Jason Alan Ball
May 22, 1971 - August 7, 2020
Jason Alan Ball was born on May 22, 1971 and passed away on August 7, 2020. He is survived by his son Hunter “Joe” Ball, mother Georgia Perrin, father Dareth Ball, sister Julie Perrin-Halot and wife Teresa Conway, his nieces and nephews, numerous close friends, his firefighter family, climbing family, and photography family.
Jason attended Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School, participating in the Rowmark ski program, as well as East High School. He pursued a structural engineering degree and a minor in physics at the University of Utah. Jason learned quickly that, although he had a knack for structural design, a desk job was not for him.
Jason joined the Unified Fire Authority as a Paramedic on October 1, 2007. Over his many years of dedicated service with UFA he served primarily at the Herriman, Magna and most recently Millcreek stations. Jason also served with the UFA’s Wildland Division over many fire seasons on hand and engine crews, and as a single-resource paramedic. Jason was a valued and respected crew member who was especially known for mentoring younger firefighters as well as his ability to whip up gourmet meals and coffee at the firehouse. His work ethic and leadership skills made him invaluable to every community he served.
Jason had a truly adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors. Rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, cross-country motorcycle trips through hurricane force winds – Jason did it all and did it all extremely well. Jason was creative and a gifted artist. He particularly excelled at photography and his work documenting life on the fire line and the outdoor sports he loved is both beautiful and compelling. Also a talented woodworker, he fashioned pieces for local companies such as Overstock.com, as well as a stunning dining table for UFA’s Brighton station. A perfectionist, Jason’s attention to detail was legendary. He could make or fix anything and every project was done expertly—the results were worth the wait.
But Jason’s greatest love and adventure was being a dad. From the second Joe entered the world- he was Jason’s pride and joy. From model rocket launches in the western desert to multi-pitch climbs in Spain, they shared many precious bonding experiences together. Jason showed his son the thrill of the mountains, the beauty in a sunset, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Lessons learned from his father will continue to influence Joe’s already amazing humanity and compassionate heart.
Jason was unique and irreplaceable. Although his life was cut too short, it was fuller than most twice his age. He touched hundreds of people’s lives and was deeply loved. He will be missed dearly.
A private wake will be held Friday evening for invited family, friends, and fellow firefighters. His ashes will be spread amongst favorite wild places selected by Jason before his passing. We ask that you take the time Friday evening to appreciate, and enjoy the ones you love, and to never forget that they are what life is all about.
In Loving Memory
My heart is aching for you all. He was such a good human. So devoted and loving to Joe. He will be missed OXOXO
Our family always enjoyed camping with you and your family. Thank you for the kindness and thoughtfulness you brought to our OC adventures.
I have lots of good memories of Jason from a long time ago. He was an amazing talented sweet guy. This breaks my heart. When my son was younger he went through a fire phase. I was scared he was going to burn the house down. Jason came over in full gear and mask. He lectured my son putting the fear of god into him. It probably saved my life and I have never forgotten that. I’m so sorry for your loss.
We can’t imagine the world without Jason. He was a friend, a very good human, kind, inspired and immeasurably talented. Our hearts are breaking for the family and friends he loved. He has left us much too soon. We send our deepest condolences and love. We here for you.❣️ Jody & Louis
I knew Jason in high school. He was so kind to me. He took me on a date while he was running the lights for a SLAC production and I sat in the booth with him. I was so impressed that someone my age (16 or 17) could handle that kind of responsibility. We lost touch after high school. My heart is absolutely breaking for Jason's family, including his UFA family. I have had a similar loss in my life and there is nothing that is this painful. Nothing. I know you can't see it now, but please know that it gets better. Nothing is permanent. Just remember to breathe.
Jason was a kind and gentle person. He was always the first person to say hello to me at any Fire Dept. event and he made sure I felt welcomed. Jason shared his dreams with those around him and let the world see his bright light at all times. Rest in Peace, Jason.
Oh my heart is broken. Jason was kind.... I loved him. We went to many places together as families. Georgia and I were both single moms and my kids grew up with her kids. Julie and Georgia, I am so so sorry. I send you my love and hugs in this horrific time. All my love. Meg
Jason was a great man, and a great friend. He was a gentle soul, incredibly talented, and very good at everything he did. I had so much respect for him and really loved him as a friend. I’m deeply sorry for his loss, he definitely left his mark on the world. My sincere condolences.
We knew Jason through wildland, UFA and as a neighbor. Jason had a kind and welcoming soul. I always enjoyed hearing about the dream house he wanted to build and letting our son Fox chase the chickens. My heart aches for him and his family. He will be missed.
I knew Jason as the younger brother to my best friend Julie. As years passed that quiet, and sometimes annoying, little brother grew into a gentle, kind, creative and generous young man. His spirit lives on in the furniture he crafted, the adventures with friends, and deep within the hearts of family. I wish I could hug you all. My heart aches for you.
Georgia - I was astonished and saddened to read of Jason's death in today's SLTribune. From one mother to another I can only imagine your pain. I know you adored both of your children. I remember Jason as a blond headed little boy at Rowland Hall, Julie's younger brother. To read how accomplished he became warmed my heart and I'm sure yours also. I love the sentence "Jason had a truly adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors." Then later " But Jason's greatest love and adventure was being a dad ." What a great guy. Bill and I send our sincere condolences to you, Julie and the rest of the family.
I worked with Jason at the UFA. He was a very good man. My prayers go out to his family. RIP my dear friend.
My fond memories of Jason are as the babysitter when he was a young, blond, vivacious, curious boy. He and Julie held space in my heart, which is breaking for you all as you transition to a life without Jason. Sending love and energy to you all~
I had the pleasure of knowing Jason for over 10 years. Our kids have been friends since first grade. It was clear that his son was the joy of his life. I have tons of memories of Jason hanging out at school to watch his son in performances and the halloween parade. On one school camping trip, Jason brought his climbing equipment to the City of Rocks and spent all day belaying different kids and giving tips on how to climb. When his son would get a turn climb, Jason beamed with pride and love. Jason gave his time selflessly to help coach the SLCSE mountain bike team because his son was interested in joining. He will be missed. Sending love to his family.
I have a sweet memory of Jason playing guitar for Hunter "Joe" kindergarten class, while we were co-oping at The O.C. in Miss Katie's class together.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Jason's passing. I was one of Jason's counselors during his days in the Ski Hi unit at Cheley Colorado Camps back in the early 80s. I very easily remember the caring spirit that made him a friend to all. His smile is with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. There's a biblical passage from Psalms that hangs in the Cheley chapel. It reads, "I lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my strength. " That's where I'll be looking... for strength and in hopes of seeing Jason's spirit looking back at all of us.
In Loving Memory
