Jason William Walenta

Jason William Walenta was born on November 8,1966 and died unexpectedly on October 17, 2023. He was born in Castro Valley, CA, son of Joel & Carol Walenta. Jason was a dedicated father to his children Will, Sam, and Max, who he loved unconditionally with such great depth and pride.

He was also a faithful and supportive husband to his beloved wife, soulmate, and best friend of 26 years, Shanda. She was the love of his life. His devotion to her and his children was truly a testament to what it means to be a real man of character and authenticity. Jason, affectionately known as ‘J-Dawg’, was also a second dad to the countless kids who were friends of his three boys-from the youth teams he coached, their high-school and college teammates, and their classmates. Because of his deep and unconditional love for others, Jason's home was a welcoming hub and resting place for everyone he knew - friends, family, and anyone he met along the way. He had a talent for bringing people together, not only to cook for them (which was one of his great joys), but to provide a place to relax, share stories, laugh, watch any sporting event, and create lasting memories. Being around Jason felt like home.

Jason worked as a medical sales representative for Johnson & Johnson for the past 23 years. Because of his many dedicated years of experience in this field, he formed so many close personal relationships that he cherished with fellow employees as well as all the hospital staff & personnel. Jason found great joy in his career especially by the satisfaction of being able to help others through it.

Jason had a deep passion for hunting and wildlife, and his love for the outdoors was easily seen when around him. He was known for the many animals that were a part of his family, which is a further testament to Jason’s kind and gentle nature. From Billy the Pig, to his favorite dogs, Sookie and Hoss, and all the squirrels he and Shanda raised and released into the wild when ready.

Jason’s infectious sense of humor and warm personality was magnetic to everyone that knew him. Jason grew up in Dallas and was a 1985 graduate of Jesuit Prep where he played football all 4 years. He then attended Millsaps College in Jackson Mississippi where he played football and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. There, he developed lifelong friendships, especially with his teammates and fraternity brothers, who until his last day, were considered family. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Madison, Mississippi and the Knights of Columbus. Jason's devotion to his faith in God, his family, his friends, and his love for the outdoors were hallmarks of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Walenta family thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Jason William Walenta was survived by his wife, Shanda, his three boys, Will (24), Sam (22), and Max (19); his parents, Joel and Carol Walenta; his sisters, Joelene (John) Elliott, and Petey (Jamie) Gill, and brother-in-law, Caleb Hemphill. Jason also has numerous nieces and nephews that he adored and loved, Aubrey and Trey Elliott, Averey Elliott Schneider (Bo), Jayden, Brynson and Cade Gill and Kalen Hemphill.

A visitation for Jason will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4000 W Tidewater Lane, Madison, Mississippi 39110. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM, 4000 W Tidewater Lane, Madison, Mississippi 39110. A final resting place will occur at Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157.

Please feel free to share words of support or memories and photos with the family at:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ridgeland-ms/jason-walenta-11503280

In honor of Jason's memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jesuit Memorial Scholarship Fund at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas online at https://www.jesuitdallas.org/giving/memorials or the Mississippi Wildlife Federation online at www.mswildlife.org. These contributions will honor his legacy by supporting organizations that were important and so very close to his heart.