Jason Apodaca
Jason Apodaca passed away on November 25, 2023, at his home in Houston, TX. He was born to La Verne and Ed Apodaca on August 20, 1965, in Silver City, New Mexico.
He is survived by his mother and siblings: Ed (Lisa) from San Rafael, CA, Dennis (Patricia) from Sierra Vista, AZ, Tami (Alan Kelly) from Houston, TX.
Jason attended schools in California and Texas. He went to Diablo Valley Community College, University of California, Berkeley (BA in art), San Diego State University (MA in psychology) and University of Houston (EdD in Social Education).
He was a professor at Houston Community College over sixteen years. He was truly dedicated to his students. Every semester, he thought that he had the “best students ever!”
Aside from education, his passions were music, writing and art. His latest piece is a beautiful mural that he did for family friends.
He was a great uncle to his six nieces and nephews- Jeff, Tim, Auggie, Lilli, Liam and Gillian. He also had a great-nephew, Oliver.
His services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 5th. Mass is at 10:30 a.m. with lunch following at the Parish Life Center at St. Bernadette Catholic Church- 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062.
Jason was a colleague at Houston community college. He always had a smile on his face. I am so sorry that he is gone so young. Offer blessings to him in the afterlife and to his family who I am sure are devastated at his loss. God bless you all.
Jason was one of my dearest friends, going back to sharing an apartment in Berkeley in the 80s. We spoke at least once a week, and they were always the most enjoyable, humorous, stimulating, and engaging conversations of my week. He cared deeply about his work and his students, always going above and beyond the role of a teacher to help inspire them imagine and explore possibilities for future lives. His art, writing, and music were incredibly important to him, and he was always discussing plans for his next project. If you are not familiar with his music, please check some out here:
https://thecontactlow.bandcamp.com/
The world has lost a truly kind, caring, and generous man, far too young. Rest in peace, my brother, and my deepest condolences to family, friends, and all who loved him.
Jason was one of the nice guys, always friendly, curious and such a fan of all students. He was a joy to talk to and took time to connect on a personal level about his art and mine. I am so going to miss his curious and kind spirit. He was a trusted colleague. Every student he had was perfect and they knew he cared about them- we all smiled in his presence. His unwavering commitment to the hcc community will be missed.
June
Jason was a compassionate educator and student advocate. He encouraged everyone to expand their knowledge base. His smile, knowledge and intellect will be missed.
I had Jason for a class at HCC and he left a mark on my life. He adored my daughter and would let her sit in class with us. He bought her a bike for Christmas. We would have fun chats after class. He was my reference for the job I now have. I’m going to miss this man. It truly is a tragic loss.
I am devastated to loose earthly contact with Jason. I am Shocked and saddened he is gone.
Jason moved down the street from me in Amherst, Massachusetts back in 1979. By 1982 he he had moved away, back to California. Somehow in those brief formative teenage years, a friendship was formed that would thrive for over 40 years.
We learned our first guitar chords together. We shared our our love of rock music, and the excitement of discovering new bands. We wrote songs and mailed cassette tapes to each other. We created mix-tapes for our mutual enjoyment…
Jason was an amazing and creative human being. His wit was central to his existence. I smile thinking my how much he made me laugh. His passion for song, art, writing and film was core to his existence. Along with his obsession for trivia and news.
I weep as I write this.
Jason my dear friend, I will miss you as long as I am here on earth. Your dedication to our friendship has been unwavering. The thought of you, hanging with your Dad, who you loved so immensely brings me great comfort as I grieve.
Catch you when my time comes my dear friend. I know we will pick up where we left off…
Mark
In Dr. Apaodaca, I found a colleague with whom I could speak openly about learning, teaching, administration, and all things higher ed. In Jason, I found a friend I could trust, which is rare indeed. Our many conversations in the halls and cubbies at our beloved Eastside Campus, or over Vietnamese food in one of Jason’s favorite locations, were *fun* — a special quality I will hold close and dear as I remember him with love. Cammy
I only came to know Jason late this year. I was a brand new adjunct faculty member at HCC and trying so hard to learn, get things right and not “screw up too badly”. Jason reached out to me and said “let me help you, ask me anything, you are going to do fine”. He was such a resource, a practical one and he always made me feel appreciated and valued. The week before he passed I had reached out with questions about finals and grades and what should I do. He came back almost immediately and answered my questions and again, got me to relax and take a deep breath. Then four days later, he passed and my light and key resource was gone! I will do my best to not only keep his memory alive, but to do for others what he did for me. God bless you Jason and may God’s blessings be on his family. Don
It is difficult to imagine Southeast College without the smile, wisdom, and friendship of Jason Apodaca. As an educator he was an integral part of Houston Community College and student success, and as a friend and colleague he was generous with his warm laughter, wisdom, insights, support and hugs. When I left SE College a few years ago to go to another campus, wondering what to do with my nameplate that identified my desk, Jason took it, sat it on his desk and said, “Just leave it here, and when you need to come to Eastside, you will always have a desk.” I left it there. I miss him and his gentle but strong spirit. He left us too soon.
Prof. Jason I promised to always drop a birthday wish ever August, I missed that this year and felt bad, just for me to check up on you today and you are no more. I am pained. I was looking forward to the day I will tell you about my graduation and my RN license. My heart is heavy, you told me to be confident in all I do and that has really helped me. I pray God grant your family the strength they need in this trying time. Rest well Prof J.
Jason was a nice colleague who always had a funny story to share. You will be missed. Rest well my friend.
Jason,
I hope you can see this message. It’s me Tirzah. Or T, as you would call me. I miss you Jace.
You always said you wanted me to go on vacation with you,
And that you needed a vacation buddy. I wish I had more free time to have taken you up on that offer.
You know how busy I have been helping Dad with the construction business up north.
I know we had our discussions about Jesus Christ and the existence of God.
I have been praying that the Lord recieve you, and see that you have spread your love And your goodwill towards so many people.
Jason, with the Lord’s help we shall see each other again. You were always very intelligent, You knew alot of things. I hope you are knowing God right now and chilling with your father.
Jason was one of my best friends. He was like a brother/peer. I met him 10 yrs ago, he was my teacher. But after that one semester, forget it, we became good friends. After a few years, it was clear Jason had some affect on my life so as to encourage me to become more responsible and accountable for my life and decisions.
And he had witty, gotcha kinda humor. I always have some kind of poop humor. So he would always mention “Whats with the poop humor, Come on, anything but poop humor” He always cracked me up. Oh Jace, Jace, Jace.
Never thought you’d go away.
Reminding us that we are human and ephemeral.
Well Jace, you left a hole in the lives of many people, when you left.
Love you Jason poop head man.
Love you forever Jace.
God keep you, in the name of Jesus Christ.
(Love, Tirzah)