Jason
  Home Page | Jason Page | Photo Page  

Jason Allen Hain


Devoted Husband, Loving Son, Caring Brother


Jason was born on May 24th, 1974, the firstborn son of Joseph and Darylyn Hain. Almost from the outset one could sense that Jason was something special. Oh! He was a perfectly normal boy, but watching him grow was like watching poetry in motion, reading a book by a renowned author, seeing paintings by Da Vinci, Van Gogh or Michelangelo. Hearing the music of the "Old Masters", Beethoven, Chopin and Brahms. Things the average layman doesn't understand, but appreciates and hope it never goes away. That was Jason! He was not extroverted nor loquacious, but rather he was more quiet and unassuming. He was happy and full of life, living it to its fullest and loving every minute of it. He was never seen without a smile on his face unless he was experiencing one of his agonizing migraines. He was like a magnet to people who knew him and they were drawn to him. His house was the focal point for all his many friends. Jason in all his life was never involved in any illegal, illicit, or irregular activities and if they were suggested he remained steadfast in his convictions and belief in God's Commandment "The Golden Rule". Never would he speak disparagement against anyone. Probably, one of his most redeeming qualities was his astute ability to recognize his capabilities and by the same token he knew his liabilities. He was never braggodocios about his capabilities, but he freely stood tall and accepted his liabilities. He was indeed, a man among men.

In 1993, having met all the requirements set forth by the Great State Of Texas Jason was graduated from Jersey Village High School. Not only did he excel in academics, but he demonstrated his athletic skills and physical fitness on the football field and basketball court. After graduation from High School he attended college in Tomball taking college courses to better prepare himself for matriculation to a four year college.

In 1994, Jason became overwhelmed by his dedication to his country and opted to enlist in the United States Air Force to fulfil his Military obligation. After completion of basic training, he was assigned as a Firefighter at Eglin Air Force Base Florida. There he distinguished himself through his work ethic, fidelity and devotion to his duty. That coupled with his sincerity and charisma won him the respect of his comrades and the admiration of the Officers apointed over him. He was authorized to wear the National Defense Medal and a good conduct Medal. After four years in the United States Air Force Jason was Honorably discharged and returned to his Houston home.

In 1996 Jason, like the true Gentleman he was and on bended knee, offered a proposal of marriage to Melissa Ann Bingham. She accepted and on August 3rd, 1996 the two of them were bound forever in the bonds of Holy Matrimony, in the Roman Catholic Church. Melissa was the light of his life and he loved her dearly, placing no one on earth above her. Jason was employed for two years as a Deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. He loved his job very much and took a lot of pride in what he was doing. But, even so, he could never shake the burning desire to be a Firefighter. In January, with Melissa's support he embarked on an arduous program of physical fitness and filed an application for a position in the Houston Fire Department. Then came a process of interviews, along with a series of testing. He passed everything with flying colors and on February 16th he was notified he had been selected as a cadet in the forthcoming Academy. The family was ecstatic and planned to celebrate his achievement and the accomplishment of his boyhood dream in some special way.



~This was written by Allen Guthrie our grandfather and read at Jason's funeral.



My Dearest Jason,

I so enjoyed my time with you. What a pleasure you were to raise and watch grow from infant to toddler to juvenile to teenager to adult. I remember each and every stage of your life and I thank my GOD for giving me the privilege of being your Mother. I miss you with every fiber of my being.

I think so often of that Sunday, Jason. I remember our phone conversation that afternoon around 2:00 when you and Melissa had just gotten up and how we joked about that. I remember when you first answered the phone and I didn't realize you'd just woke up and I reminded you whose "womb you'd slid from." (smile) You weren't really in the mood for my silliness but, as usual, you hung with me. Then, we talked and joked about how you'd stayed up really late the night before and then we teased Melissa about her just getting up also. I asked you what I should get for Lucas to wear home and you said, the best would be khaki colored pants and a red solid Tommy pullover with brown shoes and a brown belt. You were such a sharp dresser and I trusted your opinion so. Guess what? What you suggested is exactly what I purchased and your brother wore them proudly home. Then, we said goodbye. If only I could have known it would be our last goodbye, I would NEVER have let you hang up the phone. I don't remember if we said "I love you" to each other as we hung up but my guess is that we did. We always did. You always said, "I love you" before hanging up the phone. I remember sometimes I'd hear you say it even as the phone piece was leaving my ear and I'd holler back at you, "I love you too."

