Jason Panek

Jason Panek passed away on December 5, 2023. Jason worked as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner before becoming a professor of Nursing at Piedmont Virginia Community College and was the Interim Dean of the Nursing program this semester. He loved being a nurse and serving others, and he loved preparing students for this noble profession. He also loved Star Wars and amassed a large collection of action figures. He was an amazing dungeon master, a “Trekkie,” and a sci-fi enthusiast in general. If it was nerdy, he was into it.

His nerdy legacy lives on in his children Alice and Evelyn. He is also survived by his wife Megan, his mother Lynn Panek, father Alan Panek, his sister Jackie Braund, and his labradoodle Luke (named after Luke Skywalker, of course).

Jason quietly battled depression for most of his adult life. He believed strongly in breaking the stigma around mental illness. If you know anyone who is in crisis or suicidal, please call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 988. You can also visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for more resources.

A private memorial service will be held in his home state of Wisconsin (GO PACKERS!). Please visit our memorial page and post a funny anecdote or meme that reminds you of Jason (he was famous for sending silly memes). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jason’s memory to the Region Ten Community Services Board using the link located in the memorial page.