Jason Jacob Spindler
1978-2019
Jason Jacob Spindler was born on January 21st, 1978, to Dr. Joseph and Sarah Spindler in Houston, Texas. Jason leaves behind his parents; brothers Aaron and Jonathan; nephews Aiden, Turner, and Schaffer.
Jason's life was tragically taken in a terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 15, 2019. He was born in Houston, Texas, and attended Memorial Drive Elementary, Spring Branch Middle School, and Memorial High School before leaving to Hebron Academy to peruse his love for competitive swimming. Jason went on to attend the University of Texas in Austin, McCombs School of Business, where he received his B.S. in International Business and Finance. He was a member of the school's water polo club and an honorary founding member of the UT Latin Crew. Upon graduation, Jason accepted a position at the prestigious firm Solomon Smith Barney, in New York City's financial district.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Jason's life was profoundly changed. Upon emerging from the subway tunnel covered in dust, he ran towards the rubble, tirelessly rescuing people. In the days after the attack, Jason felt compelled to leave his career on Wall Street and began his transition to a life of public service. He became a Peace Corps volunteer in 2005, where he helped farmers in Cajamarca, Peru, build a successful agribusiness selling Tara (an indigenous Peruvian crop) to international markets. There, he discovered challenges in raising capital and accessing the resources that farmers needed to build a professional business. This encouraged Jason to return to the States, where he earned his doctoral law degree studying international development policy at NYU Law School. In addition, he was awarded the Catherine B. Reynolds Fellowship in Social Entrepreneurship, and participated in internships with pioneers in impact investing; the forefront of the Acumen Fund.
Upon graduation, Jason was awarded the Arthur Helton Global Human Rights Fellowship and went on to co-found I-DEV International. During the past 10 years, he worked in 45 countries with more than 300 investors, companies, iNGOs, and DFIs such as World Bank, the UN Foundation and USAID to build high impact businesses and a stronger private sector in emerging markets. Jason and I-DEV's work was recognized by foundations such as the Clinton Global Initiative, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. He was an adjunct professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies as well as a key note speaker at countless development conferences around the world.
Beyond his big ideas and vision, Jason was an exceptional leader, adventurer, avid climber, DJ, and king of the dance floor. When not working, one of his favorite past times was taking his nephews and friends' children rock climbing. He loved to teach and share his enthusiasm for life and sports. Jason was truly a global citizen.
The world and humanity lost one of its most compassionate innovators and advocates. Jason was a tireless promoter of justice, equality, and human rights. He dedicated his life to serving developing communities and truly believed in the potential of underdeveloped economies and their people. Jason's energy, ideas, infectious smile and joy, will be forever missed. Without a doubt, his legacy will be carried forward and we should all strive to live as he would. Jason was a true mensch, incomparable brother, amazing uncle, mentor, best friend, and a truly brilliant mind.
In order to carry on Jason's legacy, The Jason J. Spindler Foundation is in the process of being launched as a 501(c)(3). 700 Louisiana, Ste 3950, Houston, TX 77002; online at jjsfoundation.com; or via Paypal at [email protected].
A graveside service will be held on January 24, 2019 at 11:00 am Beth Yeshurun Post oak, 1037 N Post Oak Road, Houston, Texas 77055
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals.
Dear Jason. Remembering you on this day in 2024. Time has passed but your memory lives on in Kenya. You are missed, and no doubt where you are all is at peace. Thinking of you and your family.
Chris Rhys Howarth
Friend
January 14, 2024
I was living in Telluride Colorado. I remember Jason and his brothers would catch trout. They would always share them with me.
From his younger days and being around Jason I knew he would have an impact on the world... and so he did. Rest in perfect peace my dear young friend.
Robert Walters
January 14, 2022
It was always great time hanging out with the Spindler boys in Colorado.
Robert Walters
Friend
January 14, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Drs. Spindler for the loss of their brilliant, accomplished son. Clearly, he was raised to leave a mark on our world, and he did so through his service to others. May God carry you through this. Your former patient, Tammy Daley Walston
January 28, 2019
I never met Jason, but what a legacy he leaving with us all to carry forward. Thank you, Jason. Peace be with you all during this time.
