April 17, 1977 ~ May 25, 2023
Jason Borup—father, son, brother, coach, teacher, friend to all—died in St. George, Utah, on May 25 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Jason, as ever, was a warm light who drew people to him. A big personality, calmer of babies, and a coach and teacher who really cared. A guy who might look intimidating rolling in on his Harley but who we all knew was really just a big softie.
Jason was born on April 17, 1977, about ten minutes after his womb-mate Angela. His childhood in Ogden was all neighborhood games (Ollie ollie in come free!) and homemade Big Wheel jumps and crabapple fights and sleepovers on the trampoline all summer and sleigh riding all winter. We will not soon forget that time he lit a fire under the house like Indiana Jones or the infamous Bomb in the Junkyard incident.
A move to Fillmore just in time for middle school took some adjustment, but before long he embraced the small town life, and the small town embraced him. His size, speed, and agility on the basketball court didn’t hurt. His teammates remember him as a brother and protector: “He didn't start fights, but he sure knew how to end them.” Off the court Jason and his pals were always off exploring Fillmore Canyon, skiing Elk Meadows, rocking out at concerts, and camping in the red rocks. Whatever the day’s hijinks, Jason seemed to come through unscathed—except for the tumble down the bleachers that landed him with two broken wrists and matching fluorescent pink casts.
Jason was recruited for basketball at Sonoma State University, but soon returned to Utah and graduated from Southern Utah University in 1999. Jason, brave soul that he was, taught and coached middle school kids from Ogden to St. George for the rest of his life. He may not have always gotten his grades in on time, but he was always there for the outcasts and the left behind. And after-hours, he coached basketball with what a fellow coach describes as “an infectious, passionate and yes sometimes loud talent for motivating players to do their best.”
Above all, Jason was a devoted dad. He was never not thinking about his sons, Karson and Jayce, whom he loves fiercely. Jason is survived by family far too numerous to list and dear friends from every phase of his life, one of whom put it this way: “His humor and positivity were infectious, reminding us all that life, irrespective of its setbacks, should be lived with laughter and gusto.”
Go in peace, His Dudeness.
We invite Jason’s community to a casual gathering in his honor on Wednesday, May 31. Come by to swap stories and share the love anytime between 6 and 8 p.m.
Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm: 2592 S 3000 E, St. George, UT 84790.
Can’t make it? No worries. Share a story, a photo, or a video at jasonmemories.com. We will cherish them.
