Jason Stanley Kukla, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 12 at the age of 53 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends who shared “Jason stories,” keeping the room filled with laughter and love as they celebrated his life all the way to his final farewell.
Jason was born on July 14, 1972, in Grimsby, Ontario—and he was always proud to tell people he was born in Canada, just like Michael J. “Marty McFly” Fox. Born with Down syndrome, Jason never let anything hold him back. He taught himself to be an impressive Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson impersonator, mastering their moves and choreography, including the Moonwalk.
A longtime resident of Holland, Michigan, Jason graduated from CBI in 1998, where he was crowned Prom King—an honor that suited him perfectly. He later took classes at Bella Vita and worked as a records microfiche assistant at Community Mental Health. One of his proudest moments there was successfully negotiating a raise not only for himself, but for his coworkers too.
Jason loved all holidays, but Halloween and Christmas were his favorites. His birthday was a big deal—so big, in fact, that he celebrated it for an entire month (and sometimes longer). Fiercely independent, Jason dreamed of living on his own and made that happen when he moved into a MOKA House group home in 2005. In 2016, he joined Benjamin’s Hope in Park Township, a residential community for individuals with developmental differences, where he lived with his “Homies.” At Ben’s Hope, Jason took classes, greeted everyone during daily devotions, and occasionally played the drums during services.
Movies were another big love of Jason’s. He was especially fond of Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Night of the Living Dead, Annie, and all seven Rocky movies. He also enjoyed watching Full House, The X Files, and The Simpsons. When he wasn’t watching something, Jason liked drawing and making art, reading books, learning about history, and studying maps.
Jason was truly a local celebrity. He loved meeting new people and had a special way of turning strangers into friends—and friends into family. Anyone who knew Jason got to share in his joyful spirit. And for those who didn’t, Jason had a characteristically honest response: “Too bad for you.”
Jason is survived by his parents, Madeline and Myron “Mom & Dad” Kukla; his brother Nathan and sister in law Kyla (King) Kukla of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and his brother Matthew and sister in law Shannon (Bass) Kukla of Huntsville, Alabama. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephew—Zoe and Zachary, Kiki and Ella Kukla—his “little munchkins.” Jason is lovingly remembered by a large extended family, many close friends, and a devoted community of caregivers.
Jason’s joy changed all of us, and his memory will continue to do so.
A funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Street in Holland. Father Michael Burt will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakeshore – Holland Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Thursday, May 21 at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland and from 10:00 am – 10:45 am prior to the service at the church.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made below to Camp Sunshine, Benjamin’s Hope, and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.
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