It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jason Mizokami of Alamosa, age 47, on May 15, 2024. Jason was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, cousin, friend, and colleague, whose sudden departure has left a profound void in the lives of many.
Jason was born on March 7, 1977, in Tucson, Ariz., to Ron and Cindy Mizokami. He graduated from Alamosa High School in 1995, where he loved playing baseball, drawing, and fixing up his Jeep. After high school, he worked at SunWest where he met the love of his life, Karen. They married in 2001 and built the most wonderful life together with their two amazing children, Jayden and Mia.
Deeply rooted in tradition, he was completely devoted to his family. He treated Karen like a queen, adoringly picking her up every day for lunch and dropping anything and everything if she needed him. He was Karen’s biggest supporter on her journey to complete Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Jason loved rooting for Jayden on the football and baseball fields and had tremendous pride in him, who was not only son but also his best friend. Mia was Jason’s pretty princess, he would do anything to spend time with her and see her smile. He enjoyed watching play basketball and cherished her artistic talents – he was always there.
He was playfully grumpy, fiercely protective, and quietly generous as a husband and father. He strived to make sure his kids grew up to be good people – and he succeeded.
Jason was a thoughtful, level-headed, dependable, and loving son, brother, and grandson. He moved back home without hesitation to help his father Ron run their business, Apex Produce, and care for his wonderful grandmother Agnes while she was fighting cancer. Upon Ron’s death in 2021, he continued to care for his mother Cindy and truly became the rock of the Mizokami family. Always the considerate son, he checked on his mom constantly, accommodating all of her wants and needs, making sure she never went without.
As a brother and cousin, he was wise, encouraging, and nonjudgmental, always a calming presence. He provided a listening ear and was a ceaseless reminder that family always comes first. As a papa, he was doting, affectionate, and always ready with a smile and quiet laugh for Maverick and Zander.
Jason had a great love and deep level of respect for his mother and father-in-law. He worked hard to make them proud of the way he cared for their daughter and grandkids, and he worked hard to carry Pete’s legacy on at Sorum Tractor/Redlund Equipment.
Outside of his family, Jason was known for his incredible work ethic, showing up to work every day at Sorum Tractor/Redlund Equipment to “turn wrenches” as he lovingly called it. He took great pride in learning everything about balers from his father-in-law, Pete and then teaching his son Jayden the ways of his trade. He was extremely dedicated to the farmers throughout the San Luis Valley who depended on him to get their farm equipment running without a hitch, often working overtime to ensure each piece of machinery was perfect. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, professionalism, and loyalty.
He was preceded in death by his father Ron Mizokami, his paternal grandparents Sam and Agnes Mizokami, his maternal grandparents Stan and Dora Medina, uncle Sid Medina, aunts Jeanne White and Marlene Arellano, cousins Darren Mizokami, Avery Garcia and Matthew Medina.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Mizokami; two children Jayden (Kacey Hillis) and Mia; mother Cindy Mizokami; brother Eric Mizokami; sister Kara Mizokami-Stout (Adam); cousin Isaiah Valenzuela who he considered his son; father and mother-in-law Pete and Jane Devine; sisters-in-law Jessica Weinette (Mike) and Susan Holder (Jeff); brother-in-law Ricardo Devine (Stacey); and many nephews, nieces, grandkids, and other family members and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on May 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Living Water Bible Fellowship in Alamosa. A reception will follow the service at Living Water. In lieu of flowers, a college fund has been set up for Jayden and Mia at San Luis Valley Federal. Please make checks payable to Karen, Jayden or Mia.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to their entire family and many friends, San Luis Valley farming community, Jason’s work family at Sorum Tractor/Redlund Equipment, Karen’s work family at Valley-Wide Health Systems, The Alamosa Mean Moose Family and to Jayden and Mia’s many friends that have shown support to them during this time, with special thanks to Kacey Hillis and Shania Garcia for being by their sides unconditionally.
Jason will be deeply missed more than words can ever say by all those who knew and loved him.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, words of comfort and tributes for Jason’s family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
