Jason L. Medina
March 5, 1971 - December 29, 2020
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.
In Loving Memory
My brother, friend and team-mate! Thank you for being such an inspiration and motivator to me. The days that I didn't feel like playing basketball, you would keep calling and if I didn't answer, a text would quickly follow. You'd make me promise to show up! Your drive, motivation, character and competitiveness made me challenge myself to be better! Thank you for being such a great person to me! You will be greatly missed every day! We'll play again one day brother!!!
What a shock! He was way too young. My deepest condolences go out to Jason’s entire family. My heart will always hold so many memories from our younger years. May he Rest In Peace.
Gonna miss you my friend. You are such a great person. I enjoyed our time playing basketball together. As James said, we'll play again brother! I'll wait for your text. I'm in!!
I don’t even know where to begin! I am devastated and as if 2020 wasn’t bad enough. You have been my brother since about 1978 when we started playing football together. We grew and so did our relationship. I have so many memories and everyone of them have you involved! I know things haven’t been the same for a while but the memories and the thought of you and I had been and always will be a huge part of my life. I can’t even express the feelings right now! Just know that you are my brother and we will meet again so get the fishing boat ready so we can slay again just like we always do! I love you my brother, rest in power! P.S. I secretly always route for the Steelers just for you! Love and respect homie!
I’m in such disbelief, Jason was one of a kind, I’ve looked up to him since the day I met him playing basketball at the local rec center, he introduced me to a lot of new people who I call my brothers now including him, I’m forever grateful to have met him and will continue to remember all the fun times we have had playing ball! You were a big role model and I will never forget you J. And to his wife and kids he was an amazing person and he will forever be with you all in your hearts, May God hold you guys close
My family and myself send our condolences to your entire family. Our prayers for all. Jason was without a doubt my cousin with a big heart.God bless you, Jason.
'With you...we cherish you, we lament your passing, you will alway be part of who we are' and have always been. Much love to all. George Starks, Sr and Family.
I'm going to miss you my nephew it's heartbreaking I wish I could have spoke to you more and yes we had a lot of fun together From Uncle John and the Duran family we send our condolences to your family Jason Medina
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jason watching him become the young successful man that he was, I remember hearing him rap and telling WOW! buddy your really good! my sincere and deepest condolences to the family may he rest in peace...Rich
Medina family, I got to know Jason through playing basketball with him. I always wanted to be on his team because when we played with him, he helped everyone around him play better. Then I read his wonderful obituary, and I see that it wasn’t just basketball. He made so many around him better because of his devotion to family and who he was. Our thoughts, love and prayers go out to you Medina family in this difficult time.
Love you J.. gonna miss you brother. I always admired how authentic and genuine you we're and how hard you loved your family. Till next time my man.. find a cool golf course for us to play up there! Ben and I will be coming to say hi to you at RP! Love Brad
To our family and Jason's wife and children we are very sorry for Jason's loss. Our hearts are broken knowing of his passing. Forever he will be remembered in our hearts. His biggest smile and love will be cherished. May God bless you all during this difficult time . Cora , Sylvia Ronnie and Rully . From El Paso TX.
Jason You've gained your wings so fly high, it broke our hearts but I'm sure my aunt Alicia, your grandma recieved you with open arms, I will always remember how special you made me feel when I went wit my family to Utah, your great big smile and humorous personality, also when you came to El Paso for my daughters quincianera and sang to her and our guests. Rest in paradise my sweet loving cousin, you will forever live in my heart and memories. My deepest condolences to all the family
Marie n family We are sorry to hear about Jason.Our deepest condolences may he rest in jesus Kingdom.Love always the quatas.Marsha n Martha Pollock
Jason was a like a second Dad to my Brink and was always a friendly smile greeting you at his home. Thank you for all of the years you let my children in your home to be watched and cared for by your wonderful wife. Thank you for loving my girl and wanting to steal her from me always. You were a wonderful Dad to Ben and Hannah and they will carry your traits with you forever I am sure. May you Rest In Peace and be an angel watching over your family Jason! We love you and you will be missed by so many including us!
Beyoutiful and I love you all .
Marie,johna,gilbert,nielson,brandi,kandi,todd:I'm deeply sorry and my deepest condolences to you all. I remember jason growing up and he was always smiling. Hes now in a happier place in gods kingdom. R.i.p. jason
We had the pleasure of having Coach Medina coach our son Anden for 2 years while Ben was on the Woods Cross youth football team. He was a good guy and cared for those kids, put a lot of work in to make the kids better and to enjoy the game. He will be missed. Our condolences to the Medina family.
