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Riverdale High School Northwestern University

FUNERAL HOME

W.D. Lemon & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. - McDonough Chapel

300 Griffin Street

McDonough, Georgia

Jason Coffee Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

COFFEE, Jason JASON WALLACE COFFEE The journey for Jason Wallace Coffee continues. Services for Mr. Jason Wallace Coffee of Atlanta, will be held Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 12:00 noon, Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. Jason, age 33, died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 of complications following surgery. Shortly before the service, there will be a gathering at 11:30 a.m. at Floral Hills chapel to view some of Jason's television work. Mr. Coffee was a 1993 graduate of Riverdale High School and a graduate of Northwestern University, where he received a degree in communications. After graduating from Northwestern, Mr. Coffee moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film and television career, specializing in the science fiction and fantasy genres. During his time in Los Angeles, Mr. Coffee worked on television shows such as "Roswell" and "Special Unit Two". He also worked for filmmaker James Cameron, director of "The Terminator" and "Titanic". Other credits include work on the TV show "Babylon Five." When the show ended, he was given a leather carrying case that became one of his prized possessions, according to his mother, Gertha Coffee, a business editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Mr. Coffee also worked as a writer and creative consultant for "The Universe", a popular space science series on The History Channel. His most recent episode for "The Universe" series, called "Living in Space" aired December 23, 2008 and received one of the highest ratings during a holiday season. A collector of comic books, Mr. Coffee made weekly trips to the local comic book store. At last count, he had more than 4,000. He was an avid "Trekkie" and as a child watched the show 19 times in one summer. Mr. Coffee recently wrote, "I distinctly remember Captain Kirk, phasers and green Orion slave girls...I was awed by the power and possibilities of the human imagination." Mr. Coffee loved attending the annual DragonCon show, which draws thousands of fantasy enthusiasts to Atlanta each summer. Mr. Coffee blogged during this past summer's DragonCon convention. He loved cooking and often made gourmet meals for his family. He especially loved to grill. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his stepfather, Michael Braxton, a sister, Ruby-Louise Coffee Braxton, and a brother William Michael "Buddy" Braxton II, all of Atlanta. He is also survived by his aunt, Linda Jones (David) of Memphis; uncles Larry Coffee (Chin Hua), The Honorable Judge Lee V. Coffee, all of Memphis, and Mel Coffee (Paul Minzner) of Lexington, Ky.; cousins Rosland Gammon (Berford) of Milwaukee; Moli Coffee of London, England; Anthony Coffee, Kathleen Coffee, Victoria Coffee and Amanda Jones, all of Memphis. He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents Melvin and Mary Louise Coffee. His father and stepmother, Everett and Linda Wallace live in Durham, NC. W. D. Lemon & Sons Funeral Home, 300 Griffin St., McDonough, (770) 957-4337.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jason Coffee

Sponsored by His loving family. Miss you too..

64 Entries

Kevin Kitchen

July 11, 2023

Still miss Jason after all these years. We were at NU together and he rode with me from NU to Atlanta. He was a great friend to know and be around. May the Lord Jesus Christ always be with him.

January 5, 2014

It's so cold. Dreamed about you. Jason Coffee's Warhawks was at ComicCon. Sorry I never got to attend one with you. Sorry about taking you to Northside Hospital and not Piedmont. Time and unforeseen circumstances. Ruby and Buddy are fine. Thank you. Mike misses you much. He has been very sick. I'm getting older. We miss you. I love you Jase. Mom

Clarence Moore

January 17, 2013

I was so sorry to hear of Jason's passing. I met him as a little boy in Detroit with his mother. He was a good kid. I'm so sorry Gertha.

December 25, 2012

Dec. 25, 2012. So, the Mayans were wrong and the earth as we know it is still here. Your comic book is a reality my son. Doug and your friends are seeing it through. Your voice did not die with you. Plus, a Marvel artist drew the characters and is now working on the cover. So proud of you; so proud of them. Doug and Amy are parents now. A big, handsome baby born named Ike. Buddy and Ruby are in Rome (Italy. Everybody just kind of hanging on, waiting for Jehovah;s kingdom to come. Love and miss you terribly. Mom.

Mama

January 5, 2011

Another lonely year without you. You are loved and remembered. Hope to see you again in Paradise.

