Jason Andrew Burnside

Jason Andrew Burnside, born June 7, 1971, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, passed away on May 23, 2026, after suffering a massive heart attack complicated by kidney failure and other related health issues. His mother, sister, and brother-in-law were at his bedside at the time of his passing. Jason graduated from Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio. He loved camping, fishing, playing guitar, and varsity football. During high school, he befriended Ev Harris and Bernie Strauss, and together the three formed a band that played throughout their high school years and for some time afterward. Though life eventually led them in different directions and many miles apart, they remained close friends. After working various jobs following high school, Jason decided to pursue a career in the trucking industry. He attended a professional truck driving school in Middleton, Ohio, where he tested among the highest in his class and earned his Class A CDL hazmat license. Jason worked for several trucking companies over the road with his home base in Toledo, Ohio. He was known for taking on jobs others would not. He hauled oversized loads and was one of only three drivers in the state of Ohio qualified to operate a semi with double trailers hauling steel coil. After some time in Ohio, Jason moved to New Mexico to reconnect with his father. There, he lived in Hobbs and worked for E.L. Farmer, providing transporting for the oil industry. When E.L. Farmer was sold to McClatchy Brothers Trucking, Jason remained with the company and was relocated to Midland, Texas, where their base of operations resides. Earlier this year, Jason was trained and certified to operate a heavy-duty forklift used for loading and unloading trailers. He truly enjoyed the work and was proud of the opportunity Richard and Chase McClatchy afforded him. While living near Hobbs, Jason became a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lovington, New Mexico. There, he recommitted his life to God and was rebaptized, finding both solace and community within the church. He enjoyed conversations with Pastor Chad Wease and formed a special friendship with Sue Walters, whom he affectionately referred to as his “New Mexico Momma.” Even after moving to Midland, Jason would often make the hour-and-a-half trip back to Lovington to attend church services and would listen to online sermons whenever he could not attend in person. Jason possessed an innate ability to connect with people. He was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to a stranger and make friends wherever he went. His love for music was evident in his avid guitar playing, and he found joy in riding his motorbike and cooking on his grill and smoker for others to enjoy. Jason’s best friend, Rayf Edwards of New Mexico, shared these heartfelt words on Facebook following Jason’s passing: “Jason will be missed by me and a select few who knew him, and all his quirkiness. He was a hardworking man that added great talent to any employment and any endeavors he approached. His taste in music was a little crazy but he pulled it off quite well. Jason got the handle Dozer cause no matter the problem he worked his way through it. One thing was certain though, he told it the way he had seen it, a quality I liked in him. He had your back regardless and asked for very little. I will miss the hours of conversation and outright intellectual prowess he had in a lot of aspects. Jason never said he knew it all, but in those long conversations I left knowing a little bit more. He was liked by many and loved by few. Jason will be missed by the biker lifestyle he held a strong conviction for, and his conviction to be the best at his job and his personal life. I’m honored to have been a part of that life.” Jason leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his devoted mother, Janice Slifco, and stepfather, John Slifco; his siblings, Julianne (Gregory) Stewart, James (Fang) Burnside, and Elizabeth Dilley; and his nieces, Jessyka Stewart and Lena Dilley. Jason is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Seth Jaffe; his father, James Burnside; his grandparents, Edward and Ora Lee Sumner and Harold and Joyce Burnside; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of Jason’s life will take place on June 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Faith Bible Baptist Church, 232 McCord Road, Toledo, Ohio 43615. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of a life well lived—a life that touched so many. Though Jason’s time with us was far too brief, as we say our final goodbyes, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will ride alongside us forever in the wind.