but was best remembered as a kind, caring individual who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. His father, John Kent, recalled, “Jason knew I wanted to start my own business but that it would be tough financially while raising three boys. He came to me his freshman year in high school and said, ‘Dad, you don’t have to worry about college for me. I’m going to work hard and earn a scholarship so you and mom won’t have to pay’ and that’s exactly what he did. He was always so thoughtful of others.” At his eulogy, one lifetime friend (one of many that day) said, “I’ve known Jason my entire life and there was nothing Jason wasn’t good at. But, as I sat here listening to what others had to say about him it occurred to me that there was one thing Jason could never be. He would never have been able to make it as a quality control inspector. The reason is that he could never see anything bad or wrong with anyone else. He was the most positive guy you could know and he loved everybody…and everybody who knew him loved him back.”
Jason left behind girlfriend of twelve years Jennie Hartig, brothers Namon and Vincent and parents John and Dorothy Kent.
May 8 , 2005
Over 500 mourners pay their last respects.
Over 500 family and friends said their final farewell to Jason Kent on Saturday May 7, 2005.
The thirty-year-old Titans outfielder succumbed to a heart attack on April 28th while working at one of the properties his father and he owned.
Jason joined the Chicago Titans in 2003 after an open tryout. “Jason was not the best ballplayer we had come out for us that year.” Said manager Wayne Hegner. “In fact, Jason had not even played baseball in high school but after seeing how hard he worked and the type of guy he was, I thought at the time we would be better with him than without him. Now that he’s gone, I know I was right.”
Jason played three seasons with the Titans and was used primarily as a pinch hitter and fifth outfielder. Although he was never a team leader statistically, many felt he was a leader on the team nonetheless.
“Jay was all about winning,” said teammate Justin Barr. “He was always there with a word of encouragement and never complained about playing time.” Pete Heaton added, “Jason was quick to grin, always enthusiastic, and very fond of needling the guys, Jason I think was instantly accepted and liked by everyone on the Titans roster. He had an easy smile and an encouraging word to whomever would listen, all the guys were pulling for him and glad he was a part of our team.”
Although many remember Jason for the athleticism which earned him a full scholarship for football to Ball State University and for his all-area honors in high school for track and field. Most who knew him remember him for his zest for life and his humanity.
Jason was an avid writer, fisherman, traveler and golfer