Jason Lee Kasparie
After a courageous four-year battle with colorectal cancer, Jason Lee “JBird” Kasparie, 48, of Ursa, IL., passed away peacefully in his home Friday, October 23, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Although Jason no longer has an earthly presence, he has won the ultimate battle.
Jason was born July 11, 1972, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Larry and Linda (Mellon) Kasparie. He married Amanda Hildebrand on June 27, 1998. She survives.
Jason grew up in Liberty, Illinois, and attended Liberty High School, graduating with the class of 1990. He was a jack of all trades, and quite honestly, a master of most. He was employed by Lewis Seed Company until his last few months when the disease made it so he could no longer work.
Jason served as a volunteer on the Ursa Fire Protection District from 1998-2005. He and his family started and directed the Mendon Youth Basketball league from 2011-2017 and Jason also coached many youth sports throughout the years.
Jason took great pride in everything he did. He enjoyed mowing, gardening, and camping with friends and family.
The yearly “Hildebrand Memorial Day” and the “Kasparie Liberty Fall Festival” camping weekends were among his favorites. He was a car enthusiast and loved attending car shows. He was especially proud of his 1974 Nova. More than anything, Jason loved attending his children’s events and spending time with his friends and family.
Jason was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon. He was also a member of the Western Catholic Union.
Jason began his battle with colorectal cancer in August of 2016. From there, JBird’s journey began. He fought through every surgery, radiation and chemo treatment, and hospital stay with grace and dignity. Even in some of his worst moments, Jason’s positive attitude and smile never wavered. He never had “bad” days, but “good days” and “better days.” He was a true warrior and a hero to many. In September of 2019, Jason was granted a wish from the QMG Moments That Matter wish granting fund. Jason’s wish was family time and to take his kids out of the reality of his diagnosis. He and his family visited the beaches, historical sites, and plantations of South Carolina. Jason described the last day of being on the beach with his family as the “best day ever!” Jason loved his wife and children fiercely.
Jason is survived by his wife, Amanda, and their four children: Hannah Marie, Morgan Sue, and twin sons, Caleb Joseph and Carter Lee, all of Ursa. He is also survived by his parents Larry and Linda Kasparie of Liberty; two brothers: Kevin (Brandy) Kasparie and their children Allison and Annika; his twin brother, Jeff (Michelle) Kasparie and their children, Tyler, Karson, Kameron, & Zoey, and a sister, Angela Kasparie and her children, Taylor & Parker Hicks and Brady Mowen, all of Liberty.
Also surviving are Jason’s father- and mother-in-law Phil and Jeannie Hildebrand of Mendon; brother-in-law Philip (Lori) Hildebrand and their children, Emma, Sidney & PJ of Mendon, and sister-in-law Brenda (Christopher) Fleer, and their children Kennady & Nolan Fleer of Quincy. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends also survive.
Jason was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Glenn and Gladys Mellon; his paternal grandparents Garner and Helen Kasparie; two aunts: Kathy Ormond and Ruth Mellon; and an uncle: Dean Walker.
Faith, Family & Friends has been the Kasparie’s family motto. They have tremendous faith, always put family first, and surround themselves with wonderful friends.
They would like to thank their incredible community as well as many surrounding communities for the support they have shown them throughout these past four years. They would also like to thank Dr. Vitor Pastorini, Dr. Adam Reyburn, the QMG oncology staff, Laura Tenhouse from the Moments That Matter Foundation, and Molly Schulte, Hospice nurse, for the love and care they have shown their family throughout JBird’s journey.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11a.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Interment will be in Mendon Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Memorials may be made to the children’s education fund, Moments That Matter, or of the donor’s choosing.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family requests that you follow social-distancing guidelines and wear a mask if you plan to attend services.
Services are in the care of Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. www.dukerandhaugh.com
Amanda and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Jason was such a pleasure to know and work with. We have been blessed to have had that privilege. It was an honor to spend time with him the family over the years. Our deepest sympathies to your entire family. May God Bless!
Amanda I was very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My family and I will be praying for you and yours during this difficult time.
Our hearts are breaking with the Kasparie and Hildebrand families. Please know that you are all loved and cared for so much. We are keeping you close in thought and prayer.
We are so sorry for your loss Kevin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Amanda,Phil,Jeannie So sorry for you and your families.He was a fighter,never giving up. Now he is in God’s hands.
I am so so sorry for your loss. The Kasparie and Hildebrand families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amanda & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Eternal rest Jason
May the peace of Christ always be with you.
Chaplain Mark
Blessing Hospital
Linda, Kevin and family I am so sorry for your loss, my heart aches for you! Many prayers coming your way.
Heartfelt condolences to the Kasperie and Hildebrand families.
Our thoughts and prayers go to you today & always. May his memory & bravery be known & remembered.
On behalf of my family, we are truly sorry for your loss.
I had the pleasure of knowing Jason for just a fraction of his life. So happy and kind hearted. He lived his life to the fullest. Sad his gone but very happy to have known him. I wish his family the very best.
So sorry for your loss. May you all find peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. Bless you all. ♥️
I am so sorry for your loss Amanda and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you as navigate the coming days. Thank you for sharing Jason with all of us!! You are truly a blessing!!
Jason was one of a kind.So special. So proud of you and your children for the support, strength & love you gave him. We are all here for you.
Great guy, always smiling..Worked with Jason at Hucks…Peace to his family..Gone way to soon friend..
Amanda and family,there are no words for your loss,our family is thinking of you and sending prayers your way!!!!
Jason was a wonderful inspiration to us all on what matters most, Faith, Family & Friends. Praying for the entire Kasparie & Hildebrand families during this difficult time.
Amanda praying for you and your family! JBird was a wonderful person. So sorry for your loss. Hugs!
May God comfort the family and hold you tight during this grieving process and the coming challenges. We love all of you and offer our help if you need anything.
So sorry to hear of Jason’s passing. His strength, courage and positive attitude as fought this disease is an inspiration. His family will continue to be in my prayers.
Jason’s smile and amazing attitude was spread all around Adams County. Joe remembers lots of times together playing basketball in the garage. We were blessed to know him and experience his positive attitude. Love to all of Jason’s families ❤️
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family! Craig and Jen always kept us up to date with Jason (I am Craig’s step sister). They have always had the highest praise for your family. May all your wonderful memories help you through the tough times!
Love, Dan and Brenda
Amanda & Family, I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are your whole family!
I’m so sorry Amanda. Thoughts and prayers for your family