Jason Ray Pitts

Jason Ray Pitts passed away on July 12, 2026 in Alexandria, Virginia from complications following a long and arduous battle with colon cancer. He was the husband of Christina Smith, with whom he shared 31 beautiful years of marriage. Jason was born in Oakdale, CA and raised in Manteca, CA by his mother Jacquetta Johnson and step-father Eric Johnson. He grew up playing baseball, volunteering for the special olympics, and had a special love for collecting baseball cards. At the age of 19 on January 14th, 1993, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an 11C Infantry Mortarman in Fresno, CA. Jason was then reassigned to Ft. Cason in Colorado Springs, CO where he met his wife, Christina. The two fell quickly in love, and happily wed on Oct 8, 1994 before being relocated to Germany where their son, Tre’, was born on December 17, 1995. His service took him and his family to South Carolina, where he was a Drill Sergeant, Colorado, Fairbanks, AK and Virginia. Jason served the first 15 years in the Army as a proud Infantry Soldier, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was later reclassified as one of the Army's first 51C5X Acquisition Corps Noncommissioned Officers, where he served the remaining six years of his military career before retiring as a Master Sergeant on January 31, 2014 in Virginia. During his military service, Jason completed several professional military education courses, including the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC), the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course (ANCOC), Drill Sergeant School, and Advanced Contracting for Mission Support. Jason deployed in support of multiple contingency operations, including Macedonia (1995), Bosnia (1996), Iraq (2005–2006), and Afghanistan (2009–2010). His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (8th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2nd Award). Jay was known for his humor, leadership, and dedication to his career, family, and friends. He spent much of his time connecting with those he loved at wineries, baseball stadiums, golf courses, and concert venues, and enjoyed many of the finer things in life including good beer and wine, good food, and good company. He especially enjoyed the company of his beloved french bulldogs, Pancake and Froggie, and his Chihuahua Pinky. Jason loved hosting get-togethers, cooking for his family, spending time by the pool, and watching the Giants and 49ers play. Most recently, he established a presence in the watch community online where he used his platform to spread awareness for colon cancer and the importance of early screening. Jason was a man who knew what he wanted, and wasn’t afraid to work hard to get it. He was steadfast in his fight against cancer, keeping much of his battle private despite the toll it took on him. He refused to let his health get him down, and lived his life appreciating those around him and serving his fellow man without expectation of anything in return. A room with Jay was a room with laughter, fellowship, and joy - his light on this earth will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He is survived by his wife Christina, and their son Tre’ (Courtney). He is also survived by his mother Jacquetta, aunt Paulette Brasil, and cousin Aaron Johnson (Rose). He is preceded in death by his step-father Eric Johnson, Grandmothers Dorothy Taylor & Rosy Pitts, and beloved pets Jaxson, Kilo, Kuma, Kato, and Rocky. A burial service will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Jason Pitts Legacy Fund via the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in loving remembrance of Jason. https://impact.ccalliance.org/campaign/alliance-tributes/c293031

Tributes

Jason Ray Pitts

July 12, 2026