Jason Aaron Arkin touched the lives of many. He offered smiles full of kindness and warmth to friends and strangers alike. He celebrated the love of family and friends and the great beauty this world holds. Jason, 20, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. Jason was born on May 24, 1994 in Overland Park, KS to Steve and Karen Arkin. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, hiking, and reading every word written by Stephen King. He earned his Eagle Scout in Troop 324 and was inducted into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jason graduated from Blue Valley Northwest High School in May 2012 as a National Merit Scholar, and he was currently a junior at Northwestern University studying electrical engineering. Jason struggled with clinical depression and ultimately passed due to his illness. Jason was one of many young adults suffering with mental illnesses in a time when mental illness remains stigmatized and misunderstood. He is survived by his parents and sister, Jennifer. Other survivors include grandparents David and Marlene Arkin of Glenview, IL; grandmother Marie Mikkelson of Olathe, KS; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather "Mik" Mikkelson and aunt Jacqueline Arkin. Funeral services are Monday, May 25, at 10:30 AM at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, KS, with burial on Tuesday, May 26, at 1:00 PM at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at NAMI.org. "Almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important." - Steve Jobs Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home & Cemetery. Dignity Memorial.

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Published by Kansas City Star from May 23 to May 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for JASON ARKIN

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

75 Entries

Pam Bitner

May 19, 2024

Sending thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family. His parents are gems and do everything to care for others.

Christina

May 17, 2022

I think about your family often. The tragic loss of your son, your foundation, and the many lives you have saved through your grief.
Thank you for your determination, commitment, and shedding light on the importance mental health.

July 1, 2015

My deepest condolences to Steve and Karen Arkin over the tragic loss of their son, Jason. Although I did not know Jason, I always enjoyed listening to his father who is my neurologist tell me about the wonderful family vacations he took with Karen and the children. May these warm memories live on in their hearts and bring comfort at this time of deep sadness.

Cindy McCabe

June 15, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. Our daughter had a class with Jason, and he was very helpful and kind to her. We, too, have lost family members to depression. Peace to Jason.

Barbara Sherberg

June 8, 2015

Dr. Steve & Dr. Karen Arkin, My heart broke for you and your family when I heard you lost your son, Jason. I worked the nightshift at SLS on Med/Surg, as an RN. I greatly admire the awesome care you provide to your patients. I took many phone calls from both of you, calling to ask how your patients were doing. When my daughter began having seizures and needed a neurologist, I immediately knew I would bring her to you. However, you recommended your partner to us, specializing in epilepsy. He is equally as awesome as the two of you. I don't know you personally, but what I know of you professionally, I know that you are equally awesome parents. God bless your hurting hearts, there is no greater pain than losing a child. Your open honesty about Jason's struggle and loss d/t depression is a blessing to our community and will aid in removing a stigma that keeps many people from seeking help. Please be good to yourselves and each other and surround yourselves with family and friends. Thinking of you and your daughter and praying for you all.

Nini & Skip Rosenstock

June 2, 2015

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt sympathy and love.

Deborah Sobotka

June 2, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Christina

May 29, 2015

I am sorry to hear about your son's passing. I have found it incredibly brave and selfless that you have publicly shared your families feelings, through your anguish, to shed light on clinical depression. I shared your son's story with my son. He has suffered from clinical depression all his life. He was diagnosed when he was 5 years old. I have seen him happy and I have seen him in great despair. He is 23 years old. When reading this heart wrenching story, it hit my like a ton of bricks. I can't imagine your pain, but I wanted your family to know that because of your story, I had a candid conversation with my son. I will continue to think about your family during this time of struggle. Thank you for helping to save lives of our young adults who suffer from this disease.

Jeffrey Logan

May 28, 2015

Dr. Arkin our prayers go out you and your family.

May 27, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the Arkin Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during this difficult time.

Tom Kemper

May 27, 2015

We are thinking of you and your family during what must be the most difficult of times. No one should ever suffer such a tragic loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family.

May 27, 2015

I didn't know Jason, but want you to know it means the world to so many that you've acknowledged what many of us know only too well to be true: Mental illness should be treated as any other illness. Only shedding light on the subject will lead to a change in perception and in treatment. So sorry for your loss.

Debbie Raccuglia

May 27, 2015

I know how proud you were of him - he had such potential. As someone who also suffers from a form of mental illness I understand his pain - and yours. Your Saint Lukes South family loves and grieves with you - in my thoughts and prayers every day. Heartbreaking and no greater loss than the death of a child

Maryjo & Paul Mott

May 26, 2015

Nothing we say will help take away the pain you must be feeling now. My heart aches for you. Out thoughts & prayers are with you. The only way I know you is through an ER nurse, Barbara Ann Sherburg from Mission, KS who holds you in very high regard. She has become an acquaintance from playing the Scrabble game, Words With Friends, for quite some time. We live in Joliet, IL which is not far from Evanston. Again we offer our sincere sympathy to you & your family during this very difficult time in your life. Sincerely, Paul & Maryjo Mott

Suzanne Alaga

May 26, 2015

Dear Karen, Steve and Jennifer,
My heart breaks for you. Jason was such a wonderful person. I remember when he was collecting books for his Eagle scout project. He was such a hard worker. He was a delight. I pray for all the family to have strength to carry on. Stay strong.

