Jason Paul Harris

Jason was a brilliant mind, a teasing brother, a loyal friend, and a loving partner. He was deeply intelligent, funny, kind-hearted, witty, stubborn, and a perfectionist. He was always ready to engage in philosophical conversations and share his knowledge on nearly any topic.

Jason Paul Harris was born on August 3, 1977, in Mesa, Arizona, to Paula Heinle and Steven Harris. He was an accomplished soccer player and swimmer as a young adult. Music was one of his earliest passions. He learned to play guitar and piano. His taste was eclectic; he listened to a variety, including alternative, rock, and new age. His fascination with theory and composition later led him to become a developer.

In combination with his technical mind, Jason also had a love for beauty and creativity. He admired architecture, particularly the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, and could spend hours in the Chicago Art Museum, absorbing every detail. Whenever he traveled, his first stop was always a modern art museum, such as MoMA, one he especially loved.

He loved playing Dungeons & Dragons for the camaraderie and storytelling. Despite many losing seasons, he remained a loyal Chicago Bears fan. He could be found gaming, researching technology, politics, art, and music at any hour of the day or night, always surprising friends with his ability to discuss nearly anything with depth and insight.

He loved to read. Science fiction and fantasy were some of his favorite genres. Jason loved watching movies. He enjoyed everything from Sundance and Marvel to dystopian, which he called “end of the world movies.”

Jason got his bachelor’s degree in computer science at Westminster University and was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honors Society. He had an analytical mind that allowed him to shape technology in ways few have. As an Android developer, he specialized in geolocation technology. This ensured the safety of elevator technicians in places without service while transforming how people navigated daily life, whether getting a taxi, unlocking remotely, or finding a date.

Jason tended to be behind schedule often, such that his family loved to joke about giving him an earlier arrival time. His love for his friends and family was evident in the way he embraced life with them. His laugh was full-bodied and unforgettable.

Jason is survived by his mother, Paula Burgon (Burnell Burgon); his father, Steven Harris; sister, Stephanie Harris (Jay Alba); brother, Blake Harris (Katie Poleshuk); sister, Marissa Harris (Daniel Burt); and nephews and nieces, Joseph Michael Arbon, Emaly Arbon (Xander Evans), Jack Harris, and Makenzie Harris.

The family would especially like to thank his partner, Kerri Barna, for many years of unconditional love and companionship.

We are also grateful to Kim Bennstrom, a friend who cared for him until his passing. And, of course, to Liam Neeson, the cat who showed up one day and simply never left.

We miss you, Jason. We love you always. We wish we could have reached you.

His Celebration of Life will take place at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106, on Saturday, March 8th, at 1pm. Cremation will follow with a private family burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made to the United24 fund for Ukraine.