Published on July 3, 2026 2:07 pm
Last Updated on July 5, 2026 5:45 pm
Jason Dean Vollmer, 55, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may made directly to Koda’s Gift of Pawsitivity at https://kodasgiftofpawsitivity.com. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Jason was born on February 21, 1971, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Steven Vollmer and Catherine (Spalding) Epperson. On February 21, 1992, he married the love of his life, Kimberly Katz. Together they shared 34 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, devotion, and family. Jason proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant
Officer 3 (CW3) and CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot. Throughout his distinguished military career, he led soldiers with steady confidence, exceptional skill, and steadfast integrity. He had multiple deployments in support of Gulf War – Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom Philippines, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan. As an Army aviator, Jason flew countless missions in support of combat operations, humanitarian efforts, and the soldiers who served beside him. His courage, professionalism, and dedication earned him numerous military honors, including Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Air Medal (3rd Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Army Senior Aviator Badge, Senior Aircraft Crewman Badge, and Parachutist Badge reflecting a career defined by courage, sacrifice, and selfless service. Following his military retirement, Jason continued answering the call to serve others as an Arch3 Air Medical pilot for 12 years. Even after hanging up his Army uniform, he remained committed to helping people on what were often the hardest days of their lives, bringing the same reassuring professionalism and compassion to every mission. Jason flew over 1200 flights of advance medical transport, an exceptional dedication to those in time of need. Outside of his career, Jason found joy in rescuing animals, working on cars, and cooking for family and friends. He had a generous heart, a dependable presence, and an incredible willingness to help anyone in need. Whether repairing an engine, preparing a meal, or giving a rescued animal a second chance, Jason poured his whole heart into everything he did. Above all else, Jason was a devoted husband, father, papaw, son, brother, and friend. His greatest joy came from his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He led by example through humility, gentle strength, enduring loyalty, and unconditional love. Those who knew him best will remember not only what he accomplished, but how he made people feel—safe, supported, and deeply loved.
Jason is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Kimberly Vollmer of Effingham; his children, AmyJo Davis (Taylor Davis), Dakota Castagna (Thomas Castagna), Cierra Walker, and Kirsten Vollmer (Kyle Phillips); his cherished grandchildren, Collin and Oliver Davis; Austin, Alexa, Alaina, Autumn, Bradlee, and Boone Castagna; and Khloe and Zayden Walker; his father, Steven Vollmer (Debi); his brothers, Jeff (Tina) Vollmer, Darren (Amy) Vollmer, Gary (Brittany) Vollmer, and Matt (Angela) Vollmer; step-sisters, Jody (Jon) Groneke and Dawn (Blake) Crenshaw; his sister-in-law, Kendra Clark; his brother-in-law, Patrick (Sabrena) Katz; his mother-in-law, Judith Thoele; his dear maternal figure, Trish Purcell; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, brothers- and sisters-in-arms, fellow aviators, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Spalding; his stepfather, Buck Spalding; his cousin and mentor, Gerald Purcell; his niece, Chesley Vollmer; and his father-in-law, Woody Kissar.
Jason’s legacy is one of honor, service, compassion, and everlasting devotion to his family. Whether flying combat missions overseas, piloting Air Medical helicopters to patients in need, rescuing
abandoned animals, or simply showing up for the people he loved, Jason lived a life defined by service. For Jason, helping others wasn’t simply something he did – it was who he was. His courage inspired confidence, his kindness brought comfort, and his love left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though his earthly journey has ended, his example will continue to guide and inspire those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of his family and friends.