May 26, 2015

Dear Arkin Family,

I shared class with Jason while he was a student at Northwest and his smile, his fun humor, his deliberate thoughts - they remain IS in my mind and not WAS. Jason IS amazing. He is with me - as he was when I first met him- and IS in my heart. May God hold you and comfort you at this difficult time.

God bless and thank you for sharing Jason with me-
EK

Esmeralda Mikkelson

May 26, 2015

Dear Karen, Steve & Jenni, We are So Very Sorry for Sweet Jason's passing-on* We will miss hearing UncleKenny's stories about his Dear nephew,Jason* Praying that his Soul is Happy & Free to Soar Our Universe*-* w/ Love & Light Em,Felisha,Will & Chris Barrera-Mikkelson

Lisa Dixon

May 26, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Arkin family. I wont forget Jason and his sweet smile. May he rest in peace. Lisa

May 26, 2015

melissa manthe
dianne haynes
deborah jines

Debra

May 26, 2015

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

Keith Nathan

May 25, 2015

My heart and thoughts are with you, Steven, Karen and Jennifer for the terrible loss of your son, Jason.

Keith Nathan

Laura

May 25, 2015

Jason's death is a horrible tragedy because he was so young. My son died a tragic death when he was only 10 years old in 1991. Each circumstance is unique and different, but the pain is always the same. No parent should have to bury their child. R.I.P. Jason, gone too soon.

Among darkness let there be light!

Pamela Bitner

May 25, 2015

Dear Karen and Steve,

I know you will help a lot of people as a result of this. Jason was brilliant like his parents. And I know he would want you both to do what you can to continue to help others. My heart hurts for you both. May God comfort you and give you strength.
Sincerely,
Pam B.

Natalie Greenwell

May 25, 2015

Knowing you, I know Jason was loved beyond measure and loves you still and forever. With deepest sympathy.

Sonni Elliott

May 24, 2015

I was so saddened to hear of Jason's passing. Your family has been and will continue to always be in my thoughts and prayers.

May 24, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I know you will cherish all the special times you had with Jason.
Barb Conaghan

bob and margie belmore

May 24, 2015

are thought and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for open thought on depression it affects every family

wendy greenberg-dufour

May 24, 2015

So very sorry for your loss and thank you for bringing mental illness into the light.

May 24, 2015

sorry for your loss, they are very difficult times, yet the bible in jonh chapter 5:28-29give us a beautiful hope. I hope you can confort him.

Stan and Jean

May 24, 2015

Our hearts go out to you, Steve and Karen. You are in our thoughts and prayers so much, and we ask God to carry you and comfort you today on Jason's birthday, throughout this week, and in the months & seasons to come.

Krystal Schmelig

May 24, 2015

I was privileged to have such an amazing student in my very first 3rd grade class. Even more special were the silly, fun summers I spent with him and his sister. I admired Karen and Steve as parents and hoped that someday my own children would have hearts as big as Jason and Jennifer. They were such a special part of my life, I was honored to have them in my wedding. Jason was the sweetest ring bearer. I will hold those memories dear. Thank you, sincerely, for being advocates for the seriousness of mental health.

mindi ellis

May 24, 2015

This breaks my heart. What a beautiful soul. Such an enormous loss to this world. Sending much love and gentleness to you Karen and Steve and Jennifer. Love, Mindi, Hersh and Shay Ellis

Wanda Otto

May 24, 2015

I did not know this young man, but I was so saddened when I read it. I, myself, and other family members have suffered from this illness. Some got help and some did not. My deepest sympathy to your family. God bless you all.

Sue Herrera

May 24, 2015

My heart is heavy- I will always remember the beautiful little boy who I taught in 2nd grade. My prayers are with your family.

Jane Murray

May 24, 2015

There are no words. Only love.
I am holding your family in my heart

Sandy Eckley

May 24, 2015

"Steve, Karen, and Jennifer, there are no words to express my sorrow for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Sandy Eckley."

Deborah Moss

May 24, 2015

I will work harder on your son's behalf to lessen the stigma. Sending you my condolences.

May 24, 2015

Ann-Marie & Dan Selgelid

Karen and Steve Margossian

May 23, 2015

While everyone here misses him on earth. God has given him a more important job in heaven... Now a shining guardian angel to help all the people who are like him struggling.

thoughts and prayers to his family and friends

Karen and Steve Margossian

May 23, 2015

While everyone here misses him on earth. God has given him a more important job there's a showing guardian angel to all the people who are like him struggling thoughts and prayers to his family and friends

May 23, 2015

Please accept my deepest sympathies, along with my admiration for the straightforward way you have helped raise public awareness about depression. Jason sounds like a remarkable man, and I will pray he, and you, find peace and comfort. Lots of people you don't know are thinking about you and honoring you tonight! Linda Haase Cohen

May 23, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve, Karen and family from Joe, Joey and Family.

