank you, for the memories, the love and support you have shown all of us. Thank you for inspiring us to be better men. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better father and husband. And most importantly, thank you for showing us how to be confident in serving the lord. I love you, and I miss you brother. And until we see each other again, Shaka brah.

Thank you again for everyone’s love and support during this time. Read less I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who... Read more came today to celebrate Jason’s life. I want you all to know that all of us here today represent only a small percentage, adults and kids, that have been impacted by Jason’s heart, integrity, character, his love, competitiveness, and his desire to serve the Lord.

Today and for the rest of our lives, we will all probably hear many stories about Jason that reflect all of these characteristics I just mentioned. But in the grand scheme of things, among all his qualities and characteristics, I think we can all agree that Jason had a loving and servant heart, and a will win. From the time he came to Christ, til’ the day the lord called him to the Kingdom, he never stopped loving and serving God. Although only 41,he lived what many would consider a full life. Traveling across the country, cracking the code of passive income, never passing up a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends, all while serving the lord, and challenging us to do the same. Jason may have lost his earthly body, but he gained his eternal life, which is the ultimate gift, and ultimate Win.

My relationship with Jason started 12 years ago, and I never would have imagined I would be standing here, in this way celebrating the life of the best brother-in-law I could have asked for. Jason was not a perfect man, and never claimed to be. But he was an amazing husband, father, friend, coach, uncle, cousin and son. He cared for each and every one of us, and wanted us to be winners too, (just as long as we weren’t competing against him.)

I’ll be honest, I didn't know about Jason the first time I met him. But as you get to know Jason’s heart, it becomes hard not to get along with him.

I remember the first night we hung out, I learned so much about him. My wife Natalie had told me about how cool he was and that I would have no problems getting along with him. But when I saw him, I immediately doubted that. I just couldn't get past the fact that his biceps were about to pop out of his smedium shirt. And after getting to know him more, he probably planned that to assert his competitive dominance on me.

That night was the beginning of a great relationship that grew into many years of Friendship and growth and competition.
I came to find out we had a lot of similarities which became evident in how much fun we had. But at that time of my life, I didn't know the lord. It wasn’t until later that night I got a glimpse of what it was like to have the lord’s provision.

What started as a fun night with love and laughter, ended with anxiety, concern, and much prayer. A fluke accident that night caused Jami to have a brain Aneurysm, and she was life-flighted to the hospital. There was a lot of prayer and concern that night, but what stood out to me was the leadership Jason had during the entire situation. He was concerned for his wife and at times that showed. But I could still feel a sense of strength and peace of protection over him and Jami that night through what I now know was the holy spirit. That strength, that leadership, that resilience, and that obedience he showed inspired me to want the same. It's through those qualities, that he became the winner he is today.

Over the next 12 years, I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Jason. He beat me in Just about everything we ever competed on. (Golf, corn hole, darts, Bench press, Rock Paper Scissors, who could throw a snowball the furthest, and anything else that we could turn into a competition.)

Jason, I am forever grateful for the impact you have had and will continue to have on our lives. My promise to you is that the Legacy you built, will continue to thrive. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing light to the darkness. Thank you, for the memories, the love and support you have shown all of us. Thank you for inspiring us to be better men. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better father and husband. And most importantly, thank you for showing us how to be confident in serving the lord. I love you, and I miss you brother. And until we see each other again, Shaka brah.

Thank you again for everyone’s love and support during this time. Read less

Jon Hilton

Hello, I’m Jon as some of you may know. Jami and Jason are pretty good friends of my wife Tiffany and I. Jami asked if I would share a few things today. At first I was really worried that she might not be thinking right to think it was a good idea to allow me to have a microphone or stage or anything for that matter. None-the-less, I was happy for the opportunity to honor Jason.

I didn’t get the chance to meet Jason at a young age but I'm very thankful to have known Jason for the years I did. I met him after getting beat on the soccer field... really bad... So, I decided if I couldn’t beat him I would join him. We kind of just became buddies after that.

