"On the Importance of Half - March 14, 2023" by Aaron Beaird - guest blogger and Jason's son

Jason and Aaron enjoying some pool
time in Spain in 2004.

           The word “half” according to the Oxford Dictionary is “either of two equal or corresponding parts into which something is or can be divided.” Half, or more importantly a value just above half, dominates a wide variety of topics: either legislative body in the Capitol needs more than half to win a vote, an MLS team needs to be better than just over half of their division to make the playoffs, and more than half of Florida drivers will lose their sanity driving on I-4 every day.

Every point after the value of half will always be greater than every point before half. It is very easily to see this play out mathematically, as 1/4 and 1/3 will always be smaller than 2/3 and 3/4. In everyday life, the line is not as clear. For example, how does the one vote putting Congress over the edge negate the opinions of every other losing vote? Most people would also be interested in what day they die so they could live life to the fullest. But how do they know when they’re over that critical half?

I apologize for that philosophical introduction, but I hope it started turning the gears. Plus, after getting accepted into PhD school recently, I am just trying to get used to asking useless questions that most people don’t care about. This post is not about all of life’s events, but rather one specific life event and its impact on me.

Ever since I can remember, my dad, Jason Beaird, had cancer. As a young kid, I did not (more like could not) understand what cancer was in its entirety. Sure, I knew that his cells were growing wrong, but I did not know that he would not recover from this. I now regret not knowing this information, but I’m not sure what I would’ve done with this information either as a young kid.  

What I do know is that I cherished every single moment with Dad. Whether it was winning championships in flag football or baseball with him as my coach, watching sports while he seemingly knew the name of every player [read one of his blog posts to see he made them up half the time], or just hanging out with him. I spent many days in the hospital after school just so I could see him during treatment. All I can remember from my days with him are good times.

Jason and Aaron camping
in Jacksonville in March 2011.

Little did I know that my life as I knew it would be shattered on March 14, 2013. The following weeks feel like a blur, but I felt emotions to a level I had never felt before: anger, sadness, guilt, and others. I was not exactly equipped to deal with these emotions, but I tried to make do. I was not aware that this would come back to bite me. I missed him so much during those first years and I could not stop thinking about him. Even during sleep, I would have dreams that he would come back out of the woods during a camping trip with Boy Scouts.

Would these feelings ever end? Would I be able to move on with my life? Would I ever fill the hole that this event left in me? The answer to all these questions would be simple; no, but I adapt. Not a day goes by where I am not thinking about him. Lots of things in my life could have been different if he was here - some for the better and some for the worse. However, I would exhaust myself if I focused on these differences while making every decision.

The present year is 2023, and I am now 20. I was 10 years old when Dad died, and it has been now 10 years since his passing. This now means that on March 14, 2023, I will have lived half of my life with him and half without him.

There have been a million things I have done since he has left this life, such as getting married, graduating high school, and going to college. The emptiness in my heart is made more prevalent during these huge life milestones, as I wish more than anything that he could have witnessed these events in person. Some of you even got to see me bawl my eyes out during the mother-son dance at my wedding to the song “Chasing Cars” because I associate it so closely with him. However, despite his absence, he has never left me. Just like any other person, I try to take the good values my parents instilled in me and live them out. I remember all the teachings, lessons, stern talking-to’s, and good times we shared, and I follow them. It has served me well thus far.  

That is the beauty found after a tragic event- you learn more about yourself and you become a better person onwards. It allows you to reflect more deeply on your experiences and apply yourself to another level. It hurts so much but you become stronger while remembering to never forget. On this crucial half-way point in my life, I can’t help but to thank Dad for what he taught me and imagine his smiling face on me and my endeavors. We love you and miss you here.

Jason and Aaron at Aaron's 4th birthday
- his Fire Truck Birthday.

"Happy Birthday #9" by guest blogger, friend & JBMF Board member, Rob Thomson

Jason, Rob and Jennifer at Andersen
Mission Inn Resort party circa 1996

Rob and Jason on road trip to Tennessee
to watch Gators beat Peyton Manning AGAIN!