- Folake Oyegbola, RPCV Tanzania
January 24, 2019
Dear Sarah and Joseph Spindler, we had the unique privilege of meeting your son, Jason, on our last visit to Nairobi to visit our daughter. At the time she was looking to open a bar and Jason was advising her with her business plan. He seemed very nice, knowledgeable, helpful and a charming young man! We were shocked at the current events that occurred in Nairobi that resulted in Jason's untimely passing. We were terrified when we heard the breaking news that morning for our own daughter's safety. Luckily she reached out to us right away and reassured us of her safety, but asked for prayers for Jason and two other friends who she feared were there. So I prayed and was glad to be reassured that two were ok. The whole day went by and i was still praying, and at last about 5pm in the evening our time in Ohio, I asked her, what about Jason? And I was shattered to find out that his body was found just an hour prior to that. I was devastated and still am, and could barely comprehend how you, his parents and family and friends must be dealing with this loss. So with a deep, heart wrenching hug and lots of love I convey my deepest condolences on the loss of your most beloved son, Jason and to your entire family and his Nairobi family. I am deeply saddened and will continue to pray for all affected and the Jason Spindler Foundation to grow and thrive so that Jason's hard work to end terrorism will not be in vain. Love and hugs from Elsie and Allan Crasto
Elsie Crasto
January 24, 2019
My condolences to the family on the loss of your beloved son, brother, uncle. and friend. My prayers are with all of you.
Lanette Valka
January 24, 2019
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:19)
January 24, 2019
Katrina Garza
January 23, 2019
We are so very sorry for your family's loss. We send our deepest condolences. May you be comforted by the love surrounding you and your family. Prayers that your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Steve and Deanna Voitle
January 23, 2019
Dr and Mrs Spindler I will always remember the road trips with Jason from Colorado to Houston. Our hearts are heavy. We pray for you and your family. Robert and Mary Walters.
Robert Walters
January 23, 2019
Mary Walters
January 23, 2019
May the family be comforted by Jesus' promise of seeing your dear loved one again. John 6:40.
A. L.
January 23, 2019
So sorry for your loss . May God remember your loved one , and may God comfort you during this difficult time . Psalm 83 : 18 .
UD
January 23, 2019
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family during this most difficult time. RIP Jason.
Teri Whittington
January 23, 2019
Dr. Spindler,
I am so sorry. My words cannot express the sadness that robert and I have for you and your family. Just know, we are thinking about you and pray the days ahead give you peace.
Bev
Bev Klingsporn
January 23, 2019
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. May knowing that our Heavenly Father understands your grief, provide a measure of comfort during this difficult time.
Isaiah 40:28
January 23, 2019
May he R I P ♥
M Richard Leopold
January 23, 2019
My deepest condolence to the Spindler family.
Carol
January 23, 2019
Jason you were a great friend and inspiration. I wish I could have spent more time with you and learnt so much more from you. You were smart, honest, kind and authentic in everything you did.
Mr Jo Spindler, it was an honor to meet you and listen to you speak about Jason at the gathering in Nairobi. My deepest condolences to you and the whole family.
Jason's life and influence will live on around the world and especially in Nairobi where he touched the lives of so many. We will miss you so very much mate.
Chris Rhys Howarth
January 23, 2019
Shine on forever, the light you left behind has defined your greatness. Keep shining down on us.
Zullie Khalid
January 23, 2019
Our deepest condolences to Dr.Spindler and family.
Thomas and Trina Strothers
January 22, 2019
Sarah, Joe, Aaron, Jonathan and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Spindler family.
We are all very saddened by the loss of Jason, and
remember him, very fondly, and are proud of the man he was.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rest in peace, Jason.
Margo, John and Josh Irwin family
January 22, 2019
Margo and John Irwin
January 22, 2019
We love you to the moon and back - Your Brothers, Jonathan & Aaron
Jonathan Spindler
January 22, 2019
Deepest sympathy to your family.
Isaiah 2:4
BBK
January 21, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Spindler family.
Gone but never forgotten. Will be surely missed.
Rest in peace my dear friend Jason Jacob Spindler.
Serafina Nacika
January 20, 2019
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