Over the past 4 months, I've re-lived over and over again the last time we saw each other. You and Melissa were over at Suzanne's house and you called and said you were there and asked if it would be okay to stop by. I remember I said something like "Please do." I don't remember my exact words but I do remember that I was delighted that you were in the neighborhood and that you were coming. I seem to recall saying something that said to you that I would love to see you (and Lissa). Anyway, you came and I was in Lucas' bedroom. I remember that I was either paying bills or writing your brother a letter. You were carrying a shopping bag from "Dillard's." (I still have that bag and will keep it forever) In it, were at least 5 pairs of jeans that were too big for you now that you'd lost the 30 pounds and you were giving them to your Dad. They're size 38s and fit your Dad perfectly. We joked/laughed about your shopping at Dillard's for your Dad and how nice that was of you. We also agreed that I would buy you a pair of jeans in your new size to help replace these that were too big now. I never got the chance to do that Jason. I would buy you all the pants in the world if only I had the chance now. I remember that you called me one Saturday following that and said you and Lissa were going to the Mall and did I want to come with you so I could get you those pants. I said no, that I didn't feel like shopping that day. Oh, WHY didn't I go with you? Over and over again I've regretted that. I could have had another oportunity to be with you. I was always so proud to be with you .... my big, strong, handsome son. And what a gentleman you were. I remember that you would always open the door for me and hold it so that I could go in first. I felt SO PROUD to be your Mother, Jason! Did you know that? I hope you did .... I pray that I told you how proud I was of you and Melissa.

Remember all of our jokes about our "Grandchildren?" Remember that I would tease you about naming your first daughter, Darylyn? I remember how adamant you were about having only ONE child. Melissa wanted at least three. Your Dad and I used to talk and joke together too about our future grandchildren. We had planned to take them camping with us and so looked forward to it. People were always asking us about "grandchildren" and we would tell them, "No, not yet. Jason and Melissa are very practical and they've got some things they want to achieve before they have children." We were proud of you for that because we knew that it was the right thing to do. We were just proud of you and Melissa, period. I used to love it when you and Liss would come over and when you'd leave, of course, we always walked outside with you. The neighbors would be outside and we'd hug and kiss goodbye and then we'd watch you drive away and wave. Usually, you would make the cul-de-sac circle first and then stop briefly in front of the house and say ...."Don''t go away MAD, just GO AWAY!" .... and we'd all laugh. Or sometimes you would say, "Hate to see you go, but we SURE COULD use the room!" Anyway, I always felt FULL of pride and wanted the neighbors to see the love and warmth and friendship we had with our oldest son and his wife. They did. They knew.

I remember that last time we saw each other that night and we hugged goodbye in the garage. I remember that you reached for me and I can still feel how tight you hugged me that night. Did you know that it would be our last hug on this earth, Jason? Were you saying goodbye to me that night? I remember even as we hugged that night how "different" it was. It was different than all the other times. We said to each other "I love you." I thank God for that moment. I thank God for you, Jason.

I wish you were here today. I miss you so very much, son. I love you with all of my heart and I pray that God will reunite us one day.




Forever ........ MOM

Once Upon A Time...

Jason had a scar on his forehead that resembled a backwards J. When Jason and I were little our parents took us to one of Aunt Darylyn and Uncle Joe's friend's house. They had a huge German shepherd. Of course being the kids that we were, we found that dog to be the source of our entertainment. Jason was up front petting him while I was behind the dog, pulling it's tail. Needless to say that huge dog got angry. Instead of turning around to vent his wrath on me, he attacked Jason. I vaguely remember going to get Uncle Joe for help. The dog was eventually put to sleep. Jason did get his revenge, or at least that is what we told people. We use to spend summers with our grandparents on their farm. One summer Uncle Joe built us a tree house. Jason and I had a rope we threw over one of the larger branches. We tied a stick to one end and used the other end to "shimmy" ourselves up to the tree house. Jason could do this with little difficulty. I, on the other hand was not strong enough to pull my own weight. Jason always pulled on the rope until I was safely onboard the tree house. One day I told him I was going to try it on my own. I got half way up and told him I couldn't do it anymore, that it was to hard. So he dutifully took over. Then of course I changed my mind twice and in the confusion neither of us had a hold of the rope and I feel flat on my face. I had to get stitches under my chin. I have the scar to this day. I think of him every time I see it in the mirror.