Obituaries

Jason M. Childress

July 12, 1976 - April 16, 2024

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Obituary For Jason M. Childress

MADISON – It is with a heavy heart that the family and friends of Jason Childress, 47, mourn his unexpected passing on April 16, 2024. Jason was big on life in both his personal and professional life. From being a friend, advocating tirelessly for the Boys and Girls Club organization, or working as a Public Affairs Director in the Madison office, you could always count on him. If you were being harassed by bullies, he was there to do whatever he could to make you safe. This drive for honorable actions aligned with his many friends and their children who knew him as Uncle Chili. Jason loved his many travels around the world over the years, and he was especially blessed towards the end to travel to Mexico with Amy. In addition to his wonderful life experiences, Jason had a vast and thriving political career which began in 1994. During this time Jason was actively involved in the Democratic Party both in Wisconsin and nationally. He joined Foley in December 2008 after six years as the Executive Director of the State Senate Democratic Committee. In that role, he served three Wisconsin Senate democratic leaders as their chief political and campaign strategist. Jason was the architect of the democrats’ successful bid to regain the majority in the Wisconsin State Senate in 2006. He was an outstanding advocate for the firm and their clients. We will miss the amazing man that he was and the many photos and narratives of Jason’s vast life experiences. One such instance that shows Jason’s endless love was a very special gift given to Papa Chili, which was a paid trip to Germany to visit his brother Matthew. They were able to visit the world-famous Nuremberg Ring, the BMW assembly plant in Munich and many other special locations in Germany. Jason is survived by his daughter, Olivia Ratts, mother, Barbara Bushue, father, Steven Childress, brother, Matthew Childress, stepbrother, Eric Mackie, and stepsisters, Cheri Wiegman and Lisa Murfitt.

If you would like to make a donation to The Literacy Lab in lieu of sending flowers, please follow the link below. Jason thrived by trying to make the world a better place, so any amount would be greatly appreciated. https://theliteracylab.org/donate/.

A Celebration of Jason’s Life will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

Services

25 Apr

Celebration of Life

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • April 24, 2024

    My deep condolences to Barbara and family on this unexpected loss. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.As the democratic leader in2006, I was able to work first hand with Jason. Jason was a joy to work with. He was organized ,smart and always had a smile for all despite the pressure and work involved in taking back the majority in the senate. He will be missed. jason has a significant place in the annals of the democratic state senate. All the best. State senator judy robson (ret)

  • April 24, 2024

    Matthew, Steven, and family, find comfort with each other. I will remember my newfound cousin fondly.

  • April 24, 2024

    I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jason - his kindness, warmth and spirit will forever remain in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this profound time of mourning. I will cherish the memories of my time with him. I hope your memories bring you comfort and peace. Sincerely yours, Buzz Thomas

  • April 24, 2024

    One of the most rewarding aspects of my foray into politics was the opportunity to work with Jason. I saw his passion for what he believed in and appreciated his patience with this political rookie. My deepest condolences to Jason's loved ones.

  • April 24, 2024

    My deepest condolences to all who had the great honor of knowing Jason, especially his family. Jason was a person of great authenticity and integrity and a champion for young people everywhere. He was instrumental in helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin reach and serve more kids with greater impact, and all of us in the BGC world will be forever grateful and will miss him greatly.

  • April 24, 2024

    My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Jason! The world was a better place because of him. Godspeed my friend

  • April 24, 2024

    Jason has, and will always be remembered as a great friend of the YMCA's in WI. His work on advocating for our cause over the years is second to none. You will be missed by many, and your impact was felt by thousands of Wisconsinites who utilize our services.

  • April 24, 2024

    Jason was a kind and caring person who always advocated for others. His strong belief in quality education for all stood out amongst his many positive attributes. He was an amazing leader who volunteered his time to be on the Wisconsin Independent Charter Schools Advocates (WICSA) Board to serve others. He will be dearly missed. Jason was a true gift to the education world. We are sending prayers and thoughts to his family and friends.

  • April 23, 2024

    Over the years I had many occasions to work with Jason with our clients having mutual interests. Just a class act, genuine to the core and a very big teddy bear. So truly sorry Jason left us so soon in the prime of his life. A gentle giant among us. May God bless his soul now so that he rest in peace. He will be missed. so sorry to the family of Jason for this tragic loss . Alice O'Connor

  • April 23, 2024

    I remember Jason from elementary schools days in Charleston, as well as his mom. Sending condolences to the family on a life gone way too soon.

  • April 23, 2024

    To Jason's family and friends....Jason was always the consummate professional and a friend to clients. He will be missed. Steve Anderson, ret. JCI

  • April 23, 2024

    Jason was One of the Best Neighbors We had. He was a very quiet young man, but always waved to us when he took his dogs to his pet person, on his way to work. We occasionally talked when we caught him cutting his grass. We will Miss him Very Much. Our Condolences to his Daughter and Family. You had a Wonderful Father and Son. RIP Jason Neighbors Russ & Tess Thompson

Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Jason M. Childress - April 25, 2024

  • Eternal Peace Basket

    Eternal Peace Basket was sent for Jason M. Childress - April 24, 2024

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Chara Taylor sent Beautiful Dreams for Jason M. Childress - April 24, 2024

    With sympathy and condolences, Your friends at Hubbard Wilson & Zelenkova"

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Brian Manderfield sent Serene Lily Basket for Jason M. Childress - April 24, 2024

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time - Jason will be missed in his passion to support Clubs. Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Office of Government Relations

  • Ocean Devotion

    Ocean Devotion was sent for Jason M. Childress - April 24, 2024

  • Dreams From the Heart Bouquet

    Dreams From the Heart Bouquet was sent for Jason M. Childress - April 24, 2024

  • Sweet Moments

    Therese A Thompson sent Sweet Moments for Jason M. Childress - April 23, 2024

    We have such sweet memories of Jason. May he be in Eternal Peace. We will Miss You Neighbor! Tess & Russ Thompson

  • Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

    Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was sent for Jason M. Childress - April 23, 2024

  • Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

    Andrea Rainey sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Jason M. Childress - April 23, 2024

    Wishing you peace and healing. Andi & Savanna Rainey Cisco Systems

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Nicholas Paradiso sent Beautiful Dreams for Jason M. Childress - April 23, 2024

    In loving memory of Jason. Nick, Cindy, Samantha and Max Paradiso

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Beautiful Dreams was sent for Jason M. Childress - April 23, 2024

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

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Lynda R. | July 2020

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Michael M. | July 2020

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Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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