Jason Lee Kunberger passed from a sudden illness on May 18th, 2023. A beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin, Jason was a musician, loyal friend, observer of life and one of the best bullshit callers to ever live (without even making you upset at him).
Jason was born in January 1979 in Stanford, CT, the youngest son of James "Jim" and Mary Jane "Jane" Kunberger (Nordby). Jason grew up in Dunwoody, Ga and, alongside his brother Jeff, composed the 4 J's of many Kunberger Christmas cards.
Jason graduated from Marist High School in 1997 and received his Bachelor Degree from Kennesaw State, after spending the few years prior at Georgia Tech.
Jason began his musical journey like most kids of the '80s — forced into piano lessons from his mom. Early on the best part of those lessons for him and his brother were the trips to the TCBY a few doors down in the strip mall. But the music bug hit Jason hard and became an integral part of his life. Jason started at Marist as a 7th grader and answered the call for a piano player in the pit section. It ended up being one of the seminal moments in his musical path; as part of the percussion section, he got to work closely with Chris Moore who became a trusted teacher and mentor. While Jason's time at Marist was focused on music/band, he also was active in the campus religious programs becoming a Eucharistic Minister and Emmaus Retreat Leader.
Jason matriculated at Georgia Tech joining the Marching Band, Midi Ensemble and other percussive music groups during his time on campus. He left to follow his passion and study Music Education at Kennesaw State. Jason worked in musical education as a 'gun for hire' in teaching and writing pit music for marching bands and indoor drumlines throughout the years.
Jason started his work career part-time at Guitar Center, but ended up staying with the company for over 10 years, moving around the east coast and opening a new Guitar Center Store in Macon. Affectionately known to his GC team as “Coach”, Jason was a valued friend, mentor and champion for his team members.
Jason's love of music involved both performing and seeing others perform. Jason rocked out with his HS band at St Peter Chanel Day at Marist; the Banyan Trio, at many weddings/restaurants, and if he was visiting any of his musical friends, you would definitely find him behind a drum set, congas, piano or guitar doing what he loved best with the people he loved most. One of Jason's last gigs was as a founding member of 'Jam Band Jovi' with Mike Moroski, his best friend since their time at Marist. Jason could also be counted on to see 20 or more live musical shows a year. His home was adorned with concert posters of bands he saw play live, along with multiple large poster boards filled with ticket stubs to most of the shows he'd seen.
Jason is the beloved son of Jim and brother of Jeff; loving Uncle of Alex and Anna; cherished nephew of Lynn & Ray Maher, Betsy Kunberger, Beth & Dale Dowsett, Bill & Lane Kunberger , John & Sela Nordby, Susan Diskin and Cheryl Schmidt; and fun-loving cousin to many others. He is predeceased by his mother, Jane Kunberger; Aunt, Nancy Campbell; Uncle, Chip Kunberger and Uncle, Steve Schmidt.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Jason on Friday June 23rd, starting at 3 p.m. and held at the Chestnut Hill Clubhouse, 5184 Lupine Ln NW, Acworth GA.
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