Jason Wayne Pearson

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, January 14, 1980
Date of Death:
Friday, June 19, 2020
Age:
40 years old

Visitation

Date: Thursday June 25, 2020
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, January 14, 1980
Date of Death:
Friday, June 19, 2020
Age:
40 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, January 14, 1980
Date of Death:
Friday, June 19, 2020
Age:
40 years old

Jason Wayne Pearson

Jason was born January 14, 1980, in Rochester, Minnesota, and graduated from Mayo High School in 1998. He went on to earn a BFA in photography from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2002. As part of his undergraduate work Jason attended The New School University, New York, NY, where he was studying on September 11, 2001, which proved to be a formative experience in his life. In 2007, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters of Fine Art and Trans Media from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.

A gifted educator, Jason served on the faculty of Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN; Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester, MN; Winona State University, Winona, MN; University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, WI; Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA; and the Rochester Studio Academy, Rochester, MN. Jason also used his discerning eye as a curator at the Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, MN, and the Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN.

As an artist, Jason received numerous accolades, artist grants and residencies, both locally and internationally, including the prestigious Cooper Union School of Art Summer Residency, New York, NY; Anderson Ranch Art Center Residency, Snow Mass Village, CO; McKnight Foundation Photography Fellowship; and the Jerome Foundation Travel and Research Grant.

While trained in photography, Jason was a multi-media artist, incorporating painting, drawing, video, and collage in his pieces. For over 2 decades Jason collaborated with his twin brother, artist Jesse Pearson, under the moniker Dick and Wayne, which included time spent in Sweden and Finland exploring the work of their distant relative Mauritz Stiller, a pioneer of silent film.

Jason was outgoing and gregarious, with a sensitive soul. He made new friends easily, and held on to old friends for life, making an indelible impression on everyone who crossed his path. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Cards can be sent to Deb Pearson 6543 Stagecoach Rd. SE Stewartville, MN 55976.

Jason is survived by his parents, Scott and Debra (Nord) Pearson of Stewartville; two brothers, his twin Jesse Pearson of Stewartville and younger brother Eric Pearson (fiancée Alex Montgomery) of Rochester; maternal grandmother Virginia Nord of Rochester, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Wayne Nord, and his paternal grandparents Richard and Arlene Pearson.

At the time of his death, Jason and his twin brother Jesse were working to publish a collection of their work. Donations are being accepted to allow Jesse to complete the book in his brother’s memory.

A visitation will be held Thursday June 25, 2020 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, with a private family memorial service to follow.

 

Condolences

The family of Jason Wayne Pearson has received the following condolences.

Deb, Scott & Family


We just found out tonight about Jason, we are so sorry for your loss.  Hugs to you

To the family of Jason Wayne Pearson,


We were sad to read this past week of Jason’s passing.  We are sorry for your loss and want to let you know that we are thinking of you.  Unfortunately, due to pandemic and my husband and I both having underlying medical conditions, we were not available to attend the visitation option this past Thursday from 10 to 11 am.  We would like to send donation to help his brother Jesse complete the book that he & Jason were working on of collection of their photography and that Jesse hopes to complete in Jason’s memory.  Let us know where we can send this donation.  Thanks.


Bill & Ginny Allie & Family (Amy Allie Nelson & Lisa Allie Bailey)   

Jason filled entire rooms with his crackling wit and warmth- he was the sun that we planets circled, seeking his energy and quips. There is no feeling in the world like getting Jason's attention. The world is darker and uglier without him. I am so sorry for your loss.

My condolences to the Pearson family! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the memories of Jason bring you comfort.

I am in utter shock and at a loss of words! During my last two years of high school, I was a member of Taste Like Paint at the Rochester Art Center, and Jason was always very welcoming to me, and it was so clear that he loved everyone's company. I will never forget his upbeat personality that would brighten up my day, whenever I was feeling down. I will also remember when I teased him about The Moody Blues and how easy-going he was about the whole thing. 


Jesse, Scott, Debra and Eric, I cannot express how sorry I am for your loss of an amazing human-being and please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.  


 


Kip

We were introduced to him by his work at the the Rochester Art Center. He sparkled with warmth and kindness. He was engaging and magnetic and I will remember his smile. My heart goes out to his family and friends as they say farewell and celebrate his life. 


Nancy

I’m so sorry for your loss Pearson family. I’m praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Jesse became apart of our family. We met working at Urban and I knew he would be my moms next roomie. From all of our late night talks to teaching my daughter art. When I met Jason it was like meeting Jesse all over again! They are literally the same person. It was an honor to be able to meet him.. Jesse told us so many amazing stories about Jason. My deepest condolences. - Courtney Rischowsky 

We had the pleasure of meeting Jason at the Rochester Art Center in 2011when we were setting up an exhibition there in 2011. Jason was a lovely, funny, engaging and generous man with an unbound creative spirit, and we are positive he'll be missed by many who crossed his path. 


My wife and I send our deepest condolences.


Lars Jerlach and Helen Stringfellow

Dear Jesse and Family,


I am so sorry  can't be there in person .  Although  I have had a long term friendship with Jesse....I got to know Jason  well when he would come to California to visit Jesse... He has so many unbelievable accomplishments in his short time on this earth.


