JJ's Story

In addition to his loving parents, Jason and Heather, he is survived by sister, Jalyn; paternal grandparents, Michael and Carol; his Aunt Debbie and many other uncles, aunts and cousins.  He was welcomed into Heaven by his maternal grandparents, Dave and Mary, his cousin Ava, his great-great Aunt Dottie, and his great-great Uncle Bert—all of whom played a meaningful role in his upbringing.

JJ’s only sibling, Jalyn, is four years younger and now faces a lifetime without her brother. Like many siblings, they had their moments of disagreement growing up, but those were far outnumbered by the laughter and joy they shared. JJ was always the protective older brother, the one she could confide in, the one who showed her the ropes, and the one she loved with all her heart. 

He is also survived by close family friends and neighbors—Marty, Miken, Laney, and Jake—who were deeply involved in his life and helped shape his upbringing. They are among the many neighbors and community members who touched JJ’s life over nearly two decades.

JJ’s lifelong circle of friends continues to honor his memory, including Tyler, Ian, Nathan, Connor R., Ben, Bryce, Jacob, Connor G., Sahil, Josh, Ava, Abby, Jaedyn, and Gabby. While these names stand out as constants in his journey, JJ was blessed with countless other friends who cherished him as well.

Finally, JJ’s baseball family was both large and enduring. Coaches such as Dan, Marc, Bill, and Ben not only sharpened his skills on the field but also enriched his life in immeasurable ways.

Even at the tender age of one year old, JJ exhibited a gentle, forgiving and loving nature.  Despite having reflux he was still loving to those who fed him despite the difficulties at times.  JJ also exhibited a great aptitude in learning and was able to learn sign language to communicate his basic needs without having speech development yet.  His hearing was fine but it was a great way for early communication as a baby beginning around six months.  He developed about a 100 word vocabulary.

JJ showed early signs of compassion and patience even as a toddler. At just two years old in preschool, his ability to communicate through sign language allowed him to help his teacher connect with a deaf boy in the class. The boy’s mother expressed her joy that her son now had a friend who could truly communicate with him. She shared how he had become excited to go to school each day and how deeply she appreciated the patience and kindness JJ showed in helping her son.

From the age of four, JJ pursued karate with remarkable dedication, setting his sights on earning a black belt by his eighth birthday—a goal he achieved just in time. He mastered every adult pumsay, earned numerous tournament awards, and later served as a junior instructor. Despite his skill, JJ never showed aggression, carrying himself with the same gentleness, respect, and care that defined him in every part of life.

During a trip to California to visit family, we took JJ and his older cousin to a park to catch fly balls from a Zooka pitching machine. The boys would sprint from the machine just as the ball was loaded, racing to the outfield in time to turn and make the catch. Even with no prior experience, JJ excelled—and in that moment, his love for baseball was born.

JJ began his first year of Little League at nine years old and continued until he was ineligible because of age.  Like many talented boys his age he played on travel teams as well.   Attending games was a family event and filled with laughter and fun.  JJ made a whole new group of friends that lasted a lifetime.  His coaches said he was not only the type of player that could play any position but more importantly he was a great kid to be around.  Amazingly, his first year they won the championship game.

After JJ’s passing, the Avon Grove Area Little League families honored his memory with a baseball-shaped banner, dedicated on Opening Day in April 2024. The banner was paid for by donations received by the AGHS wrestling team families.  At family dinners, we often went around the table sharing the favorite part of our day. JJ’s answer was almost always the same: “Right now.” Those two simple words continue to remind us to treasure the present moment, just as he did.  Seize the moment, play your best and even when things don't go your way, be happy you had the chance.

The same year JJ joined Little League at age nine, he also began playing travel ball, a passion he carried through middle school. He devoted himself to private lessons, joined several competitive teams, and competed in countless tournaments, each experience helping him grow not just as a player, but as a person. JJ was the kind of teammate who never hesitated to step into any position and was just as quick to cheer for others as he was to play. Even in tough moments, he tried to make everyone laugh, lifting spirits with his humor and kindness. His generosity extended beyond the field too—often showing up with snacks to share with teammates and friends. Over the years, JJ’s love for the game wove together a community of lasting friendships, not only with his all teammates and coaches, but with their families as well.

In middle school, JJ continued his baseball journey with Avon Grove, finding his place as a second baseman and thriving in the fast-paced energy of the infield. As he moved into high school, he worked tirelessly to earn a spot on the freshman team, a goal he was proud to achieve. When given the chance to choose his favorite jersey number, #7, JJ once again showed his generosity by giving it up to a teammate who wanted it more. But just as the season was about to begin, the world shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19. For JJ, the decision to step away from the sport he loved was clear—his grandmother, who lived with his family, was awaiting a double lung transplant, and he chose to protect her health above all else until she passed in March 2021. Later, as he hoped to return, another obstacle came: a major back surgery in his junior year that required a year-long recovery. Through every challenge, JJ’s strength, selflessness, and maturity shone just as brightly as his talent on the field.

After recovering from back surgery, JJ made the bold decision to try something new his senior year—joining the volleyball team with his friends. Though the sport was unfamiliar, his love for athletics and determination to push himself helped him quickly learn the game and become a valued contributor to the team.

Senior Night was a deeply special moment for our family. We were filled with pride watching JJ out there—not just for the game he played, but for everything he had overcome to get to that point. Throughout high school, he faced more than his fair share of challenges: the uncertainty and isolation of COVID, giving up his favorite sport, the loss of his beloved grandmother, major back surgery, and months of intense physical therapy.

But through it all, JJ never gave up. He faced each obstacle with courage and came out stronger, making new memories, building lasting friendships, and showing us all the power of perseverance. We couldn’t be prouder of the young man he’s become.

One of JJ’s lifelong passions was gaming, a love that began at a young age playing Wii alongside his dad. Family nights often turned into hours of laughter playing Super Mario Kart and Just Dance. As he grew older, his interests expanded to Xbox and PC, where he dove into the worlds of Battlefield, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and Rust .He  could spend hours immersed in the world of video games—if we let him! What started as a fun hobby quickly became something more: a way to connect, build friendships, and create lasting memories.

He had a core group of friends he played with daily, and over the years, he formed strong bonds with online friends he met all the way back in middle school. There was always plenty of banter among the boys, usually followed by bursts of laughter that filled the house. No matter where we traveled, JJ made sure his Xbox came along—he never wanted to miss a night of gaming with his friends. JJ was the glue that kept everyone connected, the friend who made sure the party was always full and the games were always fun. His passion for gaming wasn’t just about the screen—it was about the people on the other side of it.

JJ has always had a natural gift for connecting with people. From a young age, he made friends easily—and more importantly, he kept them. Whether it was through karate, little league, travel ball, flag football, or just playing around the neighborhood, JJ collected friendships like treasures and nurtured them throughout his life.

His core group of friends began forming in 4th grade, and over the years, they became more like brothers than just friends. Together, they shared countless memories—gaming late into the night, swimming in the backyard pool every summer, going on vacations, cheering at football games, and just enjoying all the fun and freedom of being kids. Our house was always filled with laughter, playful banter, and the kind of joy that only lifelong friendships bring. Watching JJ grow up surrounded by such strong, loyal friends has been one of the greatest gifts. These friendships have shaped who he was—fun-loving, loyal, and deeply connected to the people around him.

During JJ’s early years, summer vacations often meant trips to Ocean City or Cape May, NJ, where days were filled with sun, sand, and family fun. He loved playing on the beach with his sister, riding the waves on his boogie board, and exploring the boardwalk and waterparks. A family tradition was chartering a boat for fishing, and while catching fish was exciting, JJ’s favorite part was always getting behind the wheel to steer the boat back to the marina—a moment that made him beam with pride.

Winter vacations were often spent on the slopes, where long weekends of skiing and snowboarding became family tradition. JJ first learned to ski at just three years old, but before long he traded his skis for a snowboard and fell in love with the thrill of carving down the mountain. He and his dad became true snowboard buddies, sharing countless runs and an unbreakable bond. While his sister preferred skiing, the two of them were always close on the slopes, never far from each other. JJ’s enthusiasm was contagious—so much so that he often took the time to teach his friends how to snowboard, eager to share the joy he found in the sport. 

JJ was fortunate to explore many beautiful destinations throughout the Caribbean, including Aruba, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St. Thomas, and Turks and Caicos. No matter where he went, the beach was always his happiest place—whether he was swimming, riding jet skis, or heading out on boat trips to snorkel or swim alongside turtles and dolphins. Many of these trips were made even more special by the company of his grandmother and his great-great uncle, who, even in his 90s, joined in the adventures. JJ cared for them with the same devotion and love they gave to him, making each vacation as much about family as it was about fun.

JJ always knew where he wanted to go to college—Penn State University. From early on, it was clear in his heart that PSU was the place for him. So confident in his choice, he only applied to Penn State. He wrote his application essay entirely on his own, completed all the paperwork without help, and submitted it right at midnight on the first day applications opened.

Just two weeks later, he was accepted. He was absolutely thrilled—ready to start the next chapter of his life, full of excitement and pride to officially be part of the Penn State family. That joy only grew when his best friend was also accepted, into the Smeal College of Business. Knowing they would experience college together made it even more special.

Though JJ’s time at Penn State was tragically short—just four months—it was everything he had dreamed of. Those months were filled with friendship, independence, growth, and happiness. He lived fully, embraced the experience with his whole heart, and made memories that will be cherished forever.

JJ had so many favorite things that made life fun and meaningful. He had a sweet spot for mint chocolate milkshakes and insisted on a Carvel ice cream cake every year for his birthday. His favorite places in the world were the beaches of Turks and Caicos and Aruba. He dreamed of one day owning an Airbnb and a boating company in Turks after college—a vision that combined his love of the ocean, travel, and creating unforgettable experiences for others.

Baseball was one of JJ’s first loves, and from a young age, he found joy on the field. He was also a loyal fan of his favorite teams—the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies—taking pride in their championships. Health and fitness became a big part of his routine at college. He took pride in meal prepping, staying active, and working out—always focused on taking care of his body and mind.

But more than anything, JJ’s heart belonged to his family, his two dogs Buddy and Izzy, and his closest friends. They were his world. His greatest goal in life wasn’t about success or recognition—it was to take care of the people he loved. He showed up, supported them, and always made sure their needs were met, often putting others before himself.

JJ loved with his whole heart and soul. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly giving, and truly one of a kind. If you were loved by JJ, you knew it—and you felt it every day.

Jason J. Ruszin, known to family and friends as JJ, passed away in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday evening, December 27, 2023. He was 18 years old. JJ had recently completed his first semester at Penn State University, where he was pursuing a major in Business Marketing with aspirations of a career in Real Estate.

Home on Christmas break, JJ spent the holiday enjoying time with loved ones. On December 27, he spent the afternoon gaming with friends before joining them that evening at a friend’s house. After picking up pizza for the group, he spent several hours with them playing darts and enjoying each other’s company.

That day had been marked by heavy rain, and the conditions continued into the night. Following his friends’ parents’ advice to use main roads because of potential flooding on back roads, JJ left for home later that evening. Shortly thereafter, just two miles from his residence, he was involved in a single-vehicle accident that claimed his life. JJ had been a licensed driver for 18 months, with no prior incidents or citations, and toxicology results were clean. The cause of the accident remains undetermined and is under investigation.