In Memory of Jason Zabel

Everything has been moving so fast and honestly it’s been hard to mourn and grieve the loss of Jason. At this time we are asking for donations for any amount in Jason’s memory. The funds will be used for funeral expenses and all remaining funds will be donated to JourneyPure in Panama City Beach. This is where Jason began his road to recovery. With your donation hopefully we can help others to begin their journey.

This is one of the saddest posts I’ve ever made. We have gained another guardian angel. Jason Edward Zabel. He was my big brother. My confidant. My rock. He was a constant in my life that I could always count on. He was my biggest supporter and motivator. He knew me better than I knew myself and he loved me with all his being. And I loved him unconditionally.

Jason had demons that he struggled with. He battled these demons for most of his adult life and ultimately ended up in California to get sober. And he did it. He was sober for over 4 years. He had turned his life around and had started a new chapter in his life. It was a beautiful four years. So many great things happened during this time. He met a bunch of amazing, sober, successful people! He got an awesome job! He became Uncle JZ to his nephew Otto. And he touched so many people’s lives during that time sharing his story at meetings. The best part was I got to have my brother back in my life. The real Jason. The one I remember growing up with. The one who would check me out of school and take me to get sushi for lunch and say I had a “doctors appointment.” The guy who would stay up with me to watch every Lord of the Rings movie in one night. The guy who swam into a rip current to save his brother from drowning. The loudest cheerer at my track meets, I could always hear his “go CoCo!” The guy who would fly across the country just to babysit and change dirty diapers. He was selfless. He was motivated. He transformed himself through hard work at the gym. I know you’ve seen at least one of his gym selfies. He had to show off that pump. He was strong. The thing is, even when we seem at our strongest we have moments of weakness. Unfortunately, Jason relapsed and suffered the ultimate consequence. And now we mourn because of it.

I urge you to not be quick to make judgement on the actions of his past but to remember him for all the good he did with his life. Remember his infectious personality and smile. Remember his outrageous story telling and jokes. Remember his corny one liners. Remember Jason at his core. He was a great person, sponsor, brother, son, uncle and friend. He was a shining light in the dark. He had his flaws and imperfections but that’s what made Jason who he was.

I’d give anything to talk to him one more time. To give him another hug. To have another movie night. Another “good game” pat on the butt as we walk pass each other. I’ll cherish these little memories for the rest of my life and try to be the best version of myself in Jason’s memory. I’ll pass along all he taught me, both the good and the bad. And hopefully you will do the same. Please say a little prayer, send good vibes, or whatever you might do for Jason, his friends and his family. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and a little longer the next opportunity you can because you don’t know when it might be the last time. If you know someone that struggles with addiction please don’t scorn or alienate them. Be there for them. Talk to them and be present when they need you most. Rest In Peace Jason Edward Zabel. I love you big lots.