Jason Everett Rome

Rome, Jason Everett

Jayson Everett Rome, son of Judy Dodge (Sherpa) and William Rome, lived life fully, according to his own code, from August 23, 1969 to January 3, 2016. Jayson was a father to Kai (16) and Luna (11), of Ithaca, NY; brother to Sonam and Pema Sherpa; and stepson to Topgyal Sherpa. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, January 9, at 4 p.m. at the Foundation of Light at 391 Turkey Hill Rd. in Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a scholarship fund in his name through the New Roots School. In his 46 years, Jayson built a far-flung community with those he cherished — his family, friends, students, and, at times, even complete strangers, if they needed his help. Jayson's unique and ferocious ability to see and to draw out the positive in others—often when they could not do so themselves — inspired many to attain seemingly unimaginable goals. Jayson graduated from Johns Hopkins with a BS in biomedical engineering in 1991, and received two master's degrees from City University ('98,'03) and one from Harvard University ('04). During his career, he worked for NASA and City College of New York; was a founding math and technology teacher at New Roots charter school in Ithaca; a Quantitive Analyst/Portfolio Manager at Standard & Poors and a VP at Morgan Stanley in New York City, where he lived. He and his former wife, Carmel, published a children's book dedicated to their son, titled Kai's Cake in 2003. But Jayson was far more than the sum of his career accomplishments, however august. Always on a quest for truth and knowledge, he was a Renaissance man—an artist, mentor, scholar, beekeeper, philosopher, athlete, coach, businessman, father, son, brother, and friend. Service played an important role in his life, as well. While attending Harvard, he taught robotics design and programing to inner-city youth at the Intel Computer Clubhouse. He also coached kids on "making a difference" in their communities at the Young Activist Network. Jayson adored animals (including his beloved Boston Terrier, Suki); the solitude and majesty of nature; the whimsy and artistry of comic books; dissecting movies of all genres; playing the gold market; and following contact sports, from mixed martial arts to wrestling. Jayson drew inspiration from those who embodied the strength and mental fortitude of the "warrior." Spiritual and intellectual, Jayson never took the easy route. He held others to high standards as well. Among the most cherished periods of Jayson's life was helping to found the New Roots Charter School. There he taught Mathematics and Computer Science with a verve that captivated his students, even those who thought they hated these subjects. They often congregated in his room during lunch periods and after school. Then there was the wrestling team. Never was Jayson's generous spirit, passion, and love for community so prominent as when he was down on the mat, mixing it up with his students. He encouraged them to tackle him, to tackle school, to tackle life proudly—and without regret. Like a warrior. Goodbye to a brilliant mind, a gentle soul, and a pure heart. Goodbye, Jayson.