Corporal Jason Michael Kessler, 29 of Mount Vernon was killed in action in Iraq on Monday, July 30, 2007.

He was born on October 21, 1977 in Long Beach, CA to C. Michael and Pamela K. Kessler. His early years were spent in Long Beach and his family moved to Mount Vernon when he was 14.

Jason graduated from Mount Vernon Christian High School as Class of 1996 Salutatorian and earned a BA degree in Biblical Studies from The Master's College in Santa Clarita, CA.

He served as a RA while at college, and returned to the Pacific Northwest to study Philosophy at the University of Washington. Jason also served as an Interim Youth Pastor for Jr. High kids at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.

In January 2005, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed One Station Unit Training at Ft. Benning, GA as an infantryman. After graduating from Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Indoctrination Program also at Ft. Benning. Upon graduation in June 2005, he was assigned to 2nd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment as an automatic rifleman.

Jason earned a 1st degree black belt in Chung Do Kwon - Tae Kwon Do and enjoyed scuba diving, ice climbing, rock climbing, mountaineering, physical fitness and reading.
He and several friends climbed Mt. Rainier just prior to his deployment. He also enjoyed travel, serving on a college mission trip to Mongolia as well as travel to Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Corporal Kessler was on his third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Ranger Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Jason is survived by his parents, C. Michael and Pamela K. Kessler of Mount Vernon; brother, Mark E. Kessler of Bellingham; sister, Katelyn J. Kessler of Mount Vernon; grandmothers, H. Nadine Kessler and Betty L. Wolpert, both of Mount Vernon. His longtime girlfriend, Erin Jacobson of Kirkland, WA, also survives him.

Closed casket visitation will be held at Kern Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 7 and Wednesday, August 8, 2007 from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 E College Way, Mount Vernon. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery with military honors provided by 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 2nd Ranger Battalion Assistance Fund at www.assistrangers.org

You may share your memories of Jason, and sign his on-line guest register at www.kernfunrealhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.

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

Published by Skagit Valley Herald from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for CORPORAL JASON KESSLER

7 Entries

Terry Arthun

September 1, 2007

Far into the future, Jason' Army Ranger Family and the Nation will perpetuate his memory and sacrifice.

As the weeks turn to months and months to years sorrow will be
replaced by pride as history recognizes the great sacrifise Jason his family and others fighting the Global War of Terrorism have laid upon the altar of freedom.

Shelley Chase

September 1, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Terry Arthun

August 17, 2007

Far into the future, Jason's Army Ranger Family and the Nation will perpetuate his memory and great sacrifice. As the days turn into weeks, months into years, grief will turn into pride as history recognizes the great sacrifice Jason his family and others fighting the Global War on Terrorism have laid upon the alter of freedom.

Peter Hammer

August 8, 2007

Jason was a great student, a good friend to all that knew him, and an outstanding leader. I hadn't seen him since high school, but will still miss him. God bless your soul Jason. Your family is in my prayers.

Lisa Kiilsholm

August 8, 2007

Jason was a blesing to know. He inspired people, young and old, Christian or Non-Christian, to become a better person. Jason had the light of God shine through his heart and touch the other people in this world. I attended youth group with Jason for several years, he helped me choose the right path many times, without him even knowing. God bless your family Jason. There will be a day that we see you again. Until that day........

Sharon Dillon

August 8, 2007

My heart goes out to your family. I did not have the pleasure of knowning Jason, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

John Schum

August 7, 2007

Jason,
We will always remember you! When you discoveried that sinks can have two handles. You ran up and down Sugerloaf Mtn. ahead of us. Tobaubaning in Green Valley Lake, except for your Mom's crash. Setting between Jan and your mother in the back of our Rabbit, or your mom's VW bug. Helping us move in to our first house. The time in the pizza pallor that Katie tried to set you up with the two cute girls. Those days that you introduced us to your brother and sister, you were so proud to be a big brother.
How proud we were when you graduaded from Masters. We felt so proud of you in your service to our nation.
We hold in our hearts as if you were our own child. We may not have seen each other often, you and your family have and always are our thoughts, and no matter how far or how much time it has been it always seemed like yesterday.

We Love You Jason,

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