Jayson Edland Perry, age 31, of Huntsville AL passed away on September 23, 2024.
Born on July 25, 1993 in Huntsville, Jayson was known for his deep love for his family and his passion for music. He was a friend to all who knew him and never hesitated to ask others about their lives. He made a positive impact on everyone he met.
Jayson was a gifted saxophonist involved in many musical projects throughout his life. As a child, his love of music began at age five while taking piano lessons from Glen Harper. At Discovery Middle School, he took up the saxophone and it was love at first sight. Jayson honed his skills with his involvement in the Discovery Middle School Band and Jazz Band as well as the Madison Jazz Ensemble. While in college at Auburn University, he became involved in the Auburn University Jazz Band and was the principal tenor saxophonist in the Auburn Knights Orchestra (AKO) where he made lifelong friends. He remained involved in the AKO community, returning for as many of their annual reunions as he could. The AKO reunion was one of his favorite events of the year and he looked forward to playing whether it was for the concerts or jamming by the pool. Jazz music was his passion and it was not uncommon for people to be awed by his musical skills.
Jayson also had a giving spirit for teaching and helping others. During his time in college and even after, he taught saxophone and piano lessons at Spicer’s Music in Auburn, AL. He cared deeply about his students’ success and was thoughtful about how he could be a better teacher throughout his tenure at Spicer’s. He loved his Spicer’s music family.
In addition to his musical talents, Jayson was an avid runner. He ran cross country during his time in high school at Bob Jones. He had recently returned to running as a hobby and earned achievements in several local races throughout the Huntsville area including a stellar debut marathon performance in the Rocket City Marathon that earned him qualification for the Boston Marathon. Jayson often said that running gave him peace of mind and a sense of freedom.
Beyond running, Jayson participated in Scouting, first with Pack 83 and then Troop 350 in Madison. He earned the highest awards at both program levels – the Arrow of Light and Eagle Scout. He is one of five Eagle Scouts in the extended family. A highlight of his scouting career included sharing a nearly 100-mile trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch with his Dad. He also played T-ball and youth baseball. Jayson had quite the throwing arm as his Dad can attest from a very sore catching hand after backyard pitching practices. He also loved playing pick-up basketball in his neighborhood with his many buddies.
Beyond his many talents, Jayson was most of all a kind, loving, and devoted family man. His wife of nearly six years, Allyson, was his cherished companion on many memorable adventures. They share numerous fond memories of traveling, cheering on Auburn (and South Carolina) football and basketball, starting and nurturing a family, and sharing many, many laughs along the way that will never be forgotten. He cherished spending time with his two children, Jack and Amelia. He was involved in their lives as much as possible, trying his best to make it to every T-ball game, swim lesson, soccer practice, and every other aspect of their lives. He loved his children with all his heart. Though young, they already embody their father’s spirit, sensitivity, and extraordinary kindness.
Jayson adored his sister, Ashlyn, sharing a close bond growing up and well into adulthood. Jayson and Ashlyn were best friends. They shared the same sense of humor, had similar taste in music, and were constantly asked how they held such a great brother-sister dynamic while feeding into each others’ jokes. There was never a true answer other than telling others they simply seemed to understand one another and loved each other very much.
Jayson inherited his musical talents from his mother, Gretchen. A chemical engineer turned professional violinist, she guided both Jayson and Ashlyn through their musical pursuits from an early age. Over the years, Jayson and Gretchen played together for a number of weddings and other events. The Perry family is overrun with engineers and Jayson followed both his parents, paternal grandfather, and uncle into the engineering field, earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn. His mother’s musical influence is reflected in his pursuit of the jazz saxophone performance minor that complemented his engineering degree. His father, Jay, guided Jayson in his Scouting and sporting pursuits. This included camping in nearly any weather condition imaginable and backpacking hundreds of miles. Jayson’s passion for running and a love for the outdoors emerged from his father’s support and encouragement.
Jayson touched numerous lives by always offering a smile, a listening ear, and a helping hand. He made friends no matter when and where he was. The depth and breadth of his impact on others is beyond description.
Jayson is survived by his wife, Allyson; his two children, Jack and Amelia; sister, Ashlyn Perry and her fiance Tristan Samios; parents, Jay and Gretchen Perry; maternal grandmother, Gwen Edland; and multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins who dearly love him. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dr. John Edland, and paternal grandparents, Jesse and Carla Perry.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 4th, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 7740 Hwy 72 W, Madison, AL 35758. The family will receive visitors from 11 AM – 1 PM with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Meal Train link: https://mealtrain.com/m469g9 in Jayson’s memory. All excess donations will go toward the children’s educational funds.
Jayson is and will be deeply missed but his legacy lives on in his children and the hearts of all who knew him.
Thank you for the music, Jayson!
