Robert Jason Releford, age 52, was born March 4, 1973, in Winchester, Tennessee. A loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend, Jason was deeply cherished by all who knew him. He passed from this life surrounded by the love that he so freely gave to others. He grew up in Grundy County, Tennessee, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. One of his greatest passions was gardening, he could grow almost anything—especially flowers, which he delighted in tending and sharing with others. Many hospital rooms, offices, and nursing units were brightened by fresh-cut flowers from Jason’s garden. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and spending time outside whenever he could. Jason was a true grill master and talented home chef whose home-cooked meals brought many together around the table. As a craft home brewer and beer connoisseur, he took pride in brewing his own beer and sharing it with family and friends, creating fellowship and laughter wherever he gathered with others.

Jason proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class aboard the USS Detroit (AOE-4) from 1994 to 1997, later continuing his service in the Naval Reserves. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Yet the truest measure of his service was the trust of his shipmates: if Jason had the line, they knew they were safe. Calm in the storm and steady when the deck rolled, he stood his watch with honor. Always an anchor with his shipmates and friends. After his time at sea, he carried that same steadfastness into his home—holding his family close, grounding them through every trial, fiercely devoted to his wife and daughter as their quiet protector. Anyone could find laughter, peace and love in the Releford home.

Through his work at St Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN, on the transport team, Jason brought comfort and kindness to countless people. Known and respected by everyone, he carried the same calm reliability that he brought to every part of his life. He was hard working, direct and honest, always offering a helping hand freely, and often joked to lighten even the longest shift. He never sought recognition, only wanting others to feel cared for and supported. Through his own challenges with illness, his hospital family witnessed his courage up close—constant, reliable, and unwavering, even during the hardest of days. His presence was like sunshine, and his light shone brightly even in difficult moments and darkest corners.

Jason was a man of quiet integrity whose presence alone brought calm and safety to those around him. He was the husband who cherished his wife with unwavering devotion, the father who made his daughter feel endlessly loved and secure, and the friend who showed up without hesitation. Shipmates, hospital family, neighbors, and lifelong friends would all say the same thing: Jason was the one you turned to when things felt heavy—the steady hand who lifted burdens and reminded you that you were not facing them alone.

Jason was deeply loved by his family and friends, and he loved them just as deeply in return. Loyal, reliable, and a devoted worker, he genuinely cared about people. He had a gift for making others laugh and smile, and his personality could light up any room. He faced life’s challenges head-on with resilience and strength, inspiring those around him with his faith, courage, and quiet grace.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Kathy Miller. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Carissa Releford; beloved daughter, Bailee Releford; father, Clarence (Nancy) Releford; stepfather, William Miller; siblings, Tracey Releford, Kathy Lynn Nunley, and Kevin Releford; and fifteen nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Jason’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love a gift that will live on in all who knew him.

A limb has fallen from the family tree. Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong.

A Celebration of Life service to be held on March 4, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30pm at Christ the King Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212. Family, friends, & shipmates will gather to honor his legacy of service, friendship, & love - marking the day he celebrates his first heavenly birthday.

* In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Jason’s honor to one of the following:

* Crossroad Church 1020 Neptune Road Ashland City, Tennessee 37015

* Christ The King Catholic Church 3001 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 292-2884 | info@ctk.org

* St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Online donations: https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html (Memorial/tribute gifts welcomed; phone assistance: 1-800-213-6584)

Fair winds and following seas,                                                                                                                                                                                     Rest easy Jason, we have the watch.