Joshua Robert Jasman was truly one in a million. According to his mother, Michelle Jasman, Josh was born caring about others. When he was very little and still in a car seat, he would ask her to stop along the road to help someone who looked needy—even if that someone was on the other side of the highway! This was just the beginning of a life lived for God and for others.
Josh was smart and loved reading, and when he received treat coupons after reading books/passing book tests in 4th grade, he didn’t cash his coupons in right away. Instead, he saved them up until he had enough for the whole class. Then he bought all of his St. James classmates a treat.
As a teen, Josh was visiting cousins in California before his illness. They had all just ordered pizza, but then Josh noticed a homeless man looking through the trash for food. He immediately got up and gave his pizza to that man.
Shortly after, Josh was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare cancer that usually affects people from ages 10-20. Michelle said that even in the final stages of his disease, when Josh’s father Thomas had taken time off to help his son, Josh encouraged him to go hunting, a sport they both enjoyed.
With his family at his side, Josh fought a valiant five-year battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. He passed away in 2009 at age 20.
Josh attended St. James Grade School, where his mother said he received a wonderful education. He continued his education at All Saints High School and was a graduate of Bay City Central. He enjoyed playing and watching hockey, football, basketball, hunting, fishing, and playing cards.
In Josh’s memory, the Josh Jasman Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 with the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan (CCFMM). This advised fund was created in loving memory of Josh, who lived his life with the same fearless passion he lived his faith. Those who were touched by him during his life will be forever blessed. The intention of this fund is to create additional opportunities for others to be blessed by Josh.
Each year a golf outing for the fund is held in Bay City and the recipients of the scholarship are announced. This year’s event will be held in June.
Written by Mary Beth Looby