Jason Everett Burson

Jason E. Burson, affectionately known by many of his friends and family as “Big J”, was born on October 10, 1975 in Boston, Massachusetts to Sandra E. Burson and Jewell E. Burson. Jason was raised in a very musical family where his mother played the drums and his grandfather was the lead in the locally known band, “Hopeton Johnson and the Ambassadors.” Jason demonstrated his love for music very early on and started to sing at an exceptionally early age. His musical influences included rhythm and blues powerhouses, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Earth Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie. Singing throughout Boston, Jason performed in various talent shows and even produced his first talent show at the age of twelve. Jason continued his love of singing through his teenage years and became a part of an accapella group. Once in Georgia he became a member of the Arthur L Boyd Memorial Choir that had the occasion to join with the back-up choirs for Barry Manilow and Michael Bolton. As a result of his vocal skill, upon graduation from high school Jason received a scholarship to pursue the study of vocal music at the prestigious Alabama A&M University located in Huntsville, Alabama. Jason’s skills really took root while at AAMU and he participated in several musical endeavors including singing with the prominent Alabama A&M Gospel Choir, becoming a member and Educational Chair of the Omicron Delta Chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, a collegiate music fraternity, and touring Alabama and Georgia as a member of the “Justus” Jazz Band. Music and singing were a constant theme in Jason’s life and no greater evidence can be found than in his professional pursuits with music as an adult. Upon graduation from college, Jason remained in Huntsville and flexed his musical muscles with the powerful medium of radio. For thirteen years, Jason served as a producer and host for “Your Smooth Jazz and Cool Vocal Station; otherwise known as 90.9 FM WJAB in Huntsville. Ready to spread his wings even further and pursue his lifelong desire to travel the world, Jason combined his joy of singing and travel by taking a position with Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. While at Royal Caribbean Jason lived his life to the fullest. He, quite literally, traveled the world and was able to be heard singing on the seven seas. In addition to his singing prowess, Jason’s charm and love for people was immediately noticed. It did not take long for Jason to move up the ladder at Royal Caribbean. Jason became an Officer with Royal Caribbean and specialized in human resources and training; including, his most recent assignment, as Learning and Development Consultant. Jason was famously liked and adored by his colleagues, those he managed and the many guests that he encountered. Although Jason was quite busy traveling the world he never lost sight of his family and friends. Jason was always willing to lend a helping hand and his vast community involvement and philanthropic ways demonstrated his commitment to his community. In addition to the musical roles, Jason was a strident, loyal and passionate member of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Gamma Chapter. As a proud Alpha Brother, Jason served as a former Vice-President of the Chapter in Huntsville. He took tremendous pride in being a member of the Black-n-Gold. Further, Jason served as an Alumni Member of the “Voteless People is a Hopeless People” Foundation, a Committee Member of the North Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation and a - Board Member/Treasurer of the United Way Leaders on Loan Executive Program; just to name a few. One of the most joyful expressions of Jason’s personality was displayed in is passion for wrestling! Most sports have fans and then there are those rare few that are pure fanatics. Jason was a wrestling fanatic! He immersed himself into the world of wrestling, in particular, the WWF, otherwise known as the World Wrestling Federation. If one spent any time around Jason, his love of wrestling was abundantly apparent. Jason would excitingly and very comprehensively discuss his favorite wrestlers, the many sold-out events he attended all over the country and his much cherished wrestling memorabilia. His following of wrestling was just one of the many ways in which Jason really knew how to have good old fashioned fun! Jason did not waste one moment of his gift of life. While on earth, Jason was “building himself a home.” On Monday, September 5, 2016 Jason transitioned to that home to be with his maker. Jason is survived by: his mother, Sandra E. Burson, of Pine Lake, Georgia; his father, Jewell E. Burson, of Richmond, Virginia; his brother, David E. Burson, of Wakefield, Massachusetts; his sister, Valentein Burson, of Fall River, Massachusetts; his niece, Samantha L. Burson, of Wakefield, Massachusetts; his uncle, Jeffrey R. Browne (Debbie), of Indian Trial, North Carolina; his aunts Colleen DePriest (Raymond) of Richmond, Virginia; Careen Quarles of Richmond, Virginia; Carolyn Burson of Richmond, Virginia; ; Mildred Johnson of Verona, Virginia and uncles Calvin West (Betty) of Jacksonville, Florida; Kermit Whitlow (Alice) of Petersburg, Virginia Jason’s family adores that he never met a stranger and appreciates how much he touched the lives of so many people with his big heart, big smile and boundless generosity. Jason maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way through his transition. Friends and family are invited to come and celebrate Jason’s life on Saturday, November 5, 2016 beginning at noon. The celebration will take place at the Wages & Sons Funeral Home, 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia, 30083. It will be a Black and Gold affair.