Jason Michael Sidley, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on July 7, 2024, at the age of 52, after a courageous two-year battle with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma. Jason fought this rare disease with immense bravery and unwavering determination, even traveling to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, for treatment.
Jason is survived by his devoted wife, Brandi, and their cherished daughters, Cece and Sophie. He leaves behind his loving parents, Barb and Chris Sidley, and his brothers Jeremy (wife April, children Julia and Jack) and Justin (wife Jeanette, children Raymond and Ellen). Jason is also survived by his in-laws, Burt and Janice Bonomi, and Sandee and Gary Emerson, as well as his brother-in-law Mike Bonomi and nephews Angelo, Matteo, and Giulio. He will be deeply missed by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially his partner in crime, “Cuz” Andra Casas.
Born on June 24, 1972, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Jason grew up in the Bay Area and was a proud alumnus of De La Salle High School. He later attended Sacramento State University, where he met the love of his life, Brandi Sidley. Together, Jason and Brandi shared a beautiful life and were blessed with two daughters, Cece and Sophie, whom he adored.
Jason cherished spending time with friends and cousins, often playing golf and enjoying a variety of sports. He loved hanging out and was always the life of the party. Jason had a remarkable talent for making people laugh, bringing joy and laughter to all who knew him.
Jason's family brought him his greatest joy. He took immense pride in being a loving and dedicated husband and father. Actively involved in his daughters' lives, he attended all their school events, drove on field trips, judged science fairs, and made his famous pulled pork sandwiches for the Winter Faire. He coached his daughters’ softball teams and served as manager (aka Momager) and recruiting liaison for the Breeze, helping the team achieve their dreams of playing in college. He supported Cece and Sophie in all their activities, from volleyball to tennis, and could often be heard singing along to their favorite songs, ultimately growing into a huge Swiftie with them. Jason was immensely proud of Cece's burgeoning political career and supported Sophie wholeheartedly as she pursued her studies to become a nurse.
Jason Sidley had a distinguished career in civil engineering, marked by dedication, expertise, and humility. Starting with the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources in 1991, he led storm drainage and water treatment projects before joining the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in 2010. At DWR, Jason became a respected flood management expert, contributing to major reports and securing Congressional support for flood preparedness. Known for his self-deprecating humor and ability to connect with stakeholders, he believed in the importance of using his camera during virtual meetings to enhance communication. His leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on flood management in California.
In addition to his engineering career, Jason pursued his passion for photography, working alongside his wife Brandi as a family and wedding photographer for ten years. His professional life was marked by dedication and creativity.
Jason's sensitive, loving, and selfless nature was complemented by his competitive spirit and strong work ethic. He was always the first to volunteer when help was needed. Jason and his wife Brandi were best friends, cherishing every moment together, whether traveling, cooking, or enjoying music. An avid traveler, Jason loved exploring new cities and trying different cuisines, a passion he shared with Brandi. His passion for cooking, especially barbecue, was well-known among friends and family. He approached his "project meals" with the same dedication he applied to all aspects of his life, insisting on the best ingredients and preparing everything from scratch. His eclectic taste in music ranged from old-school rap to Jack Johnson and The Avett Brothers. Jason and Brandi's shared love for adventure and their deep bond made their life together truly special.
Jason's life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the joy of living fully. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his legacy of kindness and selflessness will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.
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