Jason Jonathan Odi Ella

Good day everyone, we come together today at St Benedict Church to commemorate the life of Jason Jonathan Odi Ella and honor what he meant to all of us. My name is Justin Leslie Odi Ella and I am his younger and only brother. I take great pride in speaking today and I am extremely thankful for all of you in attendance today in the Church, participating in the live stream, and those that are with us in spirit. It means a great deal to me that so many are out there in support for this occasion. I know my late mother, Liilia Oliverio Odi Ella, and father, Juanicolo Quiling Ella, along with brother are smiling down upon us.

Jason Jonathan Odi Ella was born on September 30, 1980, at Columbus Hospital in Chicago. His elementary schools consisted of St. Philomena, Blessed Virgin Mary, and Immaculate Heart of Mary. He graduated High School from the current 60th best high school in the nation, Lane Tech. He went on to take college courses at Northeastern Illinois University. My brother and I were the only children from our late parents, and we were more than enough for them. He never married and he never had any children.

Jason Jonathan Odi Ella, Jay, Kuya Jay was a gentle and kind person. In our younger years, he was always the big brother. He always rough housed with me, as brothers do, but never hesitated to stick up for me when needed. I remember in elementary school, we had to stay in an after-school program because our parents had to work, and a kid took the basketball that I was playing with. I told my brother and let’s just say, I got the ball back and that kid didn’t mess with me again. My brother was very soft spoken but always willing to stand up for others and once he was comfortable with your he could talk up a storm. He was an avid watcher of movies and took great enjoyment in watching all things anime. He grew up learning how to play the piano and became very good at it. His favorite sports to play were baseball, basketball, and especially football. He had a knack of knowing sports information. My dad and I would always joke around that if we didn’t know something related to sports, we’d just call him, and he would know it for some crazy reason. His favorite sports teams were the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Bears. For as long as I can remember, it was tradition for my dad, my brother, and I to watch the Bears game every Sunday. Sometimes my mom would enjoy with us, but she’d look at us like we were crazy when we’d be screaming at the TV. This time together was always a highlight of my week. I know you guys will continue to watch with me every week from up above.

At a young age, my brother had to deal with many hardships related to his health. He had to tackle and overcome many obstacles throughout his life. He had to learn to take care of himself since he was small and every time a challenge was completed, another challenge would arise. It was a rollercoaster of emotions of extreme joy and frustration. He was diagnosed with diabetes by 8th grade and learned to care for himself with injections and monitoring his blood glucose as a child that wasn’t as common back then. He was diagnosed with end stage renal disease in 2014 and had to undergo dialysis treatments 3 times a week for around 4 hours every week until he was able to receive a kidney transplant in March 2021. He lost his vision to his left eye around 2015. With it, he lost his ability to drive. This was particularly hard for him because if he needed to go somewhere, he had to be driven by someone else. It was also extremely difficult for him because a lot of his friends moved away, and it was hard for him to meet up

with them. My dad and I fulfilled this role for him without hesitation. Since our father passed, it was a blessing that the facility I worked for was understanding of my family’s needs and was always supportive if I had to come late or leave early for my family. My brother had a lot of doctors and with that a lot of appointments. I know he grew frustrated at times with all the tests and checkups he had to go through. At the end though, he always sucked it up. He did whatever he needed to do to get through every situation. I commend him and admire him for all he’s gone through in his life. So many people would give up with all the curve balls thrown at them. My brother was so strong and resilient. I couldn’t have been prouder of him for all that he’s achieved throughout his life.

I want to particularly honor Johnny Fernandez and Kevin Norkus for going out of their way to reach out and meet up with my brother and just hang out. Though you guys’ live great distances from Chicago, you guys still pulled through for my brother. I know he was having the best of times with you guys when I wasn’t available. He loved to tell me the things you guys did and what you guys ate. From my family and I, thank you.

This past year, he was as they say, “living his best life.” We were traveling together to visit family and having a great time. He particularly loved watching the Bears/Chargers game this past October with family. He was partaking in gatherings more and just simply enjoying. I loved to see this from him as his illnesses caused him to be quiet and reserved. Some of you could remember how much fun he was having during my birthday. I hope you guys remember him for those joyful times.

When my brother has work, I usually stay at our childhood home with him so I can drive him to work in the morning before I go to work. The night previous, I cooked, and we ate dinner as we normally do. I do the cooking and he puts the leftovers in the fridge. Then we got ready for bed as normal. He had no complaints, he was feeling well, there was nothing indicating that anything would happen. He had a doctor’s appointment the week prior, and everything was well too. In fact, everything was going well for him. He was so happy. I woke up in the morning to drive him to work and I didn’t hear any movement of him getting ready. I thought it was odd, so I went to check on him and tell him to get up. When I found him in bed, I knew that he passed away in his sleep that early morning on Thursday April 18th. I knew he didn’t have any struggle as if there was, I would’ve heard it. I can take solace in knowing that he passed away quick and peacefully in his dreams.

As much as it pains me to say this, I’m the last Ella left. I’ve done my absolute best caring for you, mom, and dad throughout the past decade and I am glad you 3 are together again. We’ve laughed together, and we’ve cried together. I know you are all proud of me for the things I’ve done and accomplished and cherish all the time we had with each other. I will continue to be me and do the best I can in all facets of life. We have another angel watching down upon us along with the countless ones that have moved on. On behalf of myself and those with us near and far, we love you Kuya Jay. Rest in peace.