Braves Game August 2009

December 30, 2009

h a r

December 30, 2009

Loving Son, Adoring Brother
Explorer of Wonders--the Journey Continues

It has been a really tough year, the toughest of my life. You are loved and missed. Ruby and Buddy are doing OK, your legacy.You loved unconditionally, and that is what hurt the most. So rare. So unfair. I look forward to seeing you in Paradise.Live on Jase. You are with the Force. The Force is with you. Mom

Cheney Ross-Walker

July 30, 2009

I first met Jason and his Family as a little girl. My Mother and his mother are best Friends. (Vernita Ross)
My condolences go to the family. Jason was a sweet person, I hope to see him again in Paradise. Revelation 21:3,4

Lisa Ditkowsky

March 10, 2009

Just logged on to NAA today, and searched for Jason. When I saw "deceased", I thought it was a joke at first, but know that wasn't Jason's sense of humor. I am stunned beyond belief. I have fond memories of working at the "cage" w/ Jason for 4 years and taking screenwriting courses together. He was a good friend and one of my favorite NU buddies. Among my vivid memories, are the loving way he would always talk about Ruby and Buddy (about 5 at the time) and how "cute" he thought they were. He had the biggest smile imaginable when talking about his little siblings. Also, he frequently spoke of his mom w/ pride, "the journalist". This came up because I often asked him about his heritage and who could produce "a Jason Coffee"; undoubtedly only someone as special as Jason Coffee. Jason and I were friendly and competitive. I'll never forget taking an IQ test with him in Kevin Kitchen's office in back of the cage. Only someone as smart as Jason would race me to take an IQ test. I'll also remember fondly that private as Jason was, he would cheer me up with a hug, and he actually let me see his dorm room ONCE (mostly sci fi stuff). Deepest condolences to Jason's family. How extremely unfair.

Jay Sanders

January 27, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Jason for a number of years in Los Angeles. He was very intelligent and enthusiastic, but the thing I'll always remember most was that Big Smile and mirthful laugh.

Rich Hilliard

January 9, 2009

I had the privilege of meeting Jason over the course of just one week many years ago at Northwestern. He was the best friend of dear friends of mine. My deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers for all who loved and knew him.

Brent Amelingmeier

January 6, 2009

I am honored to have known Jason ever since our college years. While it had been a while since I last saw him, I frequently thought of him, and still do. And in that sense, Jason is still with us...for those of us who were fortunate enough to call Jason our friend, the memories he has gifted us with will never leave us.

Whenever I would complain about something that had me worked up, and told Jason about it in my typical, overly-dramatic fashion, he would just laugh. I used to think that he didn't understand why I was so annoyed, but he did. He just realized before I did that I was worrying about silly things. I don't sweat the small stuff like I used to.

It's things like that that made Jason a special guy (and yes, he knew WAY too much about sci-fi and sports, putting me to shame every time I tried to debate him). As our friend, he touched us and shaped us, whether we realized it or not. I just hope that I was able to do the same for him.

Jason Coffee was a very unique and wonderful human being. He may have left us too soon, but he certainly made the most of the time he spent with us.

Leta Seletzky

January 6, 2009

Jason was a childhood friend of mine in Memphis, and remarkably, our paths crossed again at Northwestern. He was a very special person, and I will miss him.

LaShondra Berman

January 6, 2009

I went to high school with Jason and was recently thinking about him and his love of Sci-Fi. He was indeed a delightful character! I remember how excited he would become when talking about Star Trek. I'm sorry to hear that I will not be able to reconnect with him.

David Lennie

January 5, 2009

Although I hadn't seen Jason since college, I've always checked the credits on new sci-fi movies and TV shows for his name -- I just knew that, with such as passion for the genre, his contribution was an eventuality.

He was one of the most authentic individuals I've ever known, and I'll probably still think of him every time I delve into the sci-fi world.

Please extend my sincerest condolences to his friends and family.

Dave Stagl

January 5, 2009

Jason and I met as Cherubs at NU in the summer of '92. I don't remember how or when it happened, but somehow during that brief time a friendship grew that continued on to our college years at NU. I arrived full-time at NU a year after Jason, and he was quick and eager to show me around and introduce me to many RTF folks when I arrived. Many of the friends I made that first year I completely owe to him.

I will always remember our numerous discussions on what is and is not rock-and-roll, and the many movies we saw together which were always an experience. Throughout the years, Jason was always a good friend no matter how much time might pass between connecting. It was a privilege to know and call him my friend.

Maggie Bandur

January 5, 2009

I quote Jason nearly weekly about how Star Wars was "Too much fi, too little sci." It is a typically wonderful quote from Jason -- although I believe I told him he was completely wrong, at the time.

Anthony Roberts

January 5, 2009

I will never forget Jason's unique and infectious energy. We bonded as fellow Georgians and dormmates freshman year at Northwestern, and since I learned of his death, memories of those days keep popping into my head. I sincerely hope that I've learned something from his example, and I'll do my best to tackle my life with a bit of Jason's zest.