May 23, 2015

Arkin Family
May you know no more sorrow.
Lichterman Family Glenview IL

May 23, 2015

My heart stopped when I came across this obituary. I am so, so sorry for this tragedy, and all Jason and his family have clearly gone through. Depression is so incredibly overwhelming and debilitating. As a society, we really need to have more compassion toward one another... to speak impeccably-- and work harder to better understand mental illness-- and find cures.

. God be with you all.

May 23, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Depression is a complex and painful illnes. I too understand the pain of losing a family member to this illness. I lost my mother who died on her birthday in 2011. I still cry for her today. Please know you are not alone and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Angel

Robbin Flax Wald

May 23, 2015

May Jasons Memories Be a Blessing. The Wald Family

May 23, 2015

Steve and Karen, I'm so sorry to read about Jason. My sympathies and prayers are with you and your family. Vincent Lem

Paula,Seymour,Franklin&Matthew Rosen

May 23, 2015

Words cannot express our sorrow for your loss.We have loved you and your family for many years.Paula,Seymour, Franklin &Matthew Rosen

Traci TraciPalucci

May 23, 2015

I can say I'm so very sorry for your devistating loss. Your son has peace now and will continue his work by being a guardian angel to others. In time the world will realize how real and hard mental illness is. Be proud of your son and also the great parenting you and your wife have done. I will always be thinking about you and your family. This makes my advocatsy for NAMI especially important and personal. Peace and love to you all.

Robbin Wald

May 23, 2015

Deepest Sympathies To The Entire Family. May Your Sons Memories Be a Blessing. The Wald Family

May 23, 2015

My husband and I only met Jason a few times, but it was obvious that he was a very bright young man. His charming smile lit up his whole face. I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the beautiful memories of his all too short life.
Jo-Ann Seitzinger

Gene Bobroff

May 23, 2015

May God comfort you and your family with peace and blessings

May 23, 2015

Steve, Karen and jennifer,

Words can not express how sorry We are for your loss...

We remember the first time we had Jason over. We remember the scout camping trips the boys shared together, the high school award ceremony and the graduation... those fond memories will be with us forever.
we are out of the country right now, but our thoughts are with you...

Love and hugs,
Russian and Yan Hampleman,
Kyle and Christine Bannerman

Alanna Hanson

May 23, 2015

Steve & Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and condolences your way.

Ira Reisman

May 23, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. I know all to well of the mental health stigma. There has to be a lot more awareness. This is truly so sad at a young age. Once again, my deepest condolences to the Arkin family.

May 23, 2015

Steve, Karen and Jennifer,

We are so profoundly sorry to here of Jason's passing. Our thought and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. We are sending hugs to you all.

Leslie, Rene, Doug, Matthew & Brian Medina

Pamela Graham

May 23, 2015

Lifting you up in prayer.

Caroline Olawaiye

May 23, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know your son but from the pictures you posted, I could tell he was surrounded by love and shared experiences with his family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Michelle Sutton

May 23, 2015

I am so very sorry for Jason's struggles, and your loss. I hope the wonderful memories of him will help you in this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti Tate

May 23, 2015

Steve, Karen and Jennifer,
Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. Although I never met Jason, I can only image that he was a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of learning about Jason and his accomplishments thru Steve and Jennifer! He was and will always be loved. My prayers and love go to you all. RIP Jason, I hope now you are out of pain and your soul can rest peacefully.

May 23, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers. Dave and Debbie Paciorek

Kathy Richardson

May 23, 2015

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Nancy Carnahan

May 23, 2015

RIP sweet Jason.

Shaun Curry-Jones

May 23, 2015

You are in my thoughts & prayers. I am sorry for your pain and for the pain that Jason felt. Peace be with you......Shaun Curry Jones

May 23, 2015

"Thank you Arkin Family for giving a voice to mental illness. Jason suffering will now inspire others to seek help. His suffering is over now and you could have not done anything to prevent this. Please take comfort in knowing that his life and unfortunate passing will save others. There are no words to express or even relate to the passing of a child. Thank you for sharing and setting up donations to NAMI. Sorry for the entire family's loss.

Helene Schatz

May 23, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss....my love to the family
Lori Gilgus

May 23, 2015

So sorry for your loss

ELLYN ANTONICELLI

May 23, 2015

I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I have never met Jason I feel like I know him through all the loving things his grandmother and great aunt Joyce told me.

Paula Berberick

May 23, 2015

My most heartfelt sympathies to your family and all that knew and loved Jason. Thank you for your openness about his depression, an illness that takes far too many lives. I will continue to hold you close in my thoughts.

Judith Benson

May 23, 2015

A lovely, brilliant and gentle soul. Sending all love and condolences to your family.

Kay Weir

May 23, 2015

Dr Arkin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Kay Weir

James Weir

May 23, 2015

We are sadden at this difficult time. Remember and enjoy the years, months and days you shared with your son. There will always be joy in your heart for his life.

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