Jason was always a good coach. He was so much fun to watch and be around. I actually didn’t really enjoy coaching but it was fun with Jason. Everything was fun with Jason. I really appreciate how his cup was always half full or overflowing. I’m not sure I can think of a time he complained. In our time coaching (which I will tell you was four year old soccer, five year old soccer, and five year old baseball), we had team rules:

We play to have fun 
We play to win 
No one’s having fun if we’re not winning 
Jason was a competitor. He was always kind to me. One of my best memories was a day Jason called me, probably to discuss strategy for our little kids practice. We really did plan that out-- what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. I’m pretty sure he scouted the other teams as well. On this phone call I shared my middle child Auggie was sick. He stopped the conversation and prayed for Auggie. I will never forget that. He just cared for people.

I myself like like quotes and sayings and one that comes to mind is this: You're doing good if you find one true friend in this world today. I’m unsure if I was a good friend to Jason. I sure hope I was, but I can tell you he was a true friend to me.

To me and a lot of others I know for sure.

One of the other things I liked about Jason was his lifestyle. I asked him one day early in our relationship what he did for work. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I don’t work bro". He then explained “passive income" and encouraged me always to stop doing the day to day grind. I kind of scratched my head but I really appreciate his appreciation of time and time spent with others. I wish I would have taken some more time with him when I had the chance. I think it’s a life lesson to myself and I hope me sharing this can encourage others to not take for granted time here with those we care about.

We had the opportunity to go on a little vacation with Jason and Jami and I knew he didn’t like to get up early. My oldest boy, Oliver, and me are up early in the mornings. We had the kids in a separate room and I believe I slept in until 8:00 that day when I was informed that my five year old woke Jason up at 5:00AM breathing in his face. It was a quite funny experience hearing him tell the story. I just loved sharing stories with Jason. He was one who was good at celebrating others victories

and to me that meant a lot. He was someone I could call anytime and would get an honest but helpful response. In the time he has been gone I have already found myself wanting to pick up the phone and jus tell him something. Honestly, he was just supportive of people.

I will share one more story. We had a big plan to beat a team. I remind you, this is five year old soccer. We had them beat in the game and my boy was playing goalie-- not a real important position in little league soccer until it is.

My boy gave up one goal and Jason looked at me with "the look" and I knew what needed to be done. I then looked at my wife to see how closely she was watching the game. I decided it would be easier to let the wife down than coach Jason.

We pulled my boy from goalie and I believe went on to win the game. I share that to further explain his passion to win.

I wish I could call him today. I wish everyone here could. I think it’s human nature to want Jason here with us today-- I can tell you that’s what I want-- but I have found some peace in what I know of Jason and his trust and faith in the Lord.

I know when we lost Jason the world and all of us lost, but, Jason celebrated the biggest win of his life and i know I will see him again and I'm thankful for that.

Hello, I’m Jon as some of you may know. Jami and Jason are pretty good friends of my wife Tiffany and I. ... Read moreJami asked if I would share a few things today. At first I was really worried that she might not be thinking right to think it was a good idea to allow me to have a microphone or stage or anything for that matter. None-the-less, I was happy for the opportunity to honor Jason.

I didn’t get the chance to meet Jason at a young age but I'm very thankful to have known Jason for the years I did. I met him after getting beat on the soccer field... really bad... So, I decided if I couldn’t beat him I would join him. We kind of just became buddies after that.

Jason was always a good coach. He was so much fun to watch and be around. I actually didn’t really enjoy coaching but it was fun with Jason. Everything was fun with Jason. I really appreciate how his cup was always half full or overflowing. I’m not sure I can think of a time he complained. In our time coaching (which I will tell you was four year old soccer, five year old soccer, and five year old baseball), we had team rules:

We play to have fun
We play to win
No one’s having fun if we’re not winning
Jason was a competitor. He was always kind to me. One of my best memories was a day Jason called me, probably to discuss strategy for our little kids practice. We really did plan that out-- what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. I’m pretty sure he scouted the other teams as well. On this phone call I shared my middle child Auggie was sick. He stopped the conversation and prayed for Auggie. I will never forget that. He just cared for people.

I myself like like quotes and sayings and one that comes to mind is this: You're doing good if you find one true friend in this world today. I’m unsure if I was a good friend to Jason. I sure hope I was, but I can tell you he was a true friend to me.

To me and a lot of others I know for sure.