Damon Kaifesh

January 5, 2009

I met Jason several times when I went to visit my brother Jason at Northwestern. My condolences to his family and all of his friends. I know he will be greatly missed.

Tania Archer

January 5, 2009

I graduated with Jason from Riverdale High School, and have always remembered him as the "genius" with the big heart. It is both wonderful and sad to hear the legacy he left behind. My condolences to his family.

Mark Parsons

January 5, 2009

I met Jason in LA; we both did coverage work for the same production company. Although I only got to chat with him a handful of times, usually about comics such as Green Lantern, he left a strong impression as a smart and eloquent young man.

Rachel Morris

January 5, 2009

Jason Coffee was a fabulous human being who I am grateful to have known. We used to play Heroclix together in Los Angeles. My fondest memory was listening to him and Todd Carney devise a way to incorporate a hot pink Borg Cube and Coffee's ship, the "USS Indefatigable" into an online Star Trek role playing game. Jason was a wonderful person and will really, really be missed.

Tom Cohen

January 5, 2009

I am so saddened by Jason's passing. He truly was one of my favorite people and just an all-around great guy. Even though we didn't get to talk as much since he moved back to Atlanta, I looked forward to our e-mail exchanges and his opinions and thoughts on the lastest comics and movies. In fact, I'll miss his passionate opinions on everything - sci-fi, pop culture in general, sports, politics - you name the topic, he had a take on it and I loved that about him. I'll miss his passion, imagination and laughter. My thoughts and condolences go out to Jason's family and many, many friends. He will be deeply missed.

Joel Watson

January 5, 2009

Jason was a guy who never failed to make me smile. I'm a nerd and I like nerd things--as did Jason. Every time I saw him I enjoyed running a battery of questions past him concerning the things that fascinated me of late. In turn, I would get the pleasure of hearing Jason's unique take on them, from the Matrix series to Star Wars Trivial Pursuit to his job working for James Cameron at Lightstorm Entertainment. I remember quizzing him about the seeming dream job of picking scripts to be considered by this titan of Sci-fi filmmaking. He explained, "It's pretty cool, but I'm supposed to recommend the good stuff to them and every time I recommend something they get mad at me." That made me laugh pretty hard.
Living in LA, it has been a while since the last time I saw Jason and I am heartbroken to know that I'll never get to hear what Jason had to say about Battlestar Galactica. I'll miss you Jason, and so will my wife Shelli, who only met you a couple of times, but remembers you just as fondly. And though you may be gone, the thought of you will always bring a smile to my face.

Marsha (Banks) Webb

January 5, 2009

I know Jason as a young man in Detroit, in those years he loved to work on experiments and always had a thrust for knowledge.

Chris Mills

January 5, 2009

I hadn't seen Jason in a long time, but I will always remember him as a warm and joyful soul, with a great smile and a voice I can still hear laughing and talking, even after all these years.

Michael Morris

January 5, 2009

I went to high school with Jason and always heard about his aspirations to work in the film industry. We lost contact after going off to college, but I am glad to see he was able to pursue his dreams.

Lately, the internet as allowed me to reconnect with many people from the past and I regret that I was unable to speak to Jason again. His family will be in my prayers.

Shelia Poole

January 5, 2009

Jason will be missed. He was one of the kindest people I knew. I can't help but think Jason is somewhere discussing sci-fi with the masters.
Now Jason's spirit is truly free with no earthly boundaries.

Scott Lange

January 5, 2009

I went to Riverdale High School with Jason from 1991 to 1993. We appeared on TV together in the "High Q" competition, and he came over to my house to play the game Axis & Allies. A friend saw Jason at Dragon Con this summer, and I was thrilled to hear he was back in town. I figured I'd get in touch with him, but I missed my chance. RIP Jason; you'll be missed.

Melinda Hudson Bailey

January 5, 2009

I am deeply saddened by the news of Jason's passing. Although I have not seen him since highschool graduation, I have kept up with his accomplishments through other classmates. I am so very proud of him and the life that he lived. He was truly one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have ever known...not to mention extremely humorous! I will never forget the video he showed our class of him singing "Baby Got Back". I chuckle just thinking about it! What a wonderful man!

Aman ul Haque

January 5, 2009

As a completely "green behind the ears" freshman arriving in Evanston from Pakistan, I remember the cheerfulness and unique personality of Jason Coffee. He was the spirit of One Red the guy who would always give me a tough time at checkout (the cage as we called it in RTVF) and he forever would be arguing about films especially sci fi ones. I am greatly saddened by his early demise. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He will forever be missed - for he truly was one of the great people I met at college.

