Jason Ibrahim was my friend.
Jason was a 29 year old father of three. A husband to Elizabeth. A software developer. A city councilman. Most of all, a Christian.
Jason’s faith was deeply rooted. In high school, he searched for truth. He found it in the life and words of Jesus Christ.
It’s that same Jesus who has, this weekend, received Jason into heaven.
These aren’t empty words, and they are not words that will spoken only as a comfort. They are words that thunder with truth, because they were lived. Jason did not put on a show about his faith; he was confident that Jesus is alive, that the core Christian beliefs are true, and that life’s secret isn’t in religious activity but in believing and obeying God.
He put this faith into action in a number of ways.
Jason, as many of you know, was a newly elected Altoona City Councilman. He had energy and ideas to make our community better.
Some of you also know that Jason was a co-founder of ILoveAltoona.com. He put his abilities and ideas to use to create a venue to highlight the great things about our area.
Jason will be missed. His infectious humor and enthusiasm; his desire to know and understand issues well not to just take a party line; his passion to protect innocent life… these things we will remember.
Fortunately, those who love Jesus Christ and obey Him will see Jason again one day. That’s our confident hope.
ILoveAltoona.com has produced the Blair County Family Fun Card. 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Matt & Christina,
As a member of City staff, I only had a few opportunities to speak with Jason between his inauguration and his passing: I admittedly never knew him like you did. Yet each time I spoke with him, including Wednesday night’s Council meeting, I was impressed with his kindness, thoughtfulness, and sincerity — especially regarding building a better Altoona. Any time Altoona loses a young person is a tragedy. But losing a young leader so dedicated to his community especially hurts — all of us.
But I can’t even begin to think of his children. Please keep us posted on how we can help his family, and I’ll keep them in my prayers. Meanwhile, I’m going to go hug my own kids.
I wanted to let you know that you have my greatest sympathy, and my heart is truly saddened.