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Jason Martin Obituary
Jason M. Martin passed away February 3, 2021. He was 43 years of age.
Jason is survived by his devoted wife Allison Gilbert, his loving parents, Karen and Rob Martin, younger brothers Andrew and Clay, sister-in-law Kelsey, and adoring nieces Sage and Iris.
Jason achieved a highly accomplished academic career. His education included a Master's degree at The Ohio State University and two undergraduate degrees and PhD from the University of Kentucky. He was a tenured professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City. During his professional career Jason presented research at professional conferences in various countries as well as the United States.
In addition to his passion for education, Jason was a family man, adamant sports fan, travel enthusiast, culinary innovator, avid hiker and participant in the Big Brother program. Jason's true genius, however, was his ability to nourish and uphold his lifelong friendships. He thrived on real connection and conversation with friends and family alike. He touched so many hearts and minds in all stages of his life. Unquestionable kindness and loyalty were Jason's greatest gifts.
For those who choose to offer a memorial in honor of Jason, family have requested a contribution to NAMI Southwest Ohio, 4050 Executive Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH, 45241 or Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, 1709 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64108
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jason Martin
Rue
February 5, 2025
I met Jason during a pivitol time in my life. He saved me from killing myself and convinced me to go to school. He made me want to live. 4 years later and I'm still mourning his loss. He was a great man and I'm so sorry for your loss.
Alan Critchley
February 27, 2021
Dear Allison,
We are heartbroken over the loss of our beloved Jason. We loved him dearly.
We will always remember Jason for his kindness; thoughtfulness; culinary skills; thirst for adventure and travel; love of outdoor activities; and love for his family, pets and social gatherings.
We especially remember that Jason and you cherished each other enormously as devoted best friends and spouse.
Kate remembers Jason for his enthusiasm for cooking, hosting and cleaning up at family gatherings and their frequent heartfelt talks.
Alan remembers Jason's excitement when catching, cooking and eating beautiful rainbow trout and will sorely miss having future fishing opportunities together.
Josh remembers Jason's support for the KC Chiefs, love of University of Kentucky sports events, and his coaching as an older brother.
May Jason rest in peace and know that he left a positive, cherished, and loving legacy with our family.
Alan and Kathleen Critchley and Joshua Gilbert
Michael Friedman
February 25, 2021
Allison,
I am so sorry for your loss & want you to know I'm thinking of you.
Spending the summer evenings in your back yard hanging-out, grilling, being with the pups, having conversations for hours while us boys sipped our bourbon are by far my favorite memories with you & Jason. I will never forget those times & will forever have a place in my heart for Jason.
Lee and Tina Hemphill
February 25, 2021
Allison, We are so sorry for you loss. We are sending our love and prayers for you and your whole family. May God bless you always.
Kirk Brown
February 24, 2021
Allison, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the times we got together, the intellectual conversations and comical alike. I am fortunate to have had those times with you and Jason. My deepest condolences go out to you and the rest of the family.
Ashley Williamson
February 23, 2021
Allison, I have so many great memories of being with you and Jason. He was an amazing cook, dog dad, Big Brother to kids, awesome to have intellectual conversations with, and just fun to be silly around. He had a great laugh that I will always remember. Even before I met Jason, when you first started dating, I remember sitting on your back porch and hearing about how much you liked him. All these years later, I look forward to more back yard conversations where we get to celebrate Jason’s memory. I am so so sad for your loss.
Kristen LaMourie
February 23, 2021
I remember when Jason came into Ali's life. It was love at first sight. I anxiously called to find out how the date went - no answer. I called again - no answer. Frankly, I started to get worried!? Hours later my friend called raving about her date - "he's so handsome and intelligent!" I met him soon after and from there on we called him "professor." Which of course, is literal but also how he carried himself (and the sweaters he wore). He and I connected when we first met on the fact that I graduated from UMKC in Communications. He worked alongside many of the same professors who taught me.
Jason had a passion for cooking and entertaining. I remember going to the Chiefs/Bengals game years ago and WOW what a tailgate spread he had. I think it was more for the tailgate than the game! He had a love for books - Hunter S. Thompson. He loved his and Ali's pets (who he would always walk for her while she was working or at school). He loved his and Ali's family. He loved being a Big Brother and showed tremendous kindness and consistency through his mentorship that truly helped these two boys. Above all - he love Ali.
Allison and Jason did so much in the time they were together. Frankly, more than many of us do in a lifetime: traveling (AR, Japan, Cuba, Morocco...), hiking, always entertaining and supporting each other in their educational/career goals.
My heart breaks for the life he will not live, his family, friends and Allison.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuss
Linda Goss
February 23, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jasmine Spittles
February 22, 2021
Allison,
Your loss has left us all deeply saddened. Please remember you are not alone, we love you and we are always here for you.
Tyson and Genine Gilbert
February 22, 2021
We are deeply, deeply saddened by Jason´s passing. We loved him dearly. Always the perfect house guest. Amazing cook. And great with all the littles in our family. Such a talented young man in so many ways. We will miss him always. May your dear sweet soul Rest In Peace Jason. We will meet again
Angela
February 21, 2021
My heart hurts for all who knew and loved Jason. I only knew him for a brief moment in time but, he made an impact. He was a genuine gentlemen, a scholar and an honor in every bit of every way. I know he will be missed by many and thought of often. I'm thankful that our paths crossed. Be at peace now, Jason. You deserve it.
