Jason Patton Vance

Jason Patton Vance passed away on February 6, 2026, in Orange County, California, at the age of 45.
Born on July 29, 1980, in Tucson, Arizona, he was the beloved son of Emily Wright Vance and Jay Virgil Vance, and the devoted brother of Jessica Vance.

Jason was known for his generous heart, his quick wit, and his remarkable ability to make people laugh. He had a gift for helping others feel at ease, whether through a perfectly timed joke, a thoughtful conversation, or simply his quiet presence. Whether caring for a patient, encouraging a friend, or sharing a laugh with family, Jason made people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for.

Jason graduated from Catalina Foothills High School, Class of 1998. He later attended California State University San Marcos, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, before continuing his education at Pima Community College, earning his Certified Nursing Assistant and Registered Nursing credentials.

Jason devoted much of his career to caring for others as a travel nurse throughout Southern California. Working alongside surgical teams utilizing robotic-assisted technology, he combined exceptional clinical skill with genuine compassion. He took great pride in helping patients feel both physically cared for and emotionally supported during some of life's most vulnerable moments. Nursing wasn't simply what Jason did—it was one of the many ways he expressed who he was.

One of the most endearing expressions of Jason's gentle spirit was his lifelong love of teddy bears. Family and friends affectionately nicknamed him "Jasonbear" because his collection had become legendary. But for Jason, teddy bears represented more than a collection. They were symbols of comfort, kindness, and childlike joy. He delighted in sharing them with others, believing that even the simplest gesture could help someone feel seen, loved, and a little less alone.
Outside of work, Jason embraced life with curiosity and joy. He loved creating art, traveling, spending time by the ocean, listening to music, dancing, reading, and finding reasons to laugh. He was the kind of person who brought warmth wherever he went and left people feeling better for having spent time with him.

Jason will be deeply missed by his loving family and many dear friends. He is survived by his mother, Emily Vance; his father, Jay Vance; his sister, Jessica Vance; his uncle, Douglas Wright; his aunt and uncle, Tammy and Vincent Vance; his cherished friends, Pamela Salgado, and Sara and Jim Hunsaker; and many other family members, friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives were touched by his kindness.

One of Jason's deepest honors was being the godfather to Sara and Jim's two children, Jackson and Hendrix. It was a role he cherished with tremendous love, and being part of their lives brought him immeasurable joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in La Jolla, California.
In keeping with Jason's generous spirit and lifelong love of teddy bears, and in lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor his memory to support Comfort Cub.

Comfort Cub provides weighted teddy bears to children and adults navigating the loss of a loved one—offering a tangible source of comfort during grief.

For Jason, teddy bears represented comfort, tenderness, and joy. The family can think of no more meaningful way to honor his memory than by helping extend that same comfort to someone else.