Jason Courtney

Jason Courtney, 55, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on February 14, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.

Born on September 16, 1969, in Austin, Texas, Jason grew up with a passion for learning and the outdoors. His mother Betty instilled in him empathy, kindness, and a love for reading, while his stepfather Bruce taught him the value of building things with his hands and tinkering with tools—skills he would put to good use in his later careers. Jason cherished the summers spent with his father Jim, enjoying experiences that nurtured his everlasting love for hiking, camping, and fishing.

He graduated from Bedford High School, Bedford, MA in 1987, before attending Keene State College, Keene, NH where he made several lifelong friends. Jason later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX in 1996, a field that naturally aligned with his deep appreciation for nature.

Jason had a distinguished career as an award-winning master brewer with a commitment to helping start-up micro breweries launch successfully all over the country. His talent and dedication to the craft earned him numerous national and international accolades, including 4 medals in just his second try at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival, plus being awarded the Brew Pub Brew Master of the Year award all in 2002. He also won medals at the World Beer Cup starting in 2006. His expertise extended beyond brewing, as he built a second career as a highly skilled certified irrigation specialist, working with companies in Lubbock to design and maintain efficient water systems.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jason embraced life with joy and diverse interests. He found peace in nature, whether fly-fishing for trout (which he would always catch and release), backpacking through wilderness areas, or spending time at one of his favorite places, the cabin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico. Many special memories were created on Cape Cod, where he enjoyed digging clams, fishing, and sailing. 

Jason was an ardent music enthusiast who followed The Grateful Dead and Phish for many years, traveling in his beloved VW bus and selling homemade grilled cheese sandwiches to fellow concert-goers. His love of sports began with basketball in high school and continued throughout his life with pick-up games and following his favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys, the Boston Celtics, and Texas Tech University football and basketball.

At home, Jason was an enthusiastic gardener who took pride in growing peppers, herbs, and tomatoes for his culinary creations. Dogs were constant companions throughout his life, reflecting his kind and nurturing spirit. Those who knew Jason will remember his intelligence, great sense of humor, and his genuine care and respect for others - qualities that defined his character throughout his life.

Jason Courtney was preceded in death by his father, James F. Courtney, Jr., and is survived by his mother, Betty Franklin Bogardus & his stepfather, Bruce Bogardus of South Chatham, MA; his sister, Jennifer Johnson of Harwich, MA; his niece, Mikela Howard of Columbus, Georgia; and his nephew, Jacob Johnson. Jason also leaves behind a very special person in his life, Vanessa Montoya, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. May Jason's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well lived.

Expressions of sympathy and remembrance may be made to Trout Unlimited Memorial/Honorary Gifts, by calling 1(800) 834-2419. 

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in a Celebration of Jason's Life on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:30 AM, followed by a light lunch at the Lowe-Gardner Funeral Home, 1102 East Goode St., Quitman, TX 75783. Kindly RSVP to jasonslifecelebration@gmail.com by April 1st to ensure adequate arrangements can be made.