One of the other things I liked about Jason was his lifestyle. I asked him one day early in our relationship what he did for work. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I don’t work bro". He then explained “passive income" and encouraged me always to stop doing the day to day grind. I kind of scratched my head but I really appreciate his appreciation of time and time spent with others. I wish I would have taken some more time with him when I had the chance. I think it’s a life lesson to myself and I hope me sharing this can encourage others to not take for granted time here with those we care about.

We had the opportunity to go on a little vacation with Jason and Jami and I knew he didn’t like to get up early. My oldest boy, Oliver, and me are up early in the mornings. We had the kids in a separate room and I believe I slept in until 8:00 that day when I was informed that my five year old woke Jason up at 5:00AM breathing in his face. It was a quite funny experience hearing him tell the story. I just loved sharing stories with Jason. He was one who was good at celebrating others victories

and to me that meant a lot. He was someone I could call anytime and would get an honest but helpful response. In the time he has been gone I have already found myself wanting to pick up the phone and jus tell him something. Honestly, he was just supportive of people.

I will share one more story. We had a big plan to beat a team. I remind you, this is five year old soccer. We had them beat in the game and my boy was playing goalie-- not a real important position in little league soccer until it is.

My boy gave up one goal and Jason looked at me with "the look" and I knew what needed to be done. I then looked at my wife to see how closely she was watching the game. I decided it would be easier to let the wife down than coach Jason.

We pulled my boy from goalie and I believe went on to win the game. I share that to further explain his passion to win.

I wish I could call him today. I wish everyone here could. I think it’s human nature to want Jason here with us today-- I can tell you that’s what I want-- but I have found some peace in what I know of Jason and his trust and faith in the Lord.

I know when we lost Jason the world and all of us lost, but, Jason celebrated the biggest win of his life and i know I will see him again and I'm thankful for that. Read less Hello, I’m Jon as some of you may know. Jami and Jason are pretty good friends of my wife Tiffany and I. Jami asked if I would... Read more share a few things today. At first I was really worried that she might not be thinking right to think it was a good idea to allow me to have a microphone or stage or anything for that matter. None-the-less, I was happy for the opportunity to honor Jason.

I didn’t get the chance to meet Jason at a young age but I'm very thankful to have known Jason for the years I did. I met him after getting beat on the soccer field... really bad... So, I decided if I couldn’t beat him I would join him. We kind of just became buddies after that.

Jason was always a good coach. He was so much fun to watch and be around. I actually didn’t really enjoy coaching but it was fun with Jason. Everything was fun with Jason. I really appreciate how his cup was always half full or overflowing. I’m not sure I can think of a time he complained. In our time coaching (which I will tell you was four year old soccer, five year old soccer, and five year old baseball), we had team rules:

We play to have fun
We play to win
No one’s having fun if we’re not winning
Jason was a competitor. He was always kind to me. One of my best memories was a day Jason called me, probably to discuss strategy for our little kids practice. We really did plan that out-- what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. I’m pretty sure he scouted the other teams as well. On this phone call I shared my middle child Auggie was sick. He stopped the conversation and prayed for Auggie. I will never forget that. He just cared for people.

I myself like like quotes and sayings and one that comes to mind is this: You're doing good if you find one true friend in this world today. I’m unsure if I was a good friend to Jason. I sure hope I was, but I can tell you he was a true friend to me.

To me and a lot of others I know for sure.

One of the other things I liked about Jason was his lifestyle. I asked him one day early in our relationship what he did for work. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I don’t work bro". He then explained “passive income" and encouraged me always to stop doing the day to day grind. I kind of scratched my head but I really appreciate his appreciation of time and time spent with others. I wish I would have taken some more time with him when I had the chance. I think it’s a life lesson to myself and I hope me sharing this can encourage others to not take for granted time here with those we care about.

We had the opportunity to go on a little vacation with Jason and Jami and I knew he didn’t like to get up early. My oldest boy, Oliver, and me are up early in the mornings. We had the kids in a separate room and I believe I slept in until 8:00 that day when I was informed that my five year old woke Jason up at 5:00AM breathing in his face. It was a quite funny experience hearing him tell the story. I just loved sharing stories with Jason. He was one who was good at celebrating others victories

and to me that meant a lot. He was someone I could call anytime and would get an honest but helpful response. In the time he has been gone I have already found myself wanting to pick up the phone and jus tell him something. Honestly, he was just supportive of people.

