Jason Robert Kerby

“Kerby”
His little sister must have needed his help, so she came and took him by the hand. Jason Robert Kerby, born August 1, 1974 to Debbie and Wesley Kerby was a very bright child with an infectious smile that included big dimples. Jason grew up learning how to reap the rewards of his quick, infectious charm and nurtured his natural affection for those who were inflicted or teased. In high school, he lettered in drama and it was during this time that his mother noticed he would turn out to be someone very special.  After graduating from West High, he couldn’t wait to head out in the world for his next big adventure. He eventually headed over to Tampa and Orlando, Florida, where he made many friendships of which he cherished greatly and began school focusing in Graphic Design. Jason quickly re-discovered his love of the Arts, taking his unbridled love of self-expression to new heights.
In 1997, Jason’s sister Nicky tragically passed on at the tender young age of 16, which ultimately altered the direction of his life. Moving back to Utah to be closer to his family, Jason continued his employment and life-long passion, going back to working as a waiter (where he quickly became in high-demand among a huge clientele whom he loved) for many diverse restaurants in the Salt Lake area. He even appeared on television to promote the opening of a new restaurant called Bucket of Crawfish! Jason came to befriend the owners and worked at their numerous other restaurants.  Jason desired to drop his first name, wanting to be known as “Kerby” and the change was literally overnight. He started a new passion and promising career path with the Sherman Kendall Academy (cosmetology) and there his personality really began to shine. Employed at Salon NV, he made many more friends and enjoyed entertaining and making them laugh. He had the most incredible and powerful charm, coupled with his sharp wit, captivating dimples, entertaining humor, and colorful cheer, he made anyone smile and laugh, even on the worst of days! Jason’s impeccable character won you over during the first seconds upon meeting him.
Embracing his campy, over-the-top -yet stylish-personality, “Kerby” was always on the lookout for the next défi du impossible, or impossible challenge. Kerby enjoyed a good conversation and if given a few extra seconds, could steal the spotlight from anyone and command the attention of the whole crowd. He thoroughly enjoyed Utah’s diverse, vast wilderness-from the west deserts to the lush mountains. Any chance he got he would round up the friends to go out camping. Everyone learned quite quickly how to cook “real food” over a fire because Kerby was “The Cook” and the proof was in all his cooking!  In his striving to leave neither experience- nor stone- unturned during his life, he lit up any room the minute he entered it. Kerby terribly missed his sister and talked of her quite often. Jason’s brilliance will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of meeting and befriending him. Kerby, your warm smile-accented sharply by your most cherished dimples-will always shine on in our hearts!
Jason is survived by his mother, Debbie Kerby of Salt Lake City, Wesley Kerby of West Valley City and his half-sister Jessica Kerby, also of Salt Lake City. He is preceded in death by his younger sister, Nichole [Nicky] and his grandparents Clarence (Betty) Kerby and Richard (Edna) Bowden [Goulding].
The Celebration of Jason’s life will take place on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah. Friends may call Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Estates on 6500 S. Redwood Road and/or Friday, December 28, 2018 two hours prior to the Celebration of his Life. At his request, Jason will be cremated and will reunite with his mother, Debbie, after her death so they will then be together again, forever.  A marker will be placed on Nicole’s plot for family and friends to visit at Memorial Estates on 6500 S. Redwood Road.
Service Information
Viewing December 27, 2018 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah





Viewing December 28, 2018 at 10:00 - 11:45 AM
Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah





Celebration of Life
December 28, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah