Jason Greene

In the heart of Jason Greene, it was all about faith and family, and in his eyes, there was no greater joy. Jason lived humbly with conviction and compassion, and a friend of many, he never met a stranger. An intelligent man, Jason possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was always up for fun competition with friends and family. Although Jason has left us much too soon, it was easy to see how fully and completely he lived his life each day he was given. While we continue to cherish his memory, Jason’s love will forever be held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Jason’s story began on February 25, 1974. The son of Roderick and Carmen (Trevan) Greene, he was born in Flint, Michigan and later welcomed his little sister, Jennifer with whom he always remained close. Although their childhood was filled with the usual antics of siblings, they together shared and experienced many cherished memories well into adulthood. Jason appreciated the close bond he had with his family. From Flint they moved to Spring Arbor, Michigan when his father took a job opportunity and where Jason experienced the adventures of his youth. Living in Spring Arbor allowed them to be closer to his mother's parents and he always considered Spring Arbor to be his home.

It seemed Jason found his share of mischief while growing up which often ended with some heart-to-heart talks in the garage with his dad. Although most of his youthful ventures were harmless enough, he did learn the value of humility and that an apology goes a long way. Even so, Jason was a well-liked young man who respected those around him. From an early age he showed compassion and looked out for others with ways all his own.

Jason attended Warner Elementary and as he matured, he grew to be quite muscular and fit. He played sports, and his varsity jacket needed unique tailoring for his broad shoulders. Baseball was his game of choice and even though the football coach actively tried to recruit him, Jason was just not interested in the sport. Instead, he chose to participate in drama, often playing the lead tenor in various productions. He was blessed with an excellent singing voice and took part in a select choir group. High school kept Jason busy and after graduating from Jackson County Parma Western High School in 1992, he went on to further his education at Spring Arbor College, now University, before transferring to Jackson Community College on a full scholarship thanks to his wonderful singing voice.

With a desire to be near water, Jason found himself seeking the right path in his life. He enjoyed his independence and in his search for finding what felt true, he made many changes. It was then when he transferred to Baker College in Muskegon in 1994. This move allowed him to be closer to the beach where he so enjoyed playing a good game of volleyball. At Baker he majored in business all while commuting from nearby Spring Lake where he moved when he took on a promising position with Herman Miller. Jason’s education served him well during the 22 years he was with the company. He began there at the bottom and literally “learned” his way up to his current position as a Senior Operations Manager. Always a diligent worker, Jason considered those he came in contact with during his work day as family where he met many longtime friends.

As fate would have it, Jason made a move to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2002, where he met the love of his life, Angela Van Loozenoord, while playing on a softball league. It was easy to see that in Jason, Angela found the man who would love her unconditionally. He quickly stole her heart, made her feel safe and protected, and he truly loved all her little quirks! After dating for six months they were joyfully married in an intimate ceremony on December 18, 2004, beginning their new life together built on a loving foundation.

The newlyweds made their first home in a townhome in Walker while J continued his work at Herman Miller, and Angela found employment at Cummins Faber, a local accounting firm. Their love for softball also continued, as they both participated in local leagues. As always, family was at the very center of their lives together.

Jason and Angie eventually purchased their forever home but J counted the day he married Angie and the birth of their two children, Chase in 2008 and Ryleigh in 2010, to be the greatest days of his life. J was Angie’s rock, and what a husband and father he was! Just a week ago from his hospital bed, J proudly proclaimed Angie was the love of his life and his best friend. He adored his children, as Chase was his “best buddy” and Ryleigh, his “Snuggles”. Family was his priority and love filled their home where together they enjoyed weekends with family, relaxing at home or taking in a backyard bbq or bonfire with neighborhood friends.

Working out was a big part of Jason’s life. On any given early Saturday morning he could be found enjoying some quiet time and heading to the gym. Even in spite of his already fit, large stature, he was on a path to a healthier lifestyle and was fully committed to it just like everything else J to put his mind to. Throughout his life he built innumerable friendships from preschool through college and beyond via his gregarious personality. He also considered his church family, Lifestream Free Methodist Church a part of his family where he served with a giving heart, just as he did with his FitBody Bootcamp family, and too many more to list!

In addition to being a loving father and husband, J was very talented with woodworking from cutting boards, benches, Adirondack chairs and even a loft bed for Chase. He loved being near the water throughout his adult life, as he enjoyed swimming, jet skiing, tubing, and relaxing on the beach. He liked to box and found various ways to compete. Although he wasn’t much into hunting or fishing, he liked shooting guns at the shooting range. Just a big kid at heart, Jason loved Christmastime and his favorite place to be was in Disney World with his family where together they experienced the best of times.

As his family and friends can attest, Jason loved a good meal and enjoyed holding the title of "grillmaster" for special occasions. His specialties included his infamous grilled chicken and with his love for baking, his delicious cinnamon rolls and monkey bread were always family favorites. When it came to music, Jason could listen to Dan and Shay all day and another favorites group included, Mercy Me.

Jason had the ability to always find the positive in any given situation. Those around him found comfort in his arms as he was just a big teddy bear. This was truly evident when Jason was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on New Year's Eve. From the onset, Jason was determined to tackle the disease head-on and had he been given the chance, he would have fought with all his might.

May Jason’s love be what is remembered most along with his giving, kindred heart, albeit sarcastic humor, and teasing ways. He saw the best in others and always encouraging, he loved bringing a smile to the faces of those around him. Jason’s love, commitment and integrity continues on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. The impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten. And in true Jason form, “I’ll love you ‘til the wheels fall off . . . “. Deeply missed, Jason will be forever remembered.

Jason Brian Greene, age 45, of Grand Rapids, MI went to be with Jesus on Sunday, January 5, 2020, after a very brief battle with AML. He was our gentle giant and will be sorely missed in our lives. Jason is survived by his love, Angie Van Loozenoord Greene; son, Chase Greene; daughter, Ryleigh Greene; parents, Rod and Carmen Greene; sister, Jennifer Greene Denton (Dave); niece, Delaney Denton; mother-in-law, Diane Smith; father and mother-in-law, Robert “Bob” and Barbara Van Loozenoord; Angie's siblings: Katrina (A.J.) Morris, Adam (Lona) Van Loozenoord, Julia (Gregg) Sargeant, David Van Loozenoord, Steven (Allison) Van Loozenoord and Naomi Van Loozenoord; numerous Greene and Van Loozenoord nieces and nephews. A celebration of Jason’s amazing, gifted life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Grand Rapids First Life Center ~ 2100 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519. Visitation to envelop the family will be Friday, January 10, 2020, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Jason Greene Family Support Fund – c/o RVL CPA 4250 Chicago Dr. SW Grandville, MI 49418. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign Jason’s online guest book and to share a favorite memory or photo with his family.