Jason Edward Connor

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, in October 1968, Jason spent his early childhood in Plymouth and Canton, Michigan. From 1980 to 1985, his family lived in Huntington Beach, California, where some of his happiest childhood memories were made. He loved the ocean, formed lifelong friendships, and excelled in sports. As a freshman, he was honored as Lineman of the Year in football, and his baseball team advanced to the league finals.

Jason returned to Michigan for high school, graduating from Farmington High School before continuing his education at Schoolcraft College and Oakland Community College.

For nearly 25 years, Jason built a career he was proud of at U.S. Foods, where he was the lead inspector of produce inspection and quality assurance. He was known for his integrity, exceptional work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Respected by coworkers and customers alike, Jason quietly led by example and took great pride in doing every job well.

While Jason was never one to seek the spotlight, his gentle spirit, kindness, and quiet sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel comfortable simply by being himself. Loyal, dependable, and genuine, he built lifelong friendships that reflected the kind of person he was.

Jason found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was a devoted fan of University of Michigan football and Detroit Tigers baseball. He loved cheering them on and attending games with his dad and best friend, Mark. He enjoyed playing in a golf league for many years, and looked forward to annual golf trips with his close friends, creating memories and friendships he treasured throughout his life. He loved listening to all types of music, which was evident by his expansive collection of CDs. He also collected other unique treasures—especially vintage cigar boxes, Hot Wheels cars, and Halloween decorations. He inherited his mother’s love of gardening and spending time outdoors. Whether sharing a meal with friends and family, relaxing by the water, or enjoying a peaceful evening at home, Jason appreciated the moments that brought people together.

The greatest joy of Jason’s life was the love he shared with his life partner, Angie Kirkland. Over the past three years they built a life centered on love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering support for one another. They divided their time between Michigan and North Carolina, creating cherished memories with family and friends while dreaming about the future they planned to spend together. Jason welcomed Angie’s daughter, Payton, with kindness, encouragement, and love, becoming an important part of her life as well. Together they celebrated milestones, traveled, enjoyed going to thrift stores, yard sales, and shopping together-searching for eclectic items. Jason and Angie faced life’s challenges hand in hand and found comfort in simply being together. Their relationship was built on deep friendship, unconditional love and respect, and the certainty that they had found their forever person in each other.

Even throughout his illness, Jason faced each day with remarkable courage, quiet strength, and grace. His focus remained on the people he loved most, and he was deeply grateful for the support, compassion, and kindness shown by family, friends, and his medical team. His resilience was an inspiration to everyone who walked beside him.

Jason is lovingly remembered and survived by his devoted parents, Gary and Nancy Connor; his sister, Melissa Cornuelle; his brother-in-law, Peter Cornuelle; his niece, Alicia Cornuelle; his nephews, Garrett Cornuelle and Alex Cornuelle; his beloved life partner, Angie Kirkland, and her daughter, Payton, whom he loved as his own; his aunts and uncles, Myrna and Ron Bills and Kathy and Roy Green; his cherished lifelong friends, Mark and Mary Ryan Smith, who were like family to him ; as well as many cousins, extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness, friendship, and quiet strength.

Although Jason’s life ended far too soon, the love he gave, the friendships he nurtured, and the quiet example he set will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered not only for his strength and kindness, but for the way he made others feel valued, accepted, and loved.

If you knew Jason, you knew a man who never needed to be the loudest person in the room to make the greatest impact. His quiet presence was a gift, his love was unwavering, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.