Jaxon Burgie

Jackson Blair Burgee passed away at the age of 16 on Thursday, December 27, 2018, due to the injury sustained in the car accident. Jackson was the first of two sons born to Trisha and Justin Burgee, all four were traveling on Interstate 70 in Western Kansas during a snow storm when the SUV was rear-ended. Even though Jackson was only 16 and the Burgees had relocated to Overland Park, Kansas, he had left his mark in his hometown of Joplin, Tyler Schmidt of the Honey Badger Gem. We opened Honey Badger Gem in 2015, big tenant of what we built it around his community. At 20 months old, Jackson was diagnosed with autism. At the time, Joplin didn't have a local center to treat individuals with the disorder. Trisha and Justin found treatment for Jackson at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. This would set in motion the opening of Freeman's Ozark Center for Autism five years later. The center is now known as the Bill in Virginia left in Center for Autism. Tyler Schmidt and Travis Jarman co-owners of the Honey Badger Gem met Jackson when the Burgees relocated to Joplin and were looking for some place for Jackson to work out.

They came to the gym just the two of them before I got to meet Jackson. I was just immediately struck with the passion that they spoke with when describing Jackson and everything that he was able to accomplish. You could tell that they were all in on giving Jackson every opportunity. On many levels, Jackson was a typical 16-year-old and very active. From skiing to running 5Ks and playing tennis, the Burgees were looking for a special place for their son to work out and make some friends. I quickly realized how much of an impression he was making to the members around him that were just working out on the side, not even working out participating with him. As part of Jackson's treatment at the left in center, visits to the gym were regular. Tyler remembers what it was like to train with Jackson. He pushed through his workouts with smiles, laughs, and giggles between grunts and strains. He loved living with the camouflage barbell the most and working out in a weighted tactical vest.

He would explain, I'm going to be strong during his lifts while pushing himself as hard as any athlete I've ever had the privilege to work with. His friends at the Hunter Badger Jam love Jackson. So much so the gym raised over $9,000 by selling honey badger sweatshirts. Recently, Tyler and Travis were on hand to a person to check to the left in center in memory of Jackson. Edie Spira is the director of the left. Jackson touched so many of us at left. Not only did we have the honor of working with him and being part of his life, but his life is why we're here today to be able to provide services. Today, the left in center and its staff are part of the fabric of Joplin, and perhaps a reason a family decides to stay or leave the area. We have been able to help over 1,500 families over the years. Jackson's influence stretches far and wide. Many of our staff got their start here and went on to further their careers to become behavior analysts, teachers, counselors. His life continues to grow a community among those who knew him very well, to those who had never met him, to the person that knew him the very best.

It's incredible that Travis and Tyler, like you guys are part of our family. I've said that to you before. The inclusivity, the love, the generosity. Jackson's mom, Trisha Burgee. Friends of the left in center, we have had the opportunity over the years to be a part of this in a small way. And it means the world to us to know that Jackson's joy is able to be carried forward is truly what keeps us going and what fills our souls. The legacy of one 16-year-old from Joplin, Missouri will continue to inspire for decades to come. For KRPS, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro in Web City.