Halle Aten

January 4, 2009

Whenever I saw Jason, he was kind to me. I will never forget that. And although this is a tragic loss, it can certainly be said that Jason lived fully and with passion. His light burned bright, and we are all the better to have known him.

Jeff Mauriello

January 4, 2009

How can anyone with a pulse not smile when they think of Jason Coffee? He always had an upbeat positive attitude towards life. I went to college with Jason and can honestly say he was one of the most down to earth, genuine people I ever met. He never put up a front -- what you saw was what you got -- a pure, generous, incredibly kind-hearted and caring individual. I always took comfort in his gentle disposition. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Cathryn Humphris

January 4, 2009

When I think of Jason, I think of the Atlanta Braves. I loved talking to Jason about our team. Whether debating their greatest plays or ripping apart a lousy game, Jason's enthusiasm and passion couldn't have been stronger. Sometimes Jason would get so excited he'd jump up and down in joy -- and this was just as likely to happen during a conversation as it was during a game. Jason seemed to live most of his life this way, overflowing with passion and joy. It was impossible to be around him and not smile. He will be dearly missed.

Dan Lubetkin

January 4, 2009

Jason was a good guy and will forever be missed. His infectious laugh, his enthusiasm for his passionate love of movies and comic books, his devotion to his friends and family... he touched the lives of everyone he knew. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

kevin duffy

January 4, 2009

I never met Jason but his mother is a work colleague of mine, and knowing her I'm certain Jason was a great person.

Todd Carney

January 4, 2009

I keep thinking about times with Jason over the past 15 years. He was a part of some of the best arguments you could ever have with a person on Sports, politics, science, movies, comic books, Heroclix games, you name it! Arguing with Jason was truly enjoyable, and it would always end with him laughing, so you knew he was having a good time too. And he'd always check that you weren't upset by whatever the debate was afterward, which was never necessary because it was Jason, and you loved him! But he still checked, because he wanted spirited discussion without hurting feelings: A very smart, sweet, sensitive guy.
He put things in a way no one else can. And he reminded me how important imagination is to any creative endeavor... otherwise, it's just not "creative!" Yes, I have a lot of memories, a lot of stories to remember Jason, but they're never going to be enough. We miss you Jason.

Timothy Good

January 4, 2009

Jason was one of the most energetic and enthusiastic people I have ever met. I will always remember his very unique voice, both literal and literary, and how his presence always made any event more fun than it ever would have been. He pulled no punches. He let you know how he felt. And I loved that about him. He will remain in all of our hearts and I wish his family love and support.

JoAnna Trapp Simpson

January 4, 2009

Jason had an infectious laugh and such a passion for his pursuits! I, too, remember him fondly from CRC at Northwestern. I am so sad to hear of your loss and send my thoughts and prayers to your entire family.

Beth Summanen

January 3, 2009

In the brief time I knew Jason best, at Northwestern, I was impressed with his clever wit, gracious kindness, and the glint of youthful mischief in his eyes...he will be missed for all the light (alien and earthly) he shared in our lives.

David Scholnick

January 3, 2009

Jason's joy in life was all the more infectious for the obstacles he dodged. His fascination with sci-fi helped ward off cynicism and restore my own sense of wonder. His perspective on things was always appreciated because he was one of those people who helped others keep their feet on the ground during the adventure of freshman year. He will indeed be remembered. And missed.

Jeff Williams

January 3, 2009

When Jason arrived at CRC I was happy to have a fellow resident whose enthusiasm for all incarnations of "Star Trek" matched my own. Actually, Jason's love of that universe probably exceeded mine -- I remember that he liked the movie "Star Trek Generations" a lot more than I did! He, Andy Baggarly and I would test one another's knowledge of the show ("Name the episode where Kirk battled the Gorn!") I'm pretty sure Jason usually won those contests! Jason was a great guy and I am privileged to have known him. My heart goes out to his loved ones.

Greg Lessans

January 3, 2009

It's been years since I last saw Jason, but he is not one who fades from memory. I will never forget his smile, his energy, his boundless enthusiasm and creativity.

January 3, 2009

It's so very sad. John 5:28,29.
"To be continued...."

Jim & Jennifer Tharpe

January 3, 2009

Gertha - Our thoughts are with you.

Eric Ritter

January 3, 2009

When we were in CRC, I learned how to do this amazingly cool thing: customize the startup screen of a Macintosh to say something other than "Welcome to Macintosh." I modified the computers in the lab to say "Welcome to Cuba." Because it was really hot and humid down there. Some kind of malfunction with the A/C.

