For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”
Ephesians 2:8
Jason Ross Eckford was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 28, 1980 to parents Francine and Cleophas Eckford. He departed from this life on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
In 1993 Jason’s family moved to Naperville, Illinois where Jason attended and graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School, where he participated in track and basketball, developed a strong passion for drawing and found life-long friendships. After graduation, Jason attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and decided to remain, making it his forever home.
Jason was Creative, Protective, Opinionated, Ambitious, Strong and Rooted in Christ. There were times when Jason wouldn’t be completely honest with his family, which could be perceived as deceptive. When actually it wasn’t deception it was reassurance, he never wanted his family to worry. All inquiries were answered with “I’m Good” in sickness and in health. Jason was Opinionated, he had an opinion on everything from politics to the economy, from history to religion and he was always willing to share that opinion. He was ambitious, he possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. He was always creating ideas to pursue his own course. He was very STRONG physically and emotionally, consistently demonstrating strength and endurance.
Jason was rooted in Christ. As a child he was a student of Catholicism serving as an Alter Boy and Boy Scout. His teachings of God and Christ planted and produced a profound, enduring impact on his life, shaping him into the amazing man people came to respect and love.
Jason’s memories will live on with his parents, Francine and Derrick Russell; sisters: Elizabeth Eckford (Alex Liddell), Lauren Russell-Dilworth (Bradley Dilworth) and Jocelyn Russell; brother, Tristin Russell; aunts: Nancy Wright-Redauex (Myesha), Janet Wheeler (Herb), Barbette Easley, Shirley Chamberlain, and Amelia Daniels; uncles: Joseph Thompson, Thomas Thompson, and Calvin Thompson (Cheryl). He also leaves precious memories with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, coworkers and very dear friends.
The public viewing for Mr. Jason Ross Eckford will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