Dear Allie, Ben and Hannah. I worked with Jason at Salt Lake City Engineering. Jason was surprised at the complexity of his new job when he came to Engineering. He quickly realized it was more than just driving around and looking at other peoples work. We talked often as he developed his own style of inspections and he excelled at several key traits needed. Establishing and maintaining relationships; Jason was always interested in people and what they were doing. This helped him a great deal in both his professional life as well as his personal life. Problem solving; Jason loved a challenge and was always able to offer options that others had not thought of. His passion for making things work, for getting people involved in the solution was unsurpassed. Respecting and accepting others just the way they are; Very critical in the kind of work he did. His ability to just let others be themselves was maybe his most valuable character trait. Jason always put the task at hand ahead of who the person was, or where they may have come from. Hannah, Ben…we can’t give you your Dad back. It’s heart breaking to say that. Please, in the days and years to come think about these wonderful gifts he gave you. Passion, honesty, love and hope were Jason’s calling cards he was truly one of a kind and we all will miss him. Sincerely
Jason was a great friend. He always seemed cheerful, no matter how bad things may be. He taught me how to coach my son's flag football team. His plays got us through the playoffs to 3rd place overall! I will miss his giant smile. I will miss playing basketball with him, even against him. I will miss his complements. I will miss having him on my team, all day, every day. I can't wait to see him again. Until then, I know he'll be doing what he can to help us all from heaven. He can't help it. Goodbye for now, Jason.
Jason and I worked very close together in the Engineering Division at Salt Lake City Corporation for many years. We had alot of laughs together. Even during the stressful days, we both would find a way to laugh and move on. Jason was that kind of guy. When we were together, it was easy to forget how bad your day was. We made a point to meet for breakfast most Fridays to just take a break from the craziness and catch up. We would talk about our families and our plans for the weekends. He was more then just a co-worker, he was a good friend. He could always find away to make my day brighter. Jason will never be forgotten and will always be missed. Mike Velasquez.
My sincerest condolences to Jason's loved ones for having to endure this tragic loss that came much too soon. Jason's wit, charm and radiant smile will leave a lasting imprint with all those who had the good fortune of knowing him. May you rest in peace, friend.
"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." Fred Rogers Love you always...Tryson Jacobson
Ali, Ben, Hannah, Marie Madrill and families: We were saddened to see of Jason’s passing he was way too young. We had a lot of good times growing up together. Can’t believe how fast time flies. May he look over all of us and have the best times golfing and fishing he’s ever had! Rest easy -Rich & Annalisa Johnson
Rest in peace "J-Man" It was a privilege to know and associate with you.
To Ali, Ben and Hannah, I was so saddened to hear about Jason. I did not know him very well, but from all the times I did meet him, he was a very lively and loving Father and Husband. He loved a lot of the same things I did, Mainly sports, which made it easy to talk to him. I know he will be looking down on his family a very proud man knowing he did a good job. Take it easy up there J.
Dear Medina Family, I worked in Engineering with Jason. Though I rarely saw Jason in the office as our job duties are quite different, I always enjoyed seeing him when we were together. He was a fun person to be around and your tribute to him is as I remember him. Thank you so much for sharing that. As we all know, he was a tremendous person with a big heart, but I will always associate Jason with our common bond as Steeler fans. I dare say he was probably more of a fan than me, and that is saying something. I enjoyed seeing a picture of him at a Steelers game, I believe it was with his son....what a special memory that must be. Whenever I root for the Steelers, I will think of Jason. I would like to send an appreciation for providing a live stream of his funeral service during this difficult time. Rest in peace Jason, you were taken from us too soon but know that you are loved by many. In condolences,
Dear Ali & family, I'm so sorry for your loss. The pain, sorrow and hardship of losing Jason is only exacerbated by these trying times. Let in the love of your friends and families to console you. Allow yourself grace. And most importantly, cherish the memories of Jason and remember them with love and happiness in place of loss and sorrow. With my warmest empathy and love from afar,
Condolences to Jason's family for your heartbreaking loss. May your good memories of him offer you some comfort. I worked with Jason and I remember him telling me how his family was everything to him.
Dear Jason, thank you for all the love and support that you gave throughout our lives... I am truly humbled and honored to have you as a Brother. Your beautiful smile, humor and compassion will live on through your amazing family! - as you would always say... "True Dat" - May you rest in peace my little Brother... Love you always!
Marie, Johnna and family I am heartbroken to hear of Jason's passing. My deepest condolences. Forever in my heart. Tania L.
While I did not know Jason on a personal level I always enjoyed working with him through the city on my projects. He was the definition of being a professional. Friendly, helpful and prompt. The city has lost a very valuable person in Jason and he will be missed.
In Loving Memory
