Jason Michael Riley

jason riley

Jason Michael Riley, 38, passed away at home surrounded by family on February 26, 2023.  He was born on October 2, 1984, to Lonnie Riley and Sandy Ayers, in Pikeville, KY.  He was the older sibling to his brother and closest friend, Joshua Riley.

In 2006, Jason sent his first MySpace correspondence to Kymberly Stowe, and they wed in 2009, going on to have their son, Callan Landis Riley in 2017. Laughter would often be heard from the escapades of Jason and Callan.  The love shared between he and Kymberly could be heard by one word, “babe.”  There was no better husband nor father.

Jason was learned, versatile and rugged.  After serving in the military, he received his bachelors and masters degree in theology and then turned to a life of farming and giving.  He loved to work the earth and be in nature. He and his wife started a farm in the mountains surrounding Asheville. His goal was to create a self sufficient farm that would also give to the hungry. His non-profit that he created was already regularly donating cows to the local food bank.  But he would also keep pre-packaged meals in his car to hand out to the hungry. He loved to hike, read, hunt, wood work, philosophize, invent, and dream.  He could discuss the philosophies of Aristotle in the ancient Greek all while castrating a new bull.

Jason will be missed by all who knew him.  He has left his mark on our hearts and they are forever changed.  His laugh was contagious. He carried the burdens of anyone who laid them on his feet and never wavered. He played hard and loved harder. We cannot wait to see him again.

His funeral will be held at Groce Funeral Home’s West Asheville location, 1401 Patton Avenue, on Friday, March 3, 2023.  Visitation will be from noon to 1:00 p.m. followed by the service.  A livestream of that service may be found here: https://boxcast.tv/channel/funeral-service-for-jason-riley-ewyj8t5yhtwp9nh8v9o3 A private graveside ceremony will be held at Green Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to one of Jason’s charities to which he gave: Broken Boot Farms.

 

Services

Visitation: March 3, 2023 12:00 pm - May 3, 2025 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Funeral Service: March 3, 2023 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Private Burial:

Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-9831

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We are so very sorry to hear of Jason’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to You, Callan and the family. Holding You all close In Our hearts and prayers for strength, courage, comfort and hope 🙏❤️‍🩹

  2. Eternal rest grant unto Jason, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in the peace of Christ!

    Our family is praying for the entire Riley family and hoping that the memory of this good and faithful servant will inspire all of us to love and serve one another as Jason did.

  3. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles

    The Black Family is praying for God to wrap you all in his arms, that Jason shows up in your lives daily as you learn to navigate life without his physical presence, he is always with you, in your hearts and minds. What a glorious day when we are all reunited at the gates of Heaven!

  4. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jason. Though we never met in person, he and I worked for a month virtually during my training at Allstate and he best prepared me for my position. During that time, he spoke often of his family, the farm, and the vision. He will be sorely missed. Please know that I will be praying for peace and comfort for your entire family during this difficult time.

  5. We are so sorry for your loss, you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

  6. We are so sorry for your loss we love all of your family!
    Praying God will comfort and give you peace.
    What a great legacy he has given you all.

  7. We are so sorry for your loss we love all of your family!
    Praying God will comfort and give you peace

  8. I’m am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jason. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

  9. Kimberly and Callan, our thoughts and prayers are with you both. May God give you comfort and peace! Aunt Teresa and Uncle Fred

  10. Dear sister, we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your precious Jason. We know that The LORD has you and your sweet son and all of the family in his arms. I pray for peace and comfort for all. God Bless

  11. This is the heart and candle I gave to my family when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. A heart for loved shared throughout the years and the candle as a sign of hope to cure cancer one day. Kim my prayers are with you and your family. I’m always hear if you ever need anything I’ve been there. Remember God will always be your strength as long as you continue to trust in Him. Love and prayers to you all!!!

  12. Kymberly,Tim and I are keeping you, Callan and family in Our thoughts & Prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Love Uncle Tim,Sandi & family

  13. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. May God be with you and your family.
    Kim Plemmons

  14. Josh, you and your family are in our thoughts. We are so sorry to hear about Jason. We pray for God to comfort your family in this time of sorrow.

    Tina Somers, Steve Rector, Chris Berry and Jamie Conley.

  15. Terry and I grieve the passing of our wonderful neighbor, friend, and brother in Christ. We feel a terrible void in our lives with Jason’s absence. Jason and I were also part of a brotherhood of former Marines. We pray for “the peace of God, that passes all understanding” for Kymberly, Callan, and all his family and friends. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

  16. My sincere condolences to you, Callan and your family Kymberly. I will miss Jason deeply. In just a short time he proved to be a great person and friend. I will keep you all in my prayers.

  17. Janis and I were blessed to know Jason and his family years ago when they lived in the Monroe, NC area. Jason and Joshua were part of our youth group at church that we were able to lead. He was a blessing then and though we haven’t been in touch for a long time, we expect that he was still a blessing to all of his family, friends, and anyone he knew. Our deepest condolences go out to the family.

  18. I want to express my condolences to the Riley Family. In the short time that I had worked with Jason at Allstate, I learned that he was a terrific and talented person with good heart who cared about others. He will be definitely be missed by our Allstate family.

  19. It was a blessing to work with Jason when he filled in for a manager during her maternity leave. In those three months, Jason taught me how to be a successful claims adjuster. He took the time to explain scenarios, assisted in writing estimates and understanding policies. No leader at that company did what he did for me. I gave him all the credit in leading me properly. He was such a pleasure to work with, and I hated it when he moved on to lead his own team. He took the time out to pray for me and my family as well. I made sure to return to deed and prayed for him and his family. I am still heartbroken over the news of what seems to be an untimely expiration. But I am glad to know that he is no longer suffering. Until we meet again on the other side, Jason is truly missed by very many, and I will keep his family in my prayers.

  20. Words simply cannot express the sorrow I feel for your family. God promises to be your refuge, your safe place, your protector, and your shelter when you battle through a storm. I pray that God surrounds your family with love during this time and gives y’all strength and peace to take one day at a time. Psalm 46:1
    Please know my continuous prayers are with you all.


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