Austin Scott Jecko

On September 6th, 2024, the substance abuse that dimmed Austin Scott Jecko’s light took his life. Family and friends remember him for being a sensitive, loving, caring, easy going person with a great sense of humor. A beautiful soul, whose potential was cut short. Prior to Austin’s challenges, he was a loving father, caring son, and friend to many. The struggles with substance abuse and mental health do not always turn out as we hope and pray for. He is at peace, no longer struggling or feeling pain. Austin is survived by his children, Asa (Kelly Hart) and Madeline (Cassandra Klein); Parents Scott Jecko (Judy) and Holly Ayscue Hale (Steven); Grandparents Kay-Ellen Ayscue, Susan Jecko, and George Campbell; Aunts Audrey Jecko Coulbourn (Danny), Brittany Jecko Ciango (Jacob), Holly Severn Steiner (Will), Candy Ayscue Mesner (Bruce), and Wendy Ayscue Sims; Uncles Mike Jecko (Laura), Scott Severn (Marla), Trent Ayscue; Cousins Mary Coulbourn, Haley Coulbourn, Viggo Jecko, Ozzie Jecko, Elijah Ciango, Cheyenne Ayscue, Tyler Sims, Skylar Sims, Kane Sims, Hattie Ayscue, Maggie Ayscue, Meagan Mesner, Olivia Mesner Marshall, Brooke Mesner. Austin is preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Jecko and grandfathers Michael W. Jecko and William Ayscue. Austin was born in Washington D.C. on September 14, 1986. He lived in Gaithersburg Maryland until 1996. He moved to Central Florida in the summer of 1996. He attended Atlantic High School in Port Orange and University of Central Florida in Orlando. He had an extremely tight group of friends in high school. Their favorite things to do were skateboarding, seeing local bands, and playing in a garage band (Austin was the drummer). Austin was skilled in every aspect of the restaurant business, from dishwasher at age 14 to a number of management roles at fine dining restaurants in Orlando. He was an avid movie and history buff and could converse on pretty much any current topic. He was a lifelong Washington football fan and grew up going to Redskin games as was a tradition in the Jecko family. The loves of his life were his children, Asa and Madeline (“Max”). Austin was never happier than on days spent with his children. They put the light in his eyes and the pep in his step. He stated that his children were the best things that ever happened to him. We know that Austin would want us all to focus on the positive; to keep living and loving each other, remembering, and being thankful for all the good times we shared with him. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help from a local agency, friends, or family. In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider a donation in Austin’s name to Gateways of Jacksonville, Florida, or your local Salvation Army. https://gatewaycommunity.com/ https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ “Ripple” If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung Would you hear my voice come through the music? Would you hold it near as it were your own? It’s a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken Perhaps they’re better left unsung I don’t know, don’t really care Let there be songs to fill the air Ripple in still water When there is no pebble tossed Nor wind to blow Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty If your cup is full, may it be again Let it be known there is a fountain That was not made by the hands of men There is a road, no simple highway Between the dawn and the dark of night And if you go, no one may follow That path is for your steps alone Ripple in still water When there is no pebble tossed Nor wind to blow You who choose to lead must follow But if you fall you fall alone If you should stand then who’s to guide you? If I knew the way I would take you home ~ Ripple. Grateful Dead Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Jecko family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Austin Scott Jecko

September 14, 1986 - September 6, 2024