James (Jason) J. Petosa of Shawnee died on Feb. 9, 2021. He was 81 years old. He is survived by his wife Theodora, son Justin, and brother Stephen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mildred (Cardamon) Petosa, his aunt and Godmother Evelyn Cardamon, his uncle and Godfather John Petosa, his sister-in-law Kathy Petosa, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jason was born in DesMoines, Iowa, where he graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. He continued his education at Marquette University College of Journalism in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, St. Paul College in Canfield, Ohio, Collegio Internationale Teologico Paolino in Rome, Italy, and Syracuse University School of Journalism in Syracuse, New York.
He was ordained a priest of the Society of St. Paul in 1967. He was one of the founding members of Alba House Communications, a publishing and clearing service in multi-media educational materials. He also served as Director of Radio and Television for the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio.
After being released from his priestly vows, he became Director of Public Relations at Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. In addition, he taught communications and was president of the All College Council.
During his years in Kentucky, he was one of three founding board members of The David School, an alternative school for underprivileged youth and adults.
Jason went on to be the National Affairs Writer of The National Catholic Reporter in Kansas City, Missouri. His writing concentrated on the relationship between faith and social justice. He wrote stories about the decline of the steel industry, coal mines in Appalachia, and organized labor in church-owned hospitals and schools. He covered the 1975 meeting of the Bishops of Appalachia which resulted in the ground-breaking pastoral letter, “This Land is Home to me.”
In 1979, he accepted the position of Publisher of The National Catholic Reporter. As one who valued the goals and precepts of Vatican II, he enjoyed the opportunity to pursue journalistic excellence in telling the truth, and in encouraging global justice, inclusiveness, and peace.
In 1985, Jason founded Steadfast Publishing Company in Kansas City. Missouri. Steadfast designed and produced materials to help navigate the process of student financial aid. Helping students finance a college education was another way of working for social justice and equity. Jason took pride in this work, and enjoyed and respected his co-workers, colleagues, and clients.
Over his years in Kansas City, Jason served on the Advisory Board of KMOS-TV and KCMW-FM, public broadcasting stations in Warrensburg, Missouri. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Kansas City United Nations Association and the Mayor’s United Nations Day Committee.
Jason had a deep love and appreciation for sacred scripture. He was fascinated by ancient manuscripts and the history of printing. He liked New Orleans jazz, college basketball, oatmeal cookies, mystery novels and cats. He loved his family, and he treasured friends from every stage of his life.
An editor, publisher, and writer, Jason was a man of words. He knew the power of words to hurt or to heal. He spoke and wrote with intelligence, wit, and truth. He was compassionate and generous, and his default setting was kindness.
The family extends thanks to the dear caregivers at Brookdale Rosehill, and to the faithful friends who kept in touch through good times and bad. Jason’s spirit was lifted by every visit, letter, and call.
Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, Jason’s Mass of Resurrection will be postponed to a safer time.
Memorial contributions may be made to any food pantry, or to The National Catholic Reporter, Kansas City, Missouri, or The Society of St. Paul, Staten Island, New York.