Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Safford Mayor Jason Kouts, shown here at a city council meeting in 2018, died from natural causes early Wednesday morning.
Staff Reports
SAFFORD – After a lengthy battle with cancer, Safford Mayor Jason Kouts died Wednesday at 4:45 a.m. He was 51.
A viewing will take place at Vining Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 2 at 5 p.m.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the David M. Player Safford Center for the Arts next to Safford High School. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m.
Jason was a native of Safford and was a fifth-generation contractor. He worked for his great-grandfather (George Kouts), grandfather (Wesley Kouts), and his father (Ron Kouts), while attending grade school and high school, and afterward procured his contracting license, went out on his own, and hired his sons.
Jason married his high school sweetheart, Maria Nations Kouts, and the union produced three children, Josiah, Montana, and Austin.
Jason served on the Safford Fire Department before running for Safford City Council. He served as the Vice-Mayor from May 2008 to 2012, before being elected mayor in 2016.
Safford Mayor Jason H. Kouts obituary notice
August 8, 1972 – January 24, 2024
Jason H. Kouts was born on August 8, 1972, in Safford, Arizona, to Ronald James Kouts and Sharon Ann Kouts. He finished his race here on earth and went to his heavenly home on Wednesday morning, January 24, 2024.
Jason was a man who loved life and the people in his life. He loved serving his city and his church. Most of all, Jason loved Jesus and his family. He married the love of his life, Maria in 1991. Together, they had three children: Josiah, Montana, and Austin.
Jason was the Mayor of Safford since 2017. Before that, he was Vice-Mayor and City Councilman. He also served his community as a firefighter for many years. Jason never wanted to be anywhere else, but his hometown and he served his city tirelessly. He also enjoyed being a basketball official for many years.
Jason put everything into all that he did. He was a fifth-generation contractor and owner of Kouts and Sons Construction. He was one of the finest builders in the Gila Valley. His genius in building was matched only by the size of his heart.
Jason poured himself into ministry at his church, The River Community Church. He was a worship leader there right up until his passing. He also completed three building projects for his church. He loved Jesus with all his heart. Whether in business, ministry, or civic duty, Jason took time to mentor and help others along the way. The impact of his life will continue through the many whom he influenced.
Jason is survived by: his wife, Maria Kouts; his children, Montana Vawter (Orry) and Austin Kouts; his mother, Sharon Ann Kouts; his brother, Ronald Kouts (Sharon), his sister Kelly Andrade; his grandchildren, Orry Jr., Aurora and Reveille; and many nephews and nieces. Jason was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his father, Ronald James Kouts; his sister, Kris Ann Stermer; and his firstborn son, Josiah James Kouts.
