Jasper Singh Jawanda, 19, of Southern Pines, passed away peacefully from complications of metastatic cardiac angiosarcoma on Sunday, Nov 12th, at FirstHealth Hospice House. His loving parents, sister, brother, and grandmother were at his side.
Jasper was born in Durham, NC on Oct 12, 2004 to Paul and Jennifer Jawanda, and then moved to Southern Pines in his first year of life. He went to Southern Pines schools, then St John Paul II Catholic middle school, and graduated from Pinecrest High school.
He was a quirky and unique human, who was well-liked, and for those digging beneath his outer layers, he was very much loved. With great effort and much disorganization, he was an average student. He was funny, and observant, and he marched to the beat of his own drummer. He enjoyed soccer, favoring West Ham United. He was an Anglophile, and might enter the room with a “hello, hello, hello” in a Cockney accent. Before becoming ill at age 16, he was an avid weight-lifter and fitness devotee; he had dreams of being a bodybuilder. His particular special power was perseverance despite setbacks or when things did not come easily to him. He was a lover of cats, and he was a gentle and kind soul.
He also loved his family. He had a particular bond with his Grandma Marian, both understanding each other well, and so enjoying time with one another.
He dealt with his illness with grace and stoicism. Despite the incurable nature of his condition, he responded with acceptance and chose to not spend time dwelling on his illness. He was admired by his doctors and nurses, as he navigated through various treatments, with his typical responses being either “yes ma’am”, “yes sir”, or “I’m alright”.
He was an inspiration to his family, and he will be missed always.
Jasper is survived by his parents, Dr Paul and Jennifer Jawanda; sister, Josie (age 16); brother, Jethro (age 13); paternal grandparents Jasjit and Pat Jawanda, of Auburn Hills, MI; maternal grandparents Walter Evan and Marian Johnson, of Whispering Pines; paternal aunt Loveleen Barringer (David), of Auburn Hills, MI; maternal aunt Stephanie Moore (Daniel), of Raleigh; maternal uncle Evan Johnson (Dr Julie), of Pinehurst; maternal aunt Meredith Raabe (Dr Joshua), of Stevens Points, WI; as well as many cousins and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at Community Congregational Church in downtown Southern Pines on Saturday Nov. 18, at 2pm. All friends, family, and acquaintances are welcome. An intimate gathering for a celebration of life will follow in the evening (for family, out of town guests, and close family friends) at the Jawanda homestead.
The family wishes to thank Drs Lars Wagner and Jonathan Bardahl, Duke Pediatric Oncology, for their kindness and thoughtful care. In addition, the family wishes to thank the Saint John Paul II Catholic school community for loving support. In his last days, FirstHealth Hospice House provided such wonderful relief and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (childrenscancerpartners.org) in memory of Jasper.
PinesFunerals (Powell Funeral Home) is serving the Jawanda family. Online condolences can be made at pinesfunerals.com.