Ha.

(Ok, not that hilarious. I was just thrilled to be able to modify the startup screen.)

At any rate, Jason asked me to show him how to do this. So I did. It involved using this program called ResEdit to modify the operating system code. But I warned him: The message you substitute has to have exactly the same number of characters as the welcome-to-macintosh message, or your computer will crash and you'll have to reinstall everything. I thought I emphasized the point: EXACTLY THE SAME NUMBER OF CHARACTERS. If your message is shorter, that's fine, just add in extra spaces. It cannot be longer. But remember THE NUMBER OF SPACES MUST BE THE SAME or your computer will crash! And I won't be able to help you! Be careful!

About an hour and a half later he called me because his computer had crashed, and he had to reinstall everything.

I felt really bad.

But, y'know, I think I emphasized the risk sufficiently.

Chris Finnegan

January 3, 2009

Jason was a peach. I was so sad to hear of his passing.

Josh Grossberg

January 3, 2009

Jason's smile was always as big as his heart. I'll always remember his enthusiasm for writing and film. But most importantly, he was the kindest soul you'll ever meet. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family and friends. He may have left us, but his memory will live on.

Jeremy Morse

January 2, 2009

When Jason was a college freshman, I was a sophomore living a few doors down. Sometimes I would wake up early on a weekend morning, when most fellow students were still unconscious, and pass his closed door. From within, I could hear the rock soundtrack to Transformers: The Movie, and the sounds of Jason dancing energetically along. I never told him I could hear him, since he seemed to choose a time and a place that afforded a desired privacy, yet I could identify both with the object of his ardor and his mode of expressing it. That's how I will remember Jason: with an inclination toward shyness that could never conceal his boundless enthusiasm. We loved even those parts of him that he wasn't comfortable sharing with us. We'll never forget you, Jason.

Laini Wolman

January 2, 2009

I shared a dorm with Jason for only six weeks -- much too short a time to know him well. In our brief acquaintance, I found a great big heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Jason was a good soul, and the world's spark dims in his remembrance

Jim Ellwanger

January 2, 2009

Jason's happiness was infectious. His presence always brightened my day.

Jason Kaifesh

January 2, 2009

It's hard to believe such a wonderful, kind, caring, marvelous person could be taken from us so suddenly. Everyone who knew Jason should be honored that such a special person came into their lives. He was a great man, and a great friend. He will be sadly missed.

"The Journey Continues..."

Juli Blanco Ruffing

January 2, 2009

In every memory I have of Jason, he is smiling and full of joy. His exuberance and zest for life was infectious. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.

Jeremy Cohen

January 2, 2009

It was a privilege and a pleasure to know Jason even just a little bit. He truly enriched the lives of those around him and will be deeply missed.

Linda Harris

January 2, 2009

What wonderful memories I have of Jason in the Gifted class at Riverdale High School.Jason was so brilliant and so full of excitement about his future. Jason made the world a better place.
Memories filled with love .

Derek Milman

January 2, 2009

Jason was a creative writing colleague of mine at Northwestern University. He had a strong voice and a fantastical imagination, and I remember him well. He was gifted and creative, and I will miss him.

Doug & Amy

January 2, 2009

Jason will always be our best friend. He is a one-of-a-kind human being and will be in our hearts forever.

Anna Siri

January 1, 2009

Jason was a wonderful person with a creative mind and a kind and gentle heart, and I'll miss his enthusiasm and humor. We're all lucky to have known him, and the world will be a little less bright without him. My thoughts and prayers to family and friends.

Jennifer Carney

January 1, 2009

Jason was truly a unique and wonderful human being. I feel honored to have known him and am saddened that he is no longer with us.

Jason, you will not only be remembered by everyone who was honored enough to call you a friend -you will be missed.

Dana

January 1, 2009

His smile. His laugh. His great big heart and spirit. We miss you!

P L

January 1, 2009

Jason will be thoroughly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have known him and his kind soul. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Jonathan Cohen

January 1, 2009

My brother has lost a great friend and we have all lost an inventive and original mind and a kind soul. Our thoughts are with Jason's family.

Barbara/Alan Cohen

January 1, 2009

We were deeply saddened and shocked by Jason's passing. We know that those who knew him, and especially his Northwestern friends, will always keep Jason in their hearts and minds.

We were happy to learn that he got to see his Universe program debut and that he knew the reviews the program received were excellent.

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Barbara and Alan

O. & G. Scott

January 1, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

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