Jeffrey and Jonette Grant
February 21, 2021
Our deepest Sympathy to Jason´s wife Ali our beautiful niece, family and friends of Jason´s. I wish I got an opportunity to get to know him, since he was such a big part of Ali´s life for so many years. He will be truly missed by many. RIP Jason
Molly Reynolds
February 20, 2021
I feel truly grateful to have known Jason. We worked on our dissertation research together at UK and his kindness and genuine desire to help others was always present. I have great memories of getting to go to conferences with him, especially in San Francisco. I will truly miss him and will forever feel honored to have known him.
Deanna Sellnow
February 20, 2021
Jason is a wonderful person who would never hesitate to go the extra mile to help others. I feel blessed to have known and worked with Jason. Although he will be missed, his spirit lives on in all who had an opportunity to know him.
Jennifer Underwood
February 19, 2021
My heart is with you at this difficult time. Jason often talked about his family, mom & dad, brothers, nieces, grandpa and Ali, along with Dr. Jones. I feel fortunate to have been part of his UMKC family and he will be deeply missed.
Dani Toubia
February 19, 2021
Jason was my prof. at UMKC and so passionate about helping us find our paths in life. He exposed us to the possibilities and was there when we needed advice. So sorry for your loss.
Adrianna Asaro
February 18, 2021
I met Jason a year ago in Arizona and I just am so grateful our paths crossed when they did. I was able to really connect with him during a special time and he helped me through a lot. I just remember everyday Jason having a smile on his face and giving me a high five or hug and always beaming of his positive and comforting energy. He was always there for me and always took time out of his day to ask me how I was. He truly was an incredible human being. My prayers go out to you Rob and Karen and your entire family, as well as Allison.
Adrienne Talbert
February 17, 2021
Jason you will always be remembered for your compassionate heart and caring soul. Rest In Peace and comfort to all on earth.
Matt Antrim
February 17, 2021
Jason was a wonderful friend and an incredible human being. He will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts to all that loved and knew him.
Jami Warren
February 17, 2021
Jason was such a wonderful colleague and friend and he will be missed dearly. His fellow graduate students from UK as well as faculty and staff members made a donation in his name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass because it was such an important organization to him when he was a grad student at UK.
Adrean Henson
February 16, 2021
Karen & Rob ,
Although I never got to meet Jason , I know he was an incredibly special man. I have heard so much about him over the years but never had the pleasure of meeting him. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for you both.
Love ,
~Adrean & Audrey ~
Dale and Sherry Dickson
February 15, 2021
Rob, I can’t imagine the grief you and your family are experiencing. You are all in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy.
Gerald (Jerry) Peterson
February 15, 2021
Karen and Rob,
We never met Jason, but he sounds like someone special.
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Jackie & Jerry Peterson
Clay Martin
February 14, 2021
Jason was my heroe from as long as I can remember. He loved being a big brother and wanted me around at all stages of life. He cared for SO MANY PEOPLE!!!!!
Marty Owen
February 14, 2021
Dear Karen and Rob,
Grieve as long as it takes and in your own way. God will give you both a way and strength to get through this and live on while never forgetting or loving. Jason Left this world for an eternal one knowing you loved and cared for him. God has given him, less doubt, answers he was searching for, comfort and the peace he fought so hard to attain. I wish for the entire Martin family that peace. My heart aches for you and Rob, Andrew and Kelsey and Clay.
Love to all,
Aunt Marty
Marty Owen
February 14, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jennifer Apanites
February 14, 2021
Dear Karen and family,
May you give yourself time to grieve and make room for peace as God embraces you.
With sorrow,
Jennifer
Moe
February 14, 2021
Pr. Jason pushed me into trusting my creativity. He is a transitional professor where he took college students and made them take the brave step to become professional workers.
Heather Rise
February 14, 2021
Karen, Rob, Andrew and Clay,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Heather Rise
Randy Ogden
February 13, 2021
Rob, Karen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Betty and offer our very deepest condolences.
May God be with you,
Randy and Betty Ogden
Marcia Kerbl Tuznik
February 13, 2021
Karen and Rob and family,
I am so sorry that you lost your beloved Jason. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Marcia Kerbl Tuznik
Cindy Douglas
February 13, 2021
To the Martin family
I was very saddened to read of Jason’s death. He was a kind-hearted person.
Cindy Douglas
Nancy Frakes
February 13, 2021
My deepest sympathy.
Nancy Martin Frakes
Friend of his Father
Angela
February 13, 2021
Jason will be greatly missed. He was admired and respected more than he knew. Rest easy now, Jason. All is well.......
James P Adkins
February 12, 2021
Jason was my best friend at the time that sort of thing mattered the most. We shared so much together that at times it was indistinguishable who was influencing whom! Our taste in music, movies & literature became so intertwined that our patterns of speech, slang and jingoism‘s were indistinguishable. For a few years he knew me better than I knew myself. (A fact he want shy of sharing LOL!) I feel incredibly lucky to have had him in my life and I miss him terribly. Every time I try to understand the circumstances I find myself even further confused. We send all our love to his family and hope that with time some understanding and clarity will present itself. Selah, my brother. May you Rest In Peace.
Susan Sharkey
February 12, 2021
Karen and Rob you are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest Jason in the arms of our lord and savior.
Andy Chopra
February 12, 2021
Though we hadn’t spoken in some time, I have fond memories of Jason and our friendship both as undergrads at UK and as roommates in Atlanta. I’m terribly saddened to hear news of his passing and pray for strength for all his loved ones as they work through their grief.
Susan Sharkey
February 11, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen and Rob.
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