Obituary of Jason Matthew Smeltzer

 

Jason Matthew Smeltzer

Age 41, Born Albuquerque, NM

March 14, 1982

Left this world February 29, 2024

 

 

Parents: Janice Smeltzer, of Albuquerque; Patrick Church (Deceased) Oglala

Survived by

Uncles: Robert & Avis Smeltzer, Chicago, IL

Aunt: Richinda Adams, Fox Lake, IL

   Cousins: Ethan & Tressa Smeltzer & Bleu Webb, Chicago, IL

Michelle Jones, IL

Step Son: Carlos Palacios, of Albuquerque, NM

Special Friend: JoJo Mulholland, N.M.

Many friends and relatives he met as he traveled the world

 

Jason was a Member- Oglala Lakota Nation.

Member- Soka Grakkai (SGI) intl. Buddhist Society:

They shared a core belief that "all life has dignity, with infinite and inherent potential"

He served as Youth Group Leader for (SGI) teaching their Youth Drum Group; he organized and prepared them for a performance at SGI's Intl Competition, Chicago, IL.

 

Jason graduated with honors from Del Norte High, class of 2000.

He held an Associate Degree from ITT, in Computer Science and Cyber Security.

He held a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from ITT Technical Institute; where he also made the International Deans List and became an Honorary Member- International Scholar Laureate Program - where in 2007 he traveled with a delegation to the People's Republic of China, on a mission to "Further Diplomacy"

He worked for Social Security Administration for many years.

Jason was especially proud of his contributions as a Volunteer Intern Epidemiologist, at N.M. Dept. of Health in 2014, on a pandemic risk assessment, tracking and preparedness project; Jason was tasked with collecting, organizing and submitting analytical data.

 

Jason served two years as a U.S. Army Scout, receiving his training to be a Scout in Alaska and Germany.

A Member -National Scholars Honor Society- Member-

American Criminal Justice Association Lambda Alpha Epsilon- where he received the Academic Supremacy Gold Key Recipient award.

Jason was very civic minded.

At the time of his death he was pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business and Engineering from CNM.

His death came unexpectedly, tragically and far too soon, with many of his hope's dreams left unfulfilled.

He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

A private viewing was held Monday March 18, 2024, at 4pm.

Memorial will be scheduled at a later date.

 

 

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