Jason Thomas Burris

Jason Thomas Burris, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 28, 2024. 

He was born May 15, 1970, in Springfield, IL, the son of Darryl and Barbara (nee Harrington) Burris. 

Jason spent his childhood living abroad with his family in locations such as Pakistan, Panama, and Kenya, because of his father’s work with the federal government. 

He attended Lake Braddock High School in Burke, Virginia followed by West Virginia University where he joined his high school buddies, met his wife, and made other lifelong friends. After graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, Jason enlisted in the United States Army. He and Amy wed at the Pinellas County courthouse in Florida prior to his departure for basic training so Amy could easily join him in Hawaii where he was later stationed. Jason served four years active duty, four years reserves, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and was promoted to Sergeant. 

They welcomed their first child, Danny, in 1995, followed by their second child, Katie, in 1999. The family moved to Crystal Lake in 2002. 

Jason obtained his MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management College in 2007 with an emphasis in healthcare. Over the years he built a successful career in Human Resources, holding many different roles from recruiter to Vice President for Amita Health in the Chicago area and subsequently finished his career as the HR VP with Bridgeway in Galesburg, IL. 

He had a gift for making everyone feel at ease with his sense of humor, quick wit and charm. As an avid sports fan he could talk for hours about all his favorite teams including the Cubs, Bears and Mountaineers. 

The love he had for his children is evident in the time he spent attending various sports, extracurricular activities, family vacations or just movie nights at home. He and Amy had just become empty nesters at the time of the diagnosis but continued to enjoy life. They were able to join a country club in Galesburg where they played many rounds of golf, took beach vacations, attended Cubs spring training games in Arizona, and often walked into town for lunch and drinks. Toward the end of 2022, Jason “retired”, they sold their Galesburg house and permanently moved back to Crystal Lake where he spent his remaining months around family and friends. 

Jason is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Amy; his children, Danny and Katie Burris; his mother Barbara; his sister, Halle (Juan) Diaz; his nephews, JJ and Josuha; his canine companion, Benny, his beloved cousins, and many other nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Darryl, who was his greatest role model.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake. Visitation will continue the following day, Friday, August 9, from 8:30 a.m. until prayers at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with procession to follow to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, for the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.

Friends and family are welcome to wear WVU, Bears, or Cubs attire to the visitation if they desire. 

Donations in Jason’s memory may be made to: https://grayforglioblastoma.com/donate