ThePokemoncommunity has lost a legend. Jason Kingsford, known far and wide as JustInBasil, has passed away at just 36 years of age. A high school teacher by trade and a brilliant Pokemon League Judge and Organizer by fame, JustInBasil also managed an outstandingself-titled websitethat has helped thousands of fans - including myself - in our collectivePokemon TCGeducations.
From deckbuilding and rotation recommendations to card translations and detailed coverage of upcoming sets, JustInBasil was a master at his craft, and by so many accounts, a lovely fellow besides.
A Fond Farewell And A Critical GoFundMe
In aheartfelt announcement post, WPM, webmaster of the popular Pokemon-centric fansitePokeBeach, broke the agonizing news. While I urge you to read WPM’s statement in full, I’ve provided a portion of it here:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share that my dear friend JustInBasil (Jason Kingsford) unexpectedly passed away last night. He was 36. Jason was a pillar of the Pokemon TCG community – a selfless and passionate person who devoted himself to helping people connect, learn, and grow through the Pokemon 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. He was a core contributor to PokeBeach as well.”
AtDragon’s Lair Alamo Ranch, Kingsford’s local Pokemon League was the talk of the town. Hecreated his own unofficial TCG format,engaged in frequent discourse on Reddit, and so much more.
“We are raising funds to cover the costs of Jason’s cremation and funeral,” anewly-created GoFundMe from Kingsford’s loved onesexplains, and to “make sure his beloved cats, Iroh and Toph - named after characters from another beloved series, Avatar: The Last Airbender - are cared for.” