Jason Robert Pettit

Obituary

Jason Robert Pettit
January 28, 1982 – June 15, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jason Robert Pettit, who left us on June 15, 2025, at the age of 43. A vibrant soul with a deep love for music, food, and community, Jason passed peacefully, surrounded by family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Born into a military family, Jason spent most of his early life in Killeen, Texas. His musical journey began in school choir and led to UIL and state honors. He earned a degree in Vocal Performance from Sacramento State University, and during college, he toured Europe sharing his voice.

In California, Jason served as Children’s Music Director at St. John’s Lutheran Church and as Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus. His passion for music was matched by a love of wine and cheese, which led to certifications and a small business with close friends. Wine nights became his favorite way to bring people together.

Jason returned to Texas in 2019 to be near family, continuing in the wine and food industry until his diagnosis in 2023. He met each challenge with strength, humor, and grace—living 18 months beyond expectations.

He is survived by his father, Roger Pettit; sisters and brothers-in-law, Miranda & JJ Martinez, Lisa & Mika StCyr, and Rafael; and his cherished nieces and nephews: Felicia, Brianna, Phillip, Brayden, Taylor, Xavier, Mavin, and Maverick. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Roberta Pettit; brother, Michael Pettit; grandfather, Robert French; and grandparents, Peggy & William Pettit.

Jason lived with an open heart and an open mind, always encouraging others to chase joy, find beauty, and never miss a moment to dance.

Services

Two memorial services will be held to honor Jason’s life:

~ Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Crawford & Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.

~ Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (Reception to follow) at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento, California.

Videos

Memory wall

July 25, 2025

Thank you, Jason, for singing this small piece I composed while we were attending CSU, Sacramento, exactly twenty years ago. Your voice has always been so pure and I am so very fortunate to have this music to remember you.

Soundcloud link to audio recording of "Hush"
(Text: "Hush", a Quatrain by Ralph Waldo Emerson):
https://soundcloud.com/gregmullen/hush

Greg Mullen

July 16, 2025

Jason - you were a dear friend, a wonderful housemate, an amazingly talented and sensitive musician, and a kind soul who was taken from us too too soon. We met through music, and became lasting friends. Your warmth and caring toward your friends can never be forgotten. Miss you, buddy!

Paul Galloway

June 27, 2025

Please accept my sincerest condolences. It is with a heavy heart to learn the news of his passing today and to hear of the battle that Jason fought so valiantly since 2023. What an honor it has been to have known his kindness, friendship, and smile since elementary, at Sugarloaf and then years later at Ellison. May the good memories we cherish help us to find peace and comfort.

S. Thurston

June 26, 2025

I met Jason’s beautiful soul in high school choir. We made so many memories and had so much fun. Laughing and terrorizing Mr. Surface was every choir teen’s pastime. We didn’t cross paths anymore after high school but he was the kind of person you never forget and are always better for knowing him. I know he fought as much as he could. Until we meet again sweet friend 🫶🏾

Deidre Smith

June 26, 2025

Jason joined the Austin Tennis Club sometime in 2023. He immediately blended in with everyone he met and took every opportunity to volunteer, play, and hang out with the team. I'm glad that we were able to hold a fundraiser for him because, knowing Jason in the short amount of time that we did, he would 100% do the same for any of his own.

I didn't personally know Jason growing up, but we did share some personal memories: having both grown up in Killeen, gone to Ellison, played tennis with the same coach, and he even did some extracurriculars with my older sister. We almost crossed paths so many times, and I'm happy that it finally did.

Jason, you are well-loved and you are an amazing light that shines in this world. I'll be expecting to find you on a court up there ⛅️!

Phillip Ferrer

June 26, 2025

Jason, thank you for being a big brother to us who were too scared to come out of the closet. What a crazy time that was. I remember you dancing with me to country music at faces before the crowds came it. I’ll always appreciate you being there and showing up as a supportive guy. I’ll forever remember “dignity” you silly goose. I love you. Thank you for everything, you made a huge impact on my young life.

Nikki Hughes

June 25, 2025

🩵

Felicia