Suddenly, unexpectedly, and at a far too young age, Jason Castleton Cleary, 50, passed away at his Fort Worth, TX, home on the evening of December 12, 2020.
Jason was born July 3, 1970, in Salt Lake City to parents Michael James Cleary and Jane Castleton Cleary. He married Heidi Grimm of Absecon, NJ in 1998. Although they divorced after 20 years of marriage, they shared the joy of their two children, Jane Caitlin and Breneman Tevis. Jason shared his last years living with his girlfriend, Mardona Carlstrom-Metsch, in San Diego, CA prior to their relocation to Fort Worth, TX.
Jason persevered through many challenges in his young adult years, always emerging stronger. After several moves during high school, he graduated from Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, NV) in 1988. He went on to serve two years in the US Army as a field artillery survey specialist. Upon return he enrolled at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, earning degrees in Accounting and Finance in 1994. He became a CPA and CMA in 1996 while working at Arthur Anderson & Co. In 1997, Jason served in the Advanced Business Development Group of the US Peace Corps, educating business students and entrepreneurs in Ukraine. After returning from Ukraine he went on to earn an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. He worked professionally for more than 10 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home father when his children were young. He later returned to the workplace, building a successful career as a civil servant.
Jason’s love and spirit will live on in his children who maintain his best qualities. Breneman, who is kind and understanding. And Jane who is passionate and driven. Jason built a strong foundation in both of his children through his constant love and support. He was especially proud of the young adults they have become. Undoubtedly, Jason would want to be remembered as a good father. And he will be.
Jason is survived by his children, Jane Caitlin Cleary and Breneman Tevis Cleary, both of Houston, TX; his brother James Augustin Cleary (Tina) of Reno, NV; and his brother Michael Qvale Cleary of Chester Springs, PA. He is preceded in death by his father, Michael James Cleary and mother, Jane Castleton Cleary-Kent.
Jason will be buried alongside his parents in Salt Lake City, Utah. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, at 10:00am on January 5, 2021
Jason and I worked together shortly at the IRS, but when I tell you we became best buddies. Not only was he smart & kind, he poured so much love into me. He always told me how much he appreciated my work and how I was a bright light in our organization. His passing is a loss to our staff and to my heart. My sympathy and prayers to his family. He will truly be missed.
My wife Marilyn and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Jason. I had the privilege of working with Jason as a team member working for IRS DevOps. He was a great person, a great coworker with a great sense of humor and he will be missed all. It was my pleasure to have known him. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jason's family , his girlfriend and his circle of friends .
I worked with Jason at the IRS and we bonded over being veterans. He was proud to have served his country and always had a laugh for you. You're definitely gone too soon, but I pray your family has peace and will hold onto the happier times. Rest in Heaven.
KC
Jason was a important link in my life to his mother Jane who was my best friend dating back to 1957. I watched all three of Janes sons, James (Jamie to me), Michael and Jason as infants grow into very successful adults. Jason passing is a loss way too soon for all of us. I send my love to both Jim and michael their family’s and also Jason’s children.
Sending love to all friends and family who knew and cared for Jason. His unexpected passing leaves a hole too big to fill especially with all the loss endured this year. Here's to courage as we face into the sadness, bargaining, denial, disbelief and acceptance grief brings. Jason is my cousin on my father's (Kenneth Castleton) side of the family; Janie's youngest sibling and brother. Jason was generous to come to my wedding in 1999 when we didn't have much of a relationship, and we were so grateful for the gesture . My husband Brian and brother David and his wife Amy and I are saddened by the loss of Jason.
Dear Cleary Family, Jason was a delight to work with and brought positive energy and smiles to our team. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Sincerely,
Chazara Clark-Smith
Frisco, TX
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to all whom he loved and loved him.
Jason you will truly be missed! To know you is to LOVE you and DevOps is very blessed to have experienced a beautiful spirit such as yours. The days ahead will not be easy, but the comfort of knowing that you are in heaven embracing the angels above with your infectious laughter makes us smile. May the impact that you've made at the IRS never be forgotten as we are thankful for all that you have taught us. I will miss our personal chats, your impeccable work ethic, and the awesome stories that you share...but most of all I will miss YOU! Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to get to know you and may you Rest In Peace always!
Love, Your DevOps Buddy Shanita
Love and prayers to all.
We were at Wharton with Jason and Heidi. Rich often says that Jason was the smartest person at the MBA program and I always thought he was one of the warmest people I ever met. His exuberance, genuine humor and loving behavior made him a dear friend. We had many nights of laughing until our stomachs hurt. He was a loving and engaged parent and someone we will miss greatly.
It was a true pleasure working with Jason "virtually. Such an extremely hard worker and compassionate gentleman.. He truly will be missed by his DevOps Team/co-workers at the IRS....Prayers are with his children, girlfriend and family. God Bless, may you rest in peace. Love Annette
I'm sadened by the news of his passing.
We are sending prayers for the family to heal from their loss. May your memories bring you peace.
We are so sad to learn about Jason’s passing. We knew him in grad school and were very fond of him and will always remember his infectious smile. Our condolences go out to his children, family and loved ones.
All the positive strength and energy being sent to the family! He was a good man and loved to no end. Always remember that! Peace and love❤️
I went to high school with Jason and was sad to hear of his passing. I pray for his family and close friends that God will give them strength and comfort in this trying time.
So sorry to hear this news.Jason was a great person, i went to school with him.Truly a great loss! My condolences!!
I just learned of Jason's passing. What a tremendous loss. I went to Wharton with him, but didn't know him well there. We got to know each other after school, when we both lived in Houston. He had such a contagious enthusiasm for life. Unfortunately, I lost touch with him over the last decade, but I have some fun and wonderful memories with him. I'll miss him greatly, as I'm sure you all will as well.