Happy Birthday, Jason!

I can’t help but be reminded of Jason often especially in the spring – from Shamrocks and Shenanigans to Little League season at Delaney Park to my first Obscure Bar Tour …

As we “celebrated” in March, knowing Jason has been gone 3 years, it is fulfilling to look back over those 3 years and know that his legacy is continuing to live on, thanks to many of you, but especially thanks to Jennifer.  Those of us who help at various times in the planning of golf tournaments, parties, memorials, IRS paperwork, etc. are continuously amazed at the strength and dedication that she has shown, and also by the support team that has assembled around her.

There’s so much good news to share – the Jason Beaird Memorial Foundation was recently approved as an official tax exempt charity by the IRS, a website is on the way, parameters for a scholarship are being finalized, and efforts are being focused to continue to grow the mission of the Foundation through hospital or patient outreach.

Over time, certain memories of my interactions with Jason pop up when I least expect it.  I’ve grown to just accept it as Jason letting me know he’s still around.  Does this happen to any of you?  I’m not talking about the obvious ones, like the signs hanging at Delaney Park, or running out to the flagpole to pat his bronzed face before a game for good luck.  For example, on a recent bus trip to a Rays game, a huge Gator fan was flipping through her phone pictures and she ran across some pictures of the Final Four games in Atlanta and started talking about it.  What I remember from that night, more than it being a precursor to my first Masters visit, was running into Jason on the streets of Atlanta on the way into the game.  Somewhere I have a physical picture of the encounter, but for now the mental picture is seared into my head, and that’s all I need.

Lester Beaird from Sarasota

Rob T on the mound

Another reminder comes when I put on a baseball uniform and try not to injure myself each spring when I participate in a Fantasy Camp or weekend tournament.  I think many of you know I met my wife while playing on the same adult baseball team as Jason and Ted, as one of the players on our team recruited her to come watch a game and she placed her eyes on the pitcher and the rest was history.  I’ll continue playing baseball as long as I am physically able to, as there’s no better way to take my mind and body to a place where I can focus (or daydream) about the present, past, or future.  I know Jason would kid me if he was around to see pictures of the much older and much heavier guy on the mound in the Mets uniform (and probably make some Bartolo Colon jokes).  In a way, he’s been there with me the last two springs in Tampa, as I have turned the corner in the clubhouse and seen a Pirates jersey with the name Beaird on it hanging in a locker, even spelled the right way.  It turns out that Lester Beaird is from Sarasota and is not related to Jason, but talk about getting stopped in your tracks and being thankful for being able to put on a jersey and play baseball for a couple of days.  People ask me why I continue to do it, and because I still can seems to me to be reason enough, doesn’t it?  With all of the crazy athletic stuff Jason was willing to do during his recovery periods, I know if he was still around, I would definitely have gotten him back out on the field with me.  Maybe not at the Yankees complex, though …

I encourage you to keep the memory of Jason alive in any way you can as we celebrate his birthday this May.  Things will be quiet for a few months until our next formal gathering in his memory, but I know he’ll be present in your lives in some way this summer.  Look for it, chuckle to yourself when it happens, and try to make a commitment to tell someone a story about him and the efforts that we are all making around keeping his memory alive.  We’ve only just begun.  Happy Birthday, #9. 

"In Honor of Friday the 13th…"  posted by Jennifer Beaird



Jason as "Jason"!

In honor of Friday the 13th today, I'm reposting one of Jason's previous blogs.  As you may recall, 5 years ago today - 5/13/11 was Jason's "New Birthday" - the day which he received his actual Stem Cell Transplant.  Jason wrote the blog below just prior to that date... 

Jason receiving his stem cells.

