CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jason Myers, a broadcast meteorologist, father, and husband, is being remembered after he lost his life when the WBTV news helicopter crashed in Charlotte Tuesday.
When Myers joined Charlotte television station WBTV in 2019, it was a homecoming for him. Born in Salisbury, Myers grew up in Union and Catawba counties in North Carolina, according to WBTV. He graduated high school in Davidson County.
He joined the station after previously working in Lexington, Kentucky; Richmond, Virginia; and Abilene, Texas.
Myers was a graduate of North Carolina State University, where he earned a degree in meteorology with a concentration in communications, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was a member of the American Meteorological Society.
Myers leaves behind his wife, Jillian, and their four children.
Saturday, family, friends, community members, and colleagues said farewell to Myers. His celebration of life took place at Carmel Baptist Church in Matthews. Songs of worship played in the background as several photos of Jason and his family was shared on a large screen.
“When people use the phrase 'the love of their life' they don’t necessarily mean their whole life but I do," said his wife Jillian of nearly 20 years.
She recounts their family’s meeting when she was just a toddler. She described their courtship as illustrious and Jason as a hardworking and devoted family man.
"He continued to work two jobs throughout our marriage so that I never needed to work," said Jillian. "Yet, our roles never felt divided at home. He was part of every aspect of caring for our children."
He was a bright light to his kids.
"My father showed me many things and shaped me into the man I am today," said his son Andrew. "Most importantly, he showed me how to care for others. He was an example of that through the way he cared and loved for my mom."
He is also known as a man of strong faith.
"My dad was a man of God and Christ was a part of all of his decisions," said his daughter Lilly. "God remained the center of our lives."
Condolences across Charlotte and the broadcast industry are being posted in Myers' memory.
"He’s probably up in heaven encouraging God, like 'good job on that God'. One of our pastors joked he probably is the first guy to walk into heaven and just say 'hey God, Jason Myers,'" the pastor said drawing laughter from the crowd.
Jason's mother Susan took the stand with his clipboard at hand. It has his most accurate forecast she said, grieving the loss of her son.
"I have a hole in my heart. I never wanted to be one of the mothers who buried her son," she expressed. "Many of you asked me how I raised such a fine son, It wasn’t me it was the Lord.
"Tuesday was not the end of Jason’s life," said the pastor. "He lives, he lives he's alive with God the Father now."
A private burial service followed.
Community mourns the loss of Jason Myers
"I'm absolutely crushed! @JMyersWeather was one of the most amazing, genuine, and nice people I've not only worked with, but have ever known," KMTV-TV Chief Meteorologist Mark Stitz wrote on Twitter. "My heart breaks for his family! I'll miss our long phone calls and his constant encouragement. Love you and miss you, friend! "
"@JMyersWeather was a class act and always so kind to me," WMBF-TV meteorologist Andrew Dockery wrote. "This breaks my heart."
"@JMyersWeather was the chief meteorologist during my time [at] @ABC36News," former broadcaster Christy Bollinger wrote. "It was a treat to be in his presence as he was just the most joyful guy. Never without a smile on his face."
"Words can't describe how heartbroken I am," WBTW-TV meteorologist Scotty Powell wrote. "@JMyersWeather was a friend & mentor. He helped me so much this year, chasing my dream."
Supporting Jason Myers' family
A family friend has launched a GoFundMe for the Myers, with all funds toward funeral and memorial expenses. It has far surpassed its original $15,000 goal as donors have contributed more than $70,000 as of writing.
If you feel called to give, you can do so at this link.
WBTV announced a visitation and funeral for Myers will take place this weekend. A visitation will be held at Carmel Baptist Church in Matthews on Friday starting at 5 p.m. and the funeral will be held in the same location Saturday at 11 a.m., according to WBTV.