I will share one more story. We had a big plan to beat a team. I remind you, this is five year old soccer. We had them beat in the game and my boy was playing goalie-- not a real important position in little league soccer until it is.

My boy gave up one goal and Jason looked at me with "the look" and I knew what needed to be done. I then looked at my wife to see how closely she was watching the game. I decided it would be easier to let the wife down than coach Jason.

We pulled my boy from goalie and I believe went on to win the game. I share that to further explain his passion to win.

I wish I could call him today. I wish everyone here could. I think it’s human nature to want Jason here with us today-- I can tell you that’s what I want-- but I have found some peace in what I know of Jason and his trust and faith in the Lord.

I know when we lost Jason the world and all of us lost, but, Jason celebrated the biggest win of his life and i know I will see him again and I'm thankful for that. Read less Hello, I’m Jon as some of you may know. Jami and Jason... Read more are pretty good friends of my wife Tiffany and I. Jami asked if I would share a few things today. At first I was really worried that she might not be thinking right to think it was a good idea to allow me to have a microphone or stage or anything for that matter. None-the-less, I was happy for the opportunity to honor Jason.

I didn’t get the chance to meet Jason at a young age but I'm very thankful to have known Jason for the years I did. I met him after getting beat on the soccer field... really bad... So, I decided if I couldn’t beat him I would join him. We kind of just became buddies after that.

Jason was always a good coach. He was so much fun to watch and be around. I actually didn’t really enjoy coaching but it was fun with Jason. Everything was fun with Jason. I really appreciate how his cup was always half full or overflowing. I’m not sure I can think of a time he complained. In our time coaching (which I will tell you was four year old soccer, five year old soccer, and five year old baseball), we had team rules:

We play to have fun
We play to win
No one’s having fun if we’re not winning
Jason was a competitor. He was always kind to me. One of my best memories was a day Jason called me, probably to discuss strategy for our little kids practice. We really did plan that out-- what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. I’m pretty sure he scouted the other teams as well. On this phone call I shared my middle child Auggie was sick. He stopped the conversation and prayed for Auggie. I will never forget that. He just cared for people.

I myself like like quotes and sayings and one that comes to mind is this: You're doing good if you find one true friend in this world today. I’m unsure if I was a good friend to Jason. I sure hope I was, but I can tell you he was a true friend to me.

To me and a lot of others I know for sure.

One of the other things I liked about Jason was his lifestyle. I asked him one day early in our relationship what he did for work. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I don’t work bro". He then explained “passive income" and encouraged me always to stop doing the day to day grind. I kind of scratched my head but I really appreciate his appreciation of time and time spent with others. I wish I would have taken some more time with him when I had the chance. I think it’s a life lesson to myself and I hope me sharing this can encourage others to not take for granted time here with those we care about.

We had the opportunity to go on a little vacation with Jason and Jami and I knew he didn’t like to get up early. My oldest boy, Oliver, and me are up early in the mornings. We had the kids in a separate room and I believe I slept in until 8:00 that day when I was informed that my five year old woke Jason up at 5:00AM breathing in his face. It was a quite funny experience hearing him tell the story. I just loved sharing stories with Jason. He was one who was good at celebrating others victories

and to me that meant a lot. He was someone I could call anytime and would get an honest but helpful response. In the time he has been gone I have already found myself wanting to pick up the phone and jus tell him something. Honestly, he was just supportive of people.

I will share one more story. We had a big plan to beat a team. I remind you, this is five year old soccer. We had them beat in the game and my boy was playing goalie-- not a real important position in little league soccer until it is.

My boy gave up one goal and Jason looked at me with "the look" and I knew what needed to be done. I then looked at my wife to see how closely she was watching the game. I decided it would be easier to let the wife down than coach Jason.

We pulled my boy from goalie and I believe went on to win the game. I share that to further explain his passion to win.

I wish I could call him today. I wish everyone here could. I think it’s human nature to want Jason here with us today-- I can tell you that’s what I want-- but I have found some peace in what I know of Jason and his trust and faith in the Lord.

I know when we lost Jason the world and all of us lost, but, Jason celebrated the biggest win of his life and i know I will see him again and I'm thankful for that. Read less