Jason was born and raised in Sammamish, WA and graduated from Eastlake High School in 2016. He attended Gonzaga University where he studied Mechanical Engineering, served as a Resident Assistant, joined a band, and truly flourished. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2020. His lifelong dream was to be an engineer for Boeing, which he proudly achieved.
Perpetually curious to learn and grow, he was constantly striving for excellence. His hobbies ranged from reading classic literature (“The Count of Monte Cristo” was a favorite) to music to embracing the outdoors through mountain biking, running, skiing, hiking, and watersports. He had a sense of urgency to make the most of each day and never settled for less.
The words he lived by
"I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time."
A person for others
While his accolades showcased his amazing work ethic, his character was the quality that made Jason truly one-of-a-kind. Jason could light up a room with his energetic, exuberant presence and penetrate the souls of those around him. Always focusing on others, he never expected anything in return. He had a way of making others feel comfortable, cared for, and heard. He had the unique capacity to be funny, yet deep; driven, yet humble; hardworking, yet fun; opinionated, yet open-minded. He challenged those around him to think deeper, to try harder, to be BETTER.
His commitment to and unconditional love for his family was a top priority in his life. Not just a brother and son, he was truly a best friend and role model to his parents and sister. His commitment to and unconditional love for his family was a top priority in his life. Not just a brother and son, he was truly a best friend and role model to his parents and sister. Jason leaves behind his mother and father, Lisa and Robert, his sister, Chelsea, many relatives, and countless friends he made growing up in Sammamish, at Gonzaga, and in his workplace.
(20+) “I think I took family for granted... - Gonzaga Parents and Families | Facebook post
Gifts given through this link will be held in a pending fund in memorial of Jason Orr, if cumulative gifts reach GU’s minimum threshold for an endowment, gifts will be moved to an endowed fund in Jason’s memory. If the threshold is not met within 5 years, all gifts will be spent in accordance with the agreement on file in memorial of Jason Orr.