I will remember his beautiful smile and his quick whit just like Jesse..


 


All my Love,


Maureen

It’s been many years since I was last in touch with Jason, but the news of his passing has instantly transported me to a timeless fondness for him and our time together at MCAD. Jason was a beautiful and complicated person. His warm sarcasm had an unparalleled intimacy and his charisma/introversion balance was an incredible skill. I am so grateful to have gotten to develop my own creative voice alongside Jason, as he unquestionably influenced me. He was so very special and talented and touched many people's lives.


 


My heartfelt condolences to the Pearson/Nord family. I wish you all peace in this time of grief. 

Thinking of you Jesse and sending our sincere condolences. I hope you and your family are finding comfort and celebrating your memories of Jason.


Love,


Matt and Anna Hoppe

Deb and family 


I remember attending Jason’s and Jesse’s birthday party that they celebrated in their high chairs.  They got more frosting in their hair than in their mouths. 


I am heartsick for you and everyone who will miss that beautiful smile.  


Chris Simonson 

Jesse- I can’t believe it! I wish I could hug you! I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I haven’t seen you for so long, but love you just the same! Sending all of my love to you and your family!


Sarah (Nap) Green

From the MCAD family to the Pearson/Nord family we share in the loss of an incredible being. Jesse, when you are ready - MCAD would like to help with the completion of the book project. So many MCADians sharing sadness with you and sending love.

Scott,,Deb and family 


There are no words to express our sympathy and heartache for your loss.


Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

To the Pearson family,


My deepest condolences. I have such fond memories of Jason. Often when we would meet he would greet my with, “Sheryl! I’m a big fan!”


Needless to say I am a big fan of him too. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss and the world’s loss of his spirit, art, and presence.


I wish I could give Jesse a hug right now, but a virtual hug to you and your family will have to do for now.


Love & Peace to you all.

I am so sorry to hear of Jason's passing.  He was the photographer at Luke & Corrie's wedding.  I know our son Luke was a good friend of the twins, and spent some time camping on your property.  We will pray for your family.  Connie & Gary Brekke

Deb & Scott, Jesse & Eric,


I remember years ago when the twins would babysit my boys. The kids loved them because they were so nice and always played with them. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son and brother. Deepest sympathies! -Terri (Lawler) Drees and family


 

My sympathy in your loss , Scott & Deb and family. 

Pearson family, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a shining smile your son had, and a sparkling sense of humor. He and Jesse were a standout pair from my days at Mayo HS. 
I remember re-meeting Jason years later through my dad at the RAC, and being delighted/not surprised that he’d had impact as an artist and educator.

I had the pleasure of working with Jason at the Rochester Art Center and am grateful for the positive impact he had with his work there. He was such a creative spirit. My deepest condolences.

Deb, Scott and family,


 


I was so sorry to see this. He did a lot in life. Nice looking person.

To the Pearson Family,


We are deeply sorry for your loss.  All our love to your family.  We will be praying for you all!  


Steve and Caitlin Beckman Family

Scott, Deb, Jesse, Eric and Alex, our hearts are broken for you all.  So hard to understand.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  RIP Jason.   ❤️❤️

Deb, Scott, and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. So sad for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Warmly, Deb and Dewey

Jesse there are no words to ease your pain for Jason but your not alone he was gone too soon and we share your grief. Love, Bill and Judy Ryan

VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSE. I NEVER MET THOSE BOYS, BUT SHOULD HAVE. I'LL SAY A PRAYER FOR HIM. LOVE YOU!

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jason Pearson. I had the priviledge of getting to know Jason and Jesse at MCAD and was always impressed with their artwork and creative spirit. I regret not keeping in touch after school as it looks like their artwork and creativity only got bigger and better. All the best to the Pearson family. 

We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Jason’s passing. Although it has been so many years ago, his kind demeanor and compassion will always be remembered. Many prayers for the family, and hoping memories of his wonderful life with will help you as times passes. 

With heavy hearts we are sadden by Jason’s death. We knew him being friends with our daughter Meghan and met him. Creative and so free spirit. Our prayers and thoughts be with you.

Even though we haven’t talked in many years, it’s with an extremely heavy heart to hear of your passing. You helped me see life in a different light Jason. I’ll always love you for that. 


Your energy is everywhere now... as I can already tell the world is a little more fun and sexy. I raise a glass to you, Jesse, and your family. Rest In Peace Jason.

To the family Of Jason,


I’m so very sorry to hear of Jason’s passing! I did not know him long but I really enjoyed working with him at Target. He was a hard worker. He had amazing stories. I can’t believe he’s gone. 


My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time.


Kristen 

Scott, Deb, Jesse, and Eric.  Our hearts break for all of you.  We are thinking and praying for you.  We are with you in spirit as you go through this darkest of hours.  Love you all, accept our deepest sympathy.  Hugs to all❤️

To Jason's Loved Ones,


I am so saddened to learn of Jason's death and extend my heartfelt condolences.


We had the opportunity to meet Jason when he worked in the Art +  Design program at RCTC. Such a talented artist and wonderful young man. The world is less bright today.


Sending prayers for comfort.


Barb Mollberg