Jason McKibben

FUQUAY-VARINA, NC -Jason Mark McKibben,46, passed away on November 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, loyalty, humor, and the kind of spirited determination that made him unforgettable.

Born in Van Wert, Ohio on May 13, 1979, Jason grew into the kind of man who showed up- for his family, for his friends, for his country, and for his faith.

Jason loved Jesus, and his faith shaped how he treated people and how he served.

Jason was a fighter in every sense of the word. Whether he was on the football field, sitting around a game of cards, serving in the military, or standing up for what he believed in, he brought grit, passion, and heart. He fought hard, he loved hard, and he lived with conviction.

A lifelong, die-hard Michigan Wolverines fan, Jason brought that same fire to cheering on his team. Despite being raised in the heart of Ohio in a family of Buckeyes, one of his greatest joys was bantering about the Ohio State - Michigan rivalry. His teasing was legendary-equal parts love, loyalty, and good-natured smack talk. Especially with his sister, Melissa.

For the past 16 years, Jason proudly served in the Army National Guard, stationed in North Carolina. His dedication, courage, and reliability earned him deep respect, but it was his humor that made him beloved. Jason had a signature style: perfectly timed one-liners and sarcastic comments that made you want to slap him while trying not to laugh. He could lighten any room and break (or bring) tension in an instant.

Above all, Jason loved his family fiercely. He cherished his wife, Kelly (Bane) McKibben, the love of his life, whom he married on September 24, 2011. Jason and Kelly loved their time traveling together, being with family and friends, and just living life together. Kelly supported Jason with grace and tenacity through thick and thin.

Their son, Ryan, wasn't just his child-he was his best buddy, his partner in fun, and the center of his world. Some of Jason's happiest moments were the simplest ones: sharing laughs, adventures, and everyday moments with Ryan.

In addition to Kelly and Ryan, Jason is also survived by his loving parents, Frank and Donna McKibben of Greenville, Ohio; his sister, Melissa (Ben) Williams and their five children and two grandchildren of Boise, Idaho; his in-laws, John and Marianne Bane of Sunset Beach, North Carolina; sister-in law Casey (Gary) Taylor of Rowsell, Georgia; and multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Jason was preceded in death by his younger brother and best friend, Justin Ryan McKibben; his paternal grandparents, Paul and Wilma McKibben; and his maternal grandparents Ron and Lina Peters.

A celebration of Jason's life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Thomas Funeral Home Chapel, 401 North Ennis Street, Fuquay-Varina. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ben Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor him by cheering for Michigan a little louder, offering an act of kindness in his memory, or sharing a joke that would've inspired Jason's trademark smirk.

In addition, donations can be made in Jason's memory to The Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Above all, Jason's family takes comfort knowing that Jason is safe and whole in the presence of Jesus, whom he trusted. Jason's absence leaves an ache that words can't fully capture. But his memory-marked by faith, laughter, strength, and love-will continue to inspire all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jason, please visit our floral store.