Sgt. Jason James Buzzard

Sgt. Jason James Buzzard, died in Iraq, south of Baghdad, serving his country in the US Army as the result of enemy action. A native of Willits, Jason was 31 years old having lived in the area most of those years and also Colorado & Texas, not counting his 8 years in the military. He graduated from Ukiah High School and had worked for Masonite Corp prior to joining the Army. He was most proud of his wife, children and his EOD patch. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, watching sports, and helping with children's sports activities. Jason will be remembered for his smile and eyes, dry sense of humor, his ability to make his wife smile and know when she needed it. His favorite quote was "carried by six or judged by 12". Jason joined the US Army Feb. 18, 1998 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and EOD patch.

Jason is survived by his wife Michele Buzzard of Fort Bragg, daughter Michala Rae Buzzard, son Tristin James Buzzard, sister Kelly Lyn MacMillan of Ukiah, parents Jerry & Marilyn Buzzard of Ukiah, grandfather & grandmother Darrell & Faye Buzzard, grandmother Ruby Stoughton, numerous uncles, aunts & cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather James Stoughton and uncle Darrell Kenneth Buzzard.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at The Eversole Mortuary on Friday, June 30, 2006 beginning at 9:00 am. Funeral Service will commence at 1:00 PM at The Eversole Mortuary with interment to follow at the Ukiah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Jason's company: Buzzards Wolfpack, in memory of Jason Buzzard, or to the Michala Buzzard and Tristin Buzzard College Trust Fund c/o Savings Bank of Mendocino County, 200 N. School St., PO Box 3600, Ukiah, CA 95482.



"Final Inspection"

A dead soldier was facing God,

For lives will always pass;

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.



"Step forward now

How shall I deal with you;

Have you always turned the other cheek,

To my Bible always true?"



The soldier snapped to attention,

"No, Lord, I guess I aint;

It seems that we who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint."



"I've had to work most Sundays,

My work was always rough;

At times I have been violent,

Because the job was tough."



"But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep;

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When my bills became too steep."



"I never passed a cry for help,

But often shook with fears,

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I have wept unmanly tears."



"I know I don't deserve a place,

Among these good folks here;

They never wanted me around,

Unless a war was near."



"But if you have room for me,

It need not be too grand;

I never had, or needed much,

I'm sure you understand."



A silence fell around that throne,

Where saints had often trod;

The dead soldier, with baited breath,

Feared judgment from his God.



"Step forward now, U.S. Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well;

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell."