Dr. Jason Edward McDowell, 48, of Jacksonville, IL, passed away July 31, 2022, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. He was born September 12, 1973, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Edward E. and Andrea R. (Thompson) McDowell. Jason married Mary Ellen Laws on December 12, 1992, in Hannibal, MO, and she survives. He is also survived by his parents of Ottumwa, IA; sons, Clayton E. McDowell of Alton, and Carter T. McDowell (fiance, Mollie Huff) of Bridgeton, St. Louis, MO; brothers, Jeremy (Lisa) McDowell and Justin McDowell, both of Ottumwa; and an aunt who grew up in his family home, Amy Phillips. Dr. McDowell was a 1991 graduate of Ottumwa High School and attended Hannibal-LaGrange University. He then obtained his Doctorate of Optometry from University of Missouri-St. Louis. After graduation, he began his career working in Hannibal and Pittsfield. In 2001, he moved to Jacksonville and began working for International Eye Care Center. Jason was an active member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He coached basketball at Westfair Christian Academy as well as serving as Chairman of the Parent Teacher Fellowship. He also served on the Pathway Board and Jacksonville Salvation Army Board, and was a member of the Jacksonville Rotary Club. As a youth, he excelled in baseball, playing through college. Dr. McDowell loved all things sports, especially basketball, golf, and running. He also enjoyed travelling, boating, mission trips, spending time with family and friends, eating ice cream, grilling, jeep rides, and helping people. He especially loved making people laugh. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022, at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorial donations are suggested to Westfair Christian Academy or Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. . Visitation Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel Thursday, August 04, 2022 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Funeral Service Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church Friday, August 05, 2022 11:00 AM 951 Lincoln Avenue Jacksonville, Illinois 62650