Obituary of Jason Arlo Kotas

On November 21, 2012 Jason Arlo Kotas (Jake)found peace from the cancer that ravaged his body. His life was cut short but he always kept his faith, never gave up hope and was so very courageous until his death, surrounded by his loving family, at the home of his parents, Ron and Cindy Kotas of Cincinnatus. Jake touched so many people with his love, laughter and wit. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle andmusic and he was a wonderful photographer who was recently recognized as one of the top 10 up and coming photographers of this time. Jake was born in New London, Connecticut on May 8, 1970 but spent most of his life in the Cortland Homer area. He was a 1988 Homer High School graduate. Following graduation he was employed at Buckbee Mears for 13 years andthen moved to Miami, Florida for two years. Upon returning to Cortland he was employed at Greek Peak for oneski season, E-Formingand finally at IMR in Lansing, NY until his death. Besides his parents,Jake is survived by a brother,Gary (Michelle) Kotas andnieces Amber and Mackenzie of Homer,a sister Nicole (Ken) VanDerhoff and nephew DevonLane of Cortland, a sister Amy Duda and nephew Wyatt Duda, and a sister Anne (josh) Gregory and niece Peyton Dee Gregory of Oneonta. He is also survived by a half-brother Michael Evans, aunts, uncles and cousins. Wright Beard Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Calling hours will be on Monday, November 26, 2012 from 4-7 pm. The funeral will follow on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 11 am at the Wright Beard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jakes memory to the Cortland County Caring Community Hospice, whowalked with us onthis journey and made it alittle easier. Our son and brother, we love you so much. Thank you for loving us back! There will always be a hole in our hearts but we know you are in a much better place. We will be together again one day! to offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com I am sending my sincerest thoughts and prayers to everyone on the passing of Jason. Remembering all the memories through the years of a wonderful son,brother,uncle,grandson and friend that Jason was will bring you comfort as the days go by.Seeing him the many times at Buckbee wearing his leather jacket would bring an instant smile to me.I would think there is a happy guy.May the Lord bring you peace and comfort as you mourn his passing. Love,JULIE SWEET Bless Jason - he is out of his pain. Cindy and Ron - I know what you are going thru and I am sending my prayers, sympathy and love. Angelo & Eliz. cherchio It is with a heavy heart that I send my sincerest thoughts and prayers to Ron and Cindy,nieces and nephews.Julie Sweet Our thoughts and prayers,deepest Condolences to the family. Jenny Benavente Dude!!! We'd been out of touch for so long. Now I'll never get to say goodbye. I hope you're in a place surrounded by music and positive energy. I love you brother. Ben Jackson Jason you are missed by so many already. your parents/friends are proud to have called you our friend. while I will miss your smiling face and smart a$$ antics I am glad you are free from the pain. Dont raise to much havoc before we all see you again. thank you to your parents for raising such a wonderful caring person. lucy johnson My deepest condolences to Jason's family. I hope you find comfort knowing he is not in pain anymore. He was a great guy and awesome photographer, he will definitely be missed. Jason always had such a positive outlook about everything and made others smile, even when he was not feeling well. Kristen Pierson Im so truly sorry for for lost. Thinking of you Ron and Cindy and family at this difficult time. brenda j caughey I don't think I can ever shoot another show and not think about you my friend. My deepest sympathy to your family. You fought hard and with dignity. It was hard to hear about your suffering..I'm glad you no longer have to endure that. "Peace and Pictures" Bruce Clayton Ron,Cindy and family there are no words to express the overwhelming sadness for the loss of your son. I have such wonderful memories of him when we worked at buckbe mears....those memories will stay with me forever. Everybody who knew him will have great memories that nobody can take away...he is gone from here but memories of him are forever carol ncholson Remembering an impish but well liked young man while working at Buckbee. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have an understanding of your loss as my son Donnie passed in 2001. Lean on friends, family and most importantly your faith.God bless.Nancy Jacobs