"It is with a heavy heart that I share that my dear friend JustInBasil (Jason Kingsford) unexpectedly passed away last night.
Jason was a pillar of the Pokemon TCG community – a selfless and passionate person who devoted himself to helping Pokemon fans connect, learn, and grow through the TCG.
For years he balanced being a dedicated high school teacher, a Pokemon League Organizer and Judge, all while running his website, JustInBasil.com, which became one of the most valuable resources for learning about the Pokemon TCG.
Just two days ago, despite not feeling well, Jason stayed up with me until 4 AM working on card translations for the latest set, just as he had done so many times over the years. Even when unwell, he never stopped thinking about helping Pokemon fans stay informed about the game he loved so much.
For years, he ran his local Pokemon League at Dragon’s Lair Alamo Ranch in San Antonio, Texas. He never missed a weekly League and put all his love and enthusiasm into helping the next generation of kids learn how to play the game.
He was the creator of the Eternal format, a curated Unlimited format that was his passion project. He would lovingly prepare and hand out dozens of preconstructed decks so players could battle using cards from across the Pokemon TCG’s entire 26-year history. His mission was always to bring people together through the joy of playing.
On a personal level, Jason kept me motivated to run PokeBeach through difficult times in my life. He always took my calls and became a steady source of support when I needed it most. We spoke just hours before his passing, and he remained as upbeat and encouraging as ever. Our PokeBeach podcast became a fun excuse for us to hang out each week.
Jason’s generosity, kindness, and tireless dedication touched countless people across the world. The Pokemon TCG community has lost one of its greatest contributors and kindest souls. He will be greatly missed." - Water Pokémon Master
GoFundMe - Honoring Jason Kingsford & Caring for His Cats
I didn’t know him personally; but he was an invaluable resource in the TCG. I have spent so much time on his website this year conducting research on decks. Someone that cares so much about wanting others to learn the game, definitely deserves love from us. Very unfortunate.
I didnt know him nor did i ever even speak to him but i do know that the resources that he helped cultivate on his website were top notch. For years the updates on what was playable, in meta, and just basically helpful to the game were invaluable to many looking to get into the game at any level. Even now it is the top recommendation whenever someone is looking to become more serious in playing.
It is a sad thing to lose someone so helpful in a community but i extend condolences to his loved ones and those who may have known him. A great resource has been lost, i hope some people out there may be able to take what theyve learned and keep moving forward with the ideals JustInBasil set forth.
This is heart breaking to read. 36 is far far too young. I hope his contributions can help inspire others. I am sure his passing will be felt in the tcg community.
Condolences to family and friends, also all who are effected by his passing. May he rest in peace!
That’s devastating. That’s so sad he will create a huge hole in the community. I always loved to listen to him. Especially in the recent times I enjoyed him in the Pokebeach podcast. Can’t believe that he is gone.
I’ll pray for his friends and family and wish them much strength.
Very sad news. I really enjoyed listening to the weekly pokebeach podcasts. Even though I am not a tcg player at all, his insights and analyses of the new cards and decks was super interesting. You could tell he was passionate about the game and the players.
My prayers are with his family and loved ones. Never met him but frequented his website for research, the community lost a great mind. May he rest in peace.
What terrible news. I’d tune into the podcast from time to time and listen to him. What sadness. Condolences to his family and friends. His absence will be felt.
Such a heartbreaking day for the Pokémon community. I remember using JustinBasil.com as my go-to resource to learn about upcoming releases and the meta. Jason gave so much to this game and community, and his impact won’t be forgotten. Only 36 years old — far too young. Life is so short. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Very sad to hear this. My condolences to everyone who knew Jason.
I’ve been on his site several times and am aware of his contributions to the TCG community, though I never met him. His reach was far and wide and I know he will be missed.
happy to see the community coming together to nearly reach the goal already. I’m sure we (I don’t just mean e4) can get well past it and allow his family and friends the resources they need to continue his legacy through stuff like keeping his site up at the very least.
he will create a huge hole in the community. I always loved to listen to him. Especially in the recent times I enjoyed him in the Pokebeach podcast. Can’t believe that he is gone.
