Jason L. Medina

March 5, 1971 - December 29, 2020
Jason L. Medina

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Jason (49), who passed away at the University of Utah hospital after losing his 35-day battle with COVID-19. 

Jason was born March 5, 1971 to Marie E. Parra Madrill in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the 3rd of six children. Jason’s passion for football and other sports began at a young age. He grew up playing football with his friends on their street. Every Christmas he would ask for a new football to replace the one he had worn out.  He attended South High where he excelled and lettered in football. Jason persevered through many challenges in his young life, always emerging stronger. As a result, he developed a strong work ethic and drive to make a better life for himself. Some of Jason’s best memories were those of his times working at the local movie theater where he developed lifelong friendships. Jason worked for Salt Lake City Corporation for nearly 30 years. He started first for the Public Services Division, and in 2010 made the move to CAN (Community and Neighborhoods) as a public way inspector, on the west side of SLC in the Engineering Division. With both colleagues and contractors, Jason was known for his great smile, friendly nature and cheerful disposition.  

At the age of 31 Jason met the love of his life, Ali Taggart. Jason loved to recount the story of meeting Ali for the first time.  He immediately knew she was the one for him. The two were married November 22, 2003.  Together they built the family that Jason had always dreamed of having. They had their first child, Benjamin Reese on May 27, 2004.  Jason immediately fell in love with his Ben Dizzle.  His love grew even more after the birth of their baby girl Hannah Elsie on February 16, 2007. Jason taught Ben and Hannah to be selfless and to love unconditionally, to work hard and to take care of each other. Hannah remembers her dad as the most amazing dad she could ever have wanted. Ben remembers his dad as the most selfless person he knew. Together they remember their dad as the life of the party who was always making jokes. He loved Reggae music, dancing, smoking meat of any kind, and family trips to Disneyland!  

Jason was very content with just the simple things in life. His perfect day was snuggling with his family on the couch, watching a movie or a Steelers game. Jason’s children were his everything. He loved to spend as much time with them as he could. Jason was a volunteer coach for all of Ben’s little league sports, including soccer, Jr. Jazz, flag football and WX Ute tackle football. Jason quickly became a favorite coach of so many young athletes. He coached with great enthusiasm, encouragement, and love for his boys. He inspired them to be their best and to work hard. Jason was always the smiling, proud dad of Hannah at her dance recitals and they would spend each night snuggling and talking about their days. Some of Jason’s favorite past times were playing basketball with all the guys at the local rec center. If he wasn’t playing ball, then you could often find him teeing off on a local golf course.  He was a deeply committed Pittsburgh Steelers and Utah Jazz fan. Anyone who knew Jason, knew about his impressive Nike shoe collection. He also enjoyed fishing with Ben and Hannah and their cousins.  Jason has a big family with whom they took several family vacations. Together they loved to go hiking, boating, camping, and making memories that will stay in their hearts forever. Jason’s big smile and charming dimples naturally drew people to him and everywhere he went people would start up a conversation. Jason will forever be loved by all those who knew him.  

Jason is survived by his adoring wife Ali, his children Ben (16) and Hannah (13), his mother Marie Madrill, his siblings: Johnna (Jeff) Jacobson, Gilbert Medina, Nelson Madrill II, Brandi Madrill, Kandi (Manuel) Scott, Wendy Madrill, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Jason was preceded in death by his grandma Alicia, his close friend Georgie, his baby niece Gracee, and his beloved dog Kirby.  

A viewing for Jason will be on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 starting at 6:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. To ensure compliance with current social distancing guidelines, we kindly ask that you call the funeral parlor at (801) 474-9119 to make a reservation between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday. The courtesy of wearing a mask is required. Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 11:00 am at the LDS Ward, 1478 West 2175 South, Woods Cross. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service. For those who wish to attend virtually the service will be livestreamed. You’re welcome to visit this page and click the “Watch Service Live” button moments before the service begins.  

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or to The Utah Food Bank.