I’m writing this with a broken heart and tear-filled eyes. Our beloved Jason William McCullough, born on June 26, 1978 to Melany Hernandez and Henry Boyd McCullough, was taken way too soon on October 31, 2025.

At a young age, Jason went to Washington, where he was raised first by his great-grandmother Bessie Keyes, and later by his grandparents Sharon and Charlie Boston. They lived in Big Lake, Washington, before moving to Sedro-Woolley, where Jason grew up alongside his cousin/sister Leslee Sutton. He loved teasing her — he always was reminding her to respect him because he was her elder, even though they were only six months apart. Jason and Leslee shared a special bond and graduated high school together in 1997. Jason was the oldest grandson on his Mother’s side, and Leslee was the oldest granddaughter. He was the third out of 10 on his father’s side. 

Shortly after graduation, Jason moved to Hoopa, where he spent several years living with his Aunt Tina and then graced himself with other family and friends, and finally Cliff Houston took him in. 

Jason was an enrolled Hupa Tribal Member, and during Brush Dance season he and his cousin Andrew Salinas could be found hitchhiking to out-of-town Brush Dances with their sleeping bags in hand, headed wherever the songs were being sung. They said those were some of the best times, laying under the stars, dancing and praying for their people.

Jason also spent time getting to know his father’s side of the family, visiting his Aunties Darla, Carol, and Sherlette, and keeping in touch with his growing number of siblings, his father Henry, and Henry’s wife Doreen.

Coming from a big family on both sides, Jason had a hard time finding a partner. During a Sovereign’s Day dance in August of 2003, he met Aerin Elizabeth, and it was clear she had his heart. On April 3, 2004, they were married at the Fox Hole in Hoopa. Later that year, on October 15, 2004, they welcomed their son Jason William Jr., named after both Jason himself and his great-grandfather William. Proud isn’t a big enough word to describe how Jason felt. The three of them were inseparable.

Jason was a hard worker and did everything he could to provide for his family. In 2007, he and his brother James joined the union, Jason working as Assistant Welder on natural gas pipelines. Their work took them across the country — Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and even Arizona — with their families in tow. Jason, being Jason, made friends everywhere he went, so moving around was comfortable for him. He and James always said Arizona was the hottest place they’d ever been and that they’d gladly never go back!

James returned home to Hoopa first, and Jason followed in 2009. Though he had plans to return to pipeline work, life had other plans and Hoopa became home again. He spent his days helping family and friends cut wood, hunting and gathering traditional foods, and doing what he loved most, net fishing with his Mother Mel and pole snagging with the best at his Grandpa Chet McCovey’s fishing hole down at Red Rock, or eeling at the mouth of the Klamath River. If you offered him a ride to go eel, he was going or he’d talk his cousin Lance “Gator” McCovey into taking him or letting him tag along. 

Jason’s best friends — Aerin, Tyron Crayton, Craig Houston and cousin/brother Joshua Salinas — shared countless memories with him. No matter how much time passed, when they saw each other again, it felt like no time had gone by at all. In 2013, Jason was saddened by the passing of his best friend, Craig, and he would never let himself forget the memories they had made. 

That same year, Jason went to rehab in Crescent City and graduated. Though he couldn’t shake that monkey on his back, he never stopped trying. Addiction was part of his journey, but it was not who he was.

On January 19, 2014, Jason and Aerin welcomed their daughter Bessie Rose Delia, whom he lovingly named after his great-grandmother. With Bessie, his family felt complete. Rarely would you see Jason without Aerin, Jason Jr. or Bessie by his side.

In 2015, Jason and Aerin moved to Arcata with their children, building a new chapter together. As the years went on, their marriage faced challenges, and in 2019, they made the difficult decision to separate. After their separation, Jason returned home to Hoopa, where he spent time with family and friends before eventually meeting Samantha Martin in 2021. They walked through life’s challenges together, doing their best to find stability and strength in a life of addiction. 

Jason’s life was not easy, but it was real. He loved deeply, gave freely and carried his family and friends in his heart no matter where he was. He found peace in the mountains, healing by the river and comfort in the laughter of those he loved most.

Jason leaves behind to pass on his memories: his children, Jason Jr. (Sonja Johnson) and Bessie McCullough; his mother, Melany Hernandez; his girlfriend, Samantha Martin; his brothers Justin Hernandez, James Hernandez, Shane McCullough(Jacquline) Leonard McCullough, and Robert McCullough; his sisters Tasha McCullough, Mandee McCullough (Micheal Beck), Nicole McCullough, Summer McCullough (Anthony Henry), Chantelle McCullough (Damon Pasalich), and Shayna McElroy (Garrett); He is also lovingly remembered by his aunties Kathy Callan (Pat), Tina Salinas, and Sherlette Colegrove; his uncle Leonard Boston; his grandfather Charlie Boston; and cousins Leslee Sutton, Jimmy Larsen, Sarah Smith, Joshua and Andrew Salinas, Rebecca Salinas Ammon (Lee), Jordan Pullen (Hayley Swain), Jacob Remington and Lea Boston. 

Waiting to guide him home: his father Henry Boyd McCullough; grandmothers Sharon Boston, Darlene Cyd Colegrove; grandfathers George Chet McCovey and Henry Lee McCullough; his aunties Gail Remington, Leesa Boston, Darla McCullough and Carol McCullough; his cousin Ayden Sutton; and best friend Craig Houston.

Though his journey on this earth has ended, his story will continue through the people who loved him, the river he called home, and the stars he once lay beneath while praying for his people. 

We love you, Jason. May your spirit find peace among the mountains and rivers you loved so much, and may the stars above always guide you home.

There was a viewing held in Eureka before his cremation at Ayers Crematory. A celebration of life will take place in Hoopa at the Hoopa Trading Post, 11716 Highway 96, on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. His ashes will be spread down Red Rock in Hoopa at a yet-to-be-determined date. 

###