"I've caught some grief over my life because I share a name with Jason, the hockey-mask wearing killer of hormone-fueled teenagers.  The Friday the 13th movies were a highlight of my Cinemax-fueled young adulthood.  If you look at my treatment calendar at the right of the blog page, you'll see that my once-faint connection to this coed cadaver-maker is about to grow stronger.  In transplant talk, "Day 0" is the day that stem cells are inserted to begin the process of re-generating the immune system that has been wiped out by high-dose chemotherapy.  Day 0 is often called a patient's new birthday.  That means my new birthday is Friday May 13th.  I am now Jason, "born" on Friday the 13th.  I'll be adding a machete to my pool equipment in case I need to hack to bloody pieces any frolicking teenagers who have sneaked into my pool to skinny dip."     Jason Beaird 5/1/11

"Now That’s A Set List"…by guest blogger, Joe Bramuchi

A guest post from friend, former coworker, Downtown Orlando neighbor and drummer for Under Arrested band, Joe Bramuchi...

I first met Jason around 2002/2003 and grew to know him only gradually early on. I was working at Marriott Vacations Club International in the Capital Markets group which tended to be a bit sequestered from the broader business and I continued to hear about Jason as a sharp, witty and young VP that easily managed through business matters based on his smarts and his ability to relate to people in an endearing manner. Inevitably, our paths would cross on certain projects and I came to appreciate Jason for all of the above and also for his up-tempo outlook on most everything. This was less about his attitude toward work and more about his attitude on life - it’s short so have some fun diligently managing your affairs and don’t take the lumps too seriously. I came to realize quickly that Jason tactfully infused humor into most any and every situation.

So here and there Jason and I would cross paths on certain business points. At one point I visited Ireland while Jason and Jennifer were living there and I had some time to sit with him over a most bland Irish lunch. That evening would be better over Irish beer and Jason and I quickly discovered our common interests and appreciations:  we lived in the same Downtown Orlando neighborhood, we bled Orange & Blue and both of us came with financial backgrounds.  I enjoyed quick wit that evening while he effortlessly dispensed it. Perhaps the real point of trust came when I told Jason I needed to find diamonds for my 10 year wedding anniversary and Jason referred me to a family friend, Rick, who came from a family of jewelers.  Rick owned a construction company, yet continued to dabble in jewelry on the side. In the end I purchased diamonds from this character out of his house and Rick and I eventually became good friends and fellow baseball coaches. Point being, I was confident that if you came referred by Jason, you’re the gold standard even if you’re selling me diamonds from your garage!

Back in Orlando I was coming to know Jason’s brother, Jim, through different folks and saw Jim finish in the Final Two in my Bramuchi Poker Tournament. Soon we’d all be spending time at Gator gatherings and neighborhood events. I still have the vivid memory of a Bama beat down of my Gators at Jim’s house. The game was so painful for the Orange & Blue Gator Nation but Jim found some relief for everybody by pausing and replaying in slow-mo the play of Bama’s Tyrone Prothro’s excruciating ankle break during the game. The slow-mo ankle dangle was projected to a nauseated gathering (including Jason) in the living room over and over. I wish no harm to anybody but that was a damned good time and it lessened the anguish from the beat down we endured.

DPLL Red Sox Rookies 2010
Connor and Colin in middle - perhaps
 "inspired" by the movie Warrior's "Yankees"
(see photo below)

Sometime after, a mutual friend, Mat Tyndall, and Jason teamed up for Delaney Park Little League - coaching for a baseball team that in our minds became the infamous “2010 Delaney Park Rookie Red Sox.”  Jason and Tyndall saw a young Charlie Bramuchi on the draft list and knew he was a coveted pick- not necessarily for his prowess on the diamond - but perhaps because he would come with an extra coach!  Our time with the kids on the diamond was something special. Coach Beaird and Coach Tyndall loved to dish out endearing caricatures of the kids that still bring tears to my eyes.

I was always so entertained with Jason and Tyndall, their constant lampooning of fellow friends and neighborhood characters, their quick prognostications of kids in later life, and, of course, their outlook on Gator football was always something I enjoyed. I couldn’t match their wits but I could fuel their flames and listen to them cut loose with repartee. 

Downtown Orlando living is like living in a bubble and over the years house parties ensued while we and the kids grew together. Jason, Tyndall, Dave Morrissey (a UM Meatchicken fan) and I would be sure to make time every 6-8 weeks to get out for a “Coaches’ Night” to scout out new drinking/eating holes. One Coaches’ Night we were wrapping up at Tilted Kilt out near UCF when a steady stream of 20-something-year-olds (obviously UCF students) began trickling in. We decided to postpone our departure and ended up sitting through several hours of party bingo and thinking- "damn we’re old—who’s got next pitcher?"

During our first Coaches’ Night immediately after Jason passed, we ordered a drink and set it up “On the Bar for “JB”.  Our Coaches’ Night tradition has continued and with it, we added another JB to the Coaches’ Night – Jamie Barati; fitting given how close Jamie and Jason were. (Barati is another Delaney Park coach.)   It’s special to us Coaches to know the “One on the Bar” concept continues and we’re looking forward to the next “One on the Bar” event on January 9.  I am especially proud of the January 9 event as I have a personal connection to this one…I’m a member of the performing band, Under Arrested!

The Story of Under Arrested…Sometime around 2008 I took up drums and cajoled some neighborhood buddies to burn off some steam in the garage “studio” (which allowed me to learn playing drums on the job). Several of us had performed little and some of us never played before, but we all enjoyed music so much that we took up sessions and began playing school benefits as Under Arrested (UA). During our first year we signed up to playing in front of 150+ crowds throwing caution to the wind. Somehow, we found the crowds were willing to look past our lack of tightness and perhaps liked the fact that we played songs that many wouldn’t expect; songs ranging from the 70’s to today. Over the years we’ve played at places like The Stardust, The Firestone, The Abbey, Will’s Pub and countless backyards, all in support of various benefits. Like any soul searching band we’ve worked through several bassists and band members, entered rehab, reentered society, reentered rehab, etc., etc., but true to this day we continue to play for the fun of it.  This serves us well as we wouldn’t expect anybody to pay for what we dish out. The band is made up of Dads in the Downtown Orlando community and known by many in the Jason Nation. The UA band members are Jack Walsh, Michael Herndon, Dr. Travis Van Dyke, Dave Canella and me- Joe B.

And now back to Jason…We all know that Jason appreciated all of what life had to offer and that certainly includes music. Jason could spatter off songs and artists as easily as he could quote and identify movies, sports facts, pop culture, historical facts and most any topical tidbit imaginable. Jason was always a great sounding board to us - offering up retro and fringe tunes for us to consider. On January 9 at Johnny's Other Side, UA is honored to carry on the tradition of “One on the Bar” for our friend Jason, Jennifer and all of the Jason Nation. Knowing Jason’s taste for music, I know he will be looking down, tilting a pint back and saying, “damn JB you guys haven’t improved much but that’s a hell of a set list.”

 

"Here's to you Jason"... by guest blogger, Kelly Olinger

A guest post from friend, former coworker and former fellow triathlete, Kelly Olinger...

 

Sean Stanton, Kelly Olinger and Jason at the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Pete

Hello Everyone!

I’m Kelly Olinger, your guest blogger for Jason’s birthday.  You may know me better as “That guy who wears a kilt to the events”.  It is an honor to be blogging to all of you on such a momentous occasion.  I have never blogged before (as you can probably tell) and even this has required Jennifer’s intervention on my behalf to get it posted.

Jason and I met while working together at Marriott Vacation Club in the mid-90’s.  As you all know from your own experience, it was very easy to get to know Jason and become fast friends.  While we met at work, our friendship soon extended outside the office to our joint effort to become triathletes.  Of course the tricky part was that neither of us had ANY experience with proper swimming or cycling techniques.  Of all the triathlon guides I read, NOT A SINGLE ONE recommended the dog paddle as an effective technique to compete.  As such we were both thrown into the deep end of the pool and taught ourselves how to swim properly, or at least close enough to it that we could survive a quarter mile in the open water.  With time, the quarter mile grew to a half mile, then a mile, and eventually for Jason - over two miles in his Ironman competition.  As with all aspects of his life, Jason pushed himself to be the best that he could be – as a Triathlete, Father, Husband, Coworker, or Friend. 

Morning swims were made more memorable with our not-so-healthy post swim breakfast at Bob Evans where we discussed work, life, and everything under the sun.  We also had great weekend rides through the hills of Clermont with John Rader, Sean Stanton, Scott Benke and Paul Lopes.  While we parted ways on the work front for a few years, it was great to work with Jason again at Hilton Grand Vacations starting in late 2011.  At Hilton, as at Marriott, he was respected by everyone he came into contact with for his intelligence, wit, friendship, and courage to say what needed to be said.  He continues to be missed by everyone at HGV and amongst all his friends and family as you well know.

So from all of that, I now have had the chance to work with Tony Terry and Jennifer to pull together one of Jason’s lifelong dreams – The Obscure Bar Tour.  I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory or his Birthday than this!  It was the often-talked about pub crawl that none of us ever quite had the time to organize.  I remember going to an Orlando Magic game with Jason and passing “Hoops” on Amelia Avenue and talking about the concept.  I’m sure quite a few of you were given the vision as well, and on this Saturday - May 30^th - it will be brought to life.  I know Jason will be looking down on it all with a smile on his face, watching a dream of the past brought to life.  So whether you’re with us on the bus, or sitting at home in your living room, be sure to raise a glass in honor of our friend Jason on the evening of May 30th – I know I will!

Here’s to you Jason, and Happy Birthday!

Kelly

"Giving Thanks"...by Guest Blogger, Ted Rich

A guest post from friend, Ted Rich...

It is hard to believe, but another Thanksgiving holiday is upon us. This is probably my favorite holiday of the year for many reasons, including that it is celebrated by almost everyone in our country and doesn’t involve the stress of gifts or forcing the kids into outfits they only wear once a year.

Most importantly this holiday is special because at its core it is simply about taking a break from our hectic lives to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and be thankful. And for those reading this who live in America, have at least decent health, and have a few close relationships, that puts you ahead of 99% of the rest of the world, and those things alone are enough to celebrate on Thanksgiving. It seems like gratitude is becoming a lost value in our society, but at least we still focus on it one day a year. It is so important to our well-being that we should probably have a Thanksgiving Day once a month, or even once a week!

We have so much to be grateful for in our household, but this year the overwhelming feelings are that I am thankful just to be alive, and I am thankful that I was blessed to know Jason Beaird for over 25 years. Jason taught us so many things both with his words and with how he lived his life, and so many of those lessons are encompassed in the spirit of Thanksgiving Day. If he could speak to us this Thanksgiving, he would probably suggest to us a few key areas for us to keep in mind when pondering gratitude during the holiday.

Jason would tell us how incredibly short our time is here on Earth, and to be thankful for each and every day that we have. He would tell us to treat each day as a gift and to dream, build, explore and take on new challenges and risks. He would tell us to be grateful that we live in a country that allows us the freedom and opportunity to pursue life on our own terms, and to never give up in those pursuits.

Jason would remind us to be thankful to live in a place where you can practice your faith and values of choice. He was a man of faith and would tell us that Heaven is for real, but also that whatever your beliefs are, be true to them knowing that none of us is guaranteed to be here tomorrow.

Most importantly, Jason would tell us to be grateful for the close relationships in our lives, and to love and cherish them each and every day. He was so intentional about making sure those he cared about knew it, and that is something each of us should be practicing not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.

Notice that none of the above concepts reference material possessions, fame, fortune or any of the typical drivers of ‘success and happiness’ promoted by today’s society. No, Jason would tell us with great certainty now that those things do not matter, and that it is the simple and important things in our lives on which we should focus during the Thanksgiving holiday.

This Thanksgiving, take some extra time to think about the life of Jason Beaird and the lessons he taught us both during his life and with his passing. Talk with your friends and family about the simple but powerful ideals that Jason held dear and how those should be the focus of Thanksgiving instead of the three F’s (food, football and Friday) that our society hold up high.

In our house, we will be giving thanks for having known Jason and having learned so much from him.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Ted Rich


PS. If you have never read the original Thanksgiving Proclamation from President George Washington, which created the first Thanksgiving Day designated by the national government of the United States, it is included below:
Thanksgiving Proclamation
Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington


(Photo below is of Jason and Ted in 1997 just after we (Jason and I) purchased our house.  Ted helped us paint, remove baseboards, replace the kitchen, etc. prior to us moving into the house.  We had many dinners together on these folding chairs on the "to be replaced with hardwood" cork floors in our now kid hangout room.)

 

A shared sense of humor...

A guest post from friend, Tony Terry (who also put "One on the Bar" for Jason at his annual Oktoberfest party this month - see photo below)...

"What can I say about Jason that hasn’t already been said about Afghanistan?"

For those of you unfamiliar with David Chapelle’s Show, this was one of the favorite quotes that Jason and I used to share freely between each other.  It was stolen from the “The Player-Haters Ball” skit where I believe it was Silky Johnson who commented on the suit Buck Nasty (a rival “Hater”) wore to the Ball:  “Buck Nasty, what can I say about that suit, that hasn’t already been said about Afghanistan? It looks bombed out and depleted!”  Of course, we took every opportunity to twist the words to our own advantage and have a little fun at each other’s expense (and at the expense of many others whether they knew it or not).  In fact, I think the first time I used the Afghanistan quote, it was Jason who actually pointed out (in character as well) that it was indeed a conversation between Silky Johnson and Buck Nasty at the Player Hater’s Ball that originated the joke.  His attention to obscure, yet funny facts such as that was unprecedented and I remember thinking “how can he remember that”!

So, I could write about what a great father Jason was, or what a great husband, employee or pillar of the community he was as well.  And all that would be true.  But what Jason was to me (and to many of us) was a great friend with an even greater appreciation for humor.  Looking back, I asked myself why he was such a great friend, and why we seemed to hit it off from the first time we met, and I keep landing on the same thing – we seemed to have a shared sense of humor.  It seemed that every movie I’ve seen, Jason had seen.  Every time each of us threw out a movie quote appropriate to the topic of conversation, the other would get it.  We always picked up on the same lines whether in a movie or in day to day conversations as being hilarious, and always used those to make fun of everyday occurrences in our lives or in the news.  Sometimes it seemed like we were the only ones who got it.  I remember one time when we were in a meeting with a couple high level people in the company, and while the main conversation was going on, I threw out a little side comment to Jason that was so vague (and inappropriate, I’m sure) that I was sure he wouldn’t get it.  Funny enough, Jason actually spit out his drink and had to leave the meeting because he was laughing so hard.  And I’m not going to even go into some of the acronyms we came up with for certain groups inside and outside of the Company...

But that's why all the memories of him are so positive and why he was so impressive in his struggle with cancer.  He always applied that sense of humor to everything and somehow that made it all seem not as bad.  No topic was off limits between us - everything was fair game and sometimes it did get brutal (but yet, still funny).  In fact, I went back through some emails, and really couldn’t find much to share with the group that was not an inside joke or just flat-out inappropriate for such a large audienceJ.  But I have to say that I did enjoy looking and ended up laughing out loud at several of the volleys we had back and forth!

So even today, when I see a rerun of Chapelle’s show, if Caddyshack or Anchorman comes on, if I get into a funny conversation at the barbershop, if any 1980’s rap music comes on the radio, or if someone in general says something whacky in a meeting, I really wish Jason was around to share a laugh with about it!  As I mentioned in the eulogy at his funeral, the world is just not quite as funny without Jason in it.