Jason Binion

Jason David Binion, a resident of Cuba, departed this life on Saturday, September 17 unexpectedly; surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Cristella and Robert; brothers Ronald and Robert “Bobby”; father-in-law Genaro Velasquez; maternal grandparents Juanita and Santiago Garcia and paternal grandparents Travis and Erma Binion.

Jason is survived by his loving wife Sonya of 19 years, son; Robby (Jenessa) and daughters Harley, Payton, and Montana. He is also survived by the light of his life, his granddaughter Amayah. Brother: Travis (Ula Marie); sisters-in-law Gina Binion, Diana (Ricky) Velarde, Laura (Mark) Baca, Loretta (Brian) Jacquez, a Brother-in-law Randy (Genevieve) Velasquez; Mother-in-law Tina Velasquez and numerous nieces, nephews, and God-children.

Jason was born on February 1, 1978 to Robert and Cristella Binion. Jason was born and raised in Tierra Amarilla and was very passionate about life. Jason spent many hours playing basketball and football with his brothers, cousins and neighbors. He was the baby of the Binion family and excelled in everything he attempted from sports to education. He was very athletic and played basketball, football and track. Jason was nominated to North South Football Team but was unable to play due to a knee injury. Upon graduation from Escalante High School in 1996, he was among those students nominated to attend West Point. He attended UNM where he studied Sports Medicine. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He most recently continued his education to obtain his Administrators Licensure.

Jason had a great drive for education and a strong work ethic. He also worked for the Cuba independent school district for over twenty years where he inspired his students and staff to work hard and take care of business. He was admired in every aspect of his life especially in the lessons he taught. Jason had a passion for football and wanted to share his skill with all those he met. His very first coaching job was a football program he started at Santo Domingo Elementary/Middle School in the late 90s. He then moved on to coaching football at Bernalillo High School. He later coached track and football at Escalante High School where he coached his football team to the District Championship. Later in his career Jason also assisted in developing the conjoining football program for Jemez Mountain Schools/Escalante High School. He helped transport boys who wanted to play football back and forth to practice in Tierra Amarilla and then worked with those boys in the weight room. He worked as the Business Manager, coached cross country and served as the and Athletic Director and sponsored the Gear Up program at Jemez Mountain Public Schools.

Jason was also a very religious and instilled the importance of making God the center of his life and the life of his family. He was a family man and loved his family greatly and always encouraging his wife and children to do great things. His favorite days were spent caring for his ray of sunshine, Amayah. He was very active in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was a part of the Knights of Columbus in Cuba.

A rosary will be recited on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Devargas Funeral Home in Espanola, with a public visitation to begin at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cuba, with a burial to follow at the Cuba Catholic Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Bo Binion, Jude Binion, Robby Binion, Shane Binion, Travis Binion, John Gallegos, Brian Jacquez, and Randy Velasquez.  Honorary Pallbearers are Harley, Payton, Montana, Amayah, Austin, and Ray.

The family Jason Binion has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Devargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com