Honoring Our Friend, Jason

The Jason Clearwater Fund (JCF) was established in loving memory of Jason “Champ” Clearwater. Inspired by his devotion for giving to others and a love for sports.

How It All Started

In 2013 this began with a memorial softball tournament as a way to honor our friend/family member. We had such a great turnout we decided to make it an annual event. Because of the overwhelming amount of support from all that knew Jason and wanted to keep his legacy alive, the 1st Annual Champ Classic took place the following year. As we continue to grow so do our opportunities to partner with other organizations to raise money for our local youth athletes. Follow our events to learn more!

Looking to the Future

As we embark on our 10th year of establishment, we are proud of what we have accomplished for our community. We are also looking forward to how we can support the youth in the years to come.

Meet Our Board Members and Volunteers

Board Members

Nate Olson

Nate grew up a grade level behind Jason going to the same schools their entire life. They always knew each other, but it wasn’t until after high school that they became close. While attending countless football and basketball games with Nate, Jason claimed University of Illinois as his second favorite college team behind his beloved University of Michigan. During the summers, the pair spent every spare minute riding their atv’s with any daredevil who would join them. After Nate graduated from U of I, he came back home and started working in the Operators Union. Since Jason was in the Carpenter’s Union, it only made sense to move in together for around a year. A few years later they truly became “brothers” as Nate married Jason’s youngest sister, Michelle. The couple bought a home less than a mile from Jason. The two “brothers” continued to do everything together over the years. It got so serious that Jason’s mom, Linda, even started buying them matching gifts. As Nate and Michelle started a family, Jason took being an uncle to heart. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t check on his nephews and niece. It has been Nate’s passion to carry on Jason’s legacy through the Jason Clearwater Fund.

Todd Cade

Todd and Jason met in their freshman year of high school, and had an immediate connection based on their love of sports. After graduation, both joined the trades. Jason became a skilled carpenter while Todd went into the automotive trade. Between the two, they were always working on something. They spent weekends visiting friends in college and hanging out. Then came the life of season ticket holders for Michigan Football. Todd and Jason spent many miles driving and many hotel stays together rooting for their favorite team. When Todd started his family, Jason became a staple in their lives and in the lives of their children. Jason’s connection with the Cade kids made it extremely hard when he passed because his loss is felt so deeply by everyone who knew him. Carrying on his name and love of sports has truly been an honor for Todd and his entire family.

Jeramy Sherwood

Jeramy met Jason his Freshman year of high school. Jason being a year older, they didn’t run into each other much except when playing basketball and football. It wasn’t until after high school that they really became close friends. Playing together on multiple extracurricular sports teams like Coed softball and basketball, as well as those late night video game sessions brought them closer than ever. Since Jason was a skilled carpenter, he would help Jeramy remodel his house and taught him a lot. Through the years they would volunteer their time, helping with different projects for friends and family. Jason loved Michigan football and invited Jeramy to his first college football game at the Big House. It is an amazing memory Jeramy still holds in his heart. Through the Jason Clearwater Fund, we are able to provide youth athletes with the experiences and joy and friendship and what youth sports is truly meant to be all about.