Jason Love

Taken from those he loved much too soon, Jason Love was an extraordinary man to know and love. We would have treasured more time to share his laughter and his zest for life, but the impact he made in the hearts and lives of those around him was no less significant than the impact made by those who are given many decades in which to compose their life’s song. A family man through and through, Jason treasured the times he shared with his friends and loved ones most of all. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories he leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for years to come.

The seventies were a decade unlike any other in American history. The chaotic events of the sixties spilled over into the next decade as continued strain over civil rights and the debate over what our role in the Vietnam War should be continued to divide us. The youth of this generation paid little attention to what was going on around them and were delighted with toys like Hot Wheels and Barbie dolls while the introduction to Atari ushered in the age of video games. Nestled within this unprecedented time was the year 1974 that brought great anticipation to one young couple from Watseka, Illinois, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of a new baby. Their wait was over on August 15th of that year when they welcomed their healthy baby boy. Jason was one of three boys born to his parents, Larry A. and Lynn M. (Stoewsand) Love, and was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Bob and Steven. Watseka, located just 15 miles west of the border between Illinois and Indiana, was the place he called home throughout his entire life.

For the most part Jason experienced a typical upbringing for the youth of his generation. He enjoyed playing both baseball and football in school and also with his family. Another favorite family activity was going out for a lively game of paintball. It doesn’t come as a surprise that somehow Jason always ended up with the best gun! As a student he attended local schools including Watseka High School where he played football and threw the shot put on the school track team. He went on to graduate from high school in 1993.

With his education behind him, Jason was ready to embark on all life had in store for him. Of course work was a necessary part of his life, and he spent his working days in the food industry. Jason worked at Eagle Grocery Store for a time and later settled in at Berkott’s Grocery Store in Watseka where he remained for 20 years.

In his free time, Jason enjoyed pursuing his interests. He continued to play paintball as often as he could and was a genuine sports enthusiast as well. Although Jason followed a variety of different sports and teams, nothing compared to watching football and his beloved Chicago Cubs. During his down time he could often be found behind his computer screen, playing some sort of online game.

There were are so many things about Jason Love that will be so dearly missed. He was a warm and kindhearted man who was always so happy each and every day. Although he could be a bit more reserved initially, Jason came out of his shell and became quite chatty once he knew what the conversation centered on. He was devoted to his family and was always up for a good time. A blessing in the lives of many, Jason will never be forgotten.

Jason A. Love of Watseka died at Iroquois Memorial Hospital on May 12, 2012. Jason’s family includes his parents; brothers: Bob (Becky) Love of Bloomington, IL, and Steven (Julie) Love of Bolingbrook, IL; one niece, Emma Love; his paternal grandmother, Evelyn Love of Chebanse, IL; one uncle, Richard (Penny) Stoewsand of Bourbonnais, IL; three aunts, Peggy (Hugh) Idstein of Houston, TX, Debi Young of Chebanse, IL, and Pam (Jack) LaPorte of Manteno, IL. Jason was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lawrence Love and maternal grandparents, Richard (Barbara) Stoewsand. A gathering for family and friends will be on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home Kankakee Chapel, 1900 West Court St. Kankakee, IL. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Elaine Daugherty officiating from the True Vine Ministries in Watseka, IL. Interment will be in the Aroma Park Cemetery, Aroma Park, IL. A memorial has been established for his niece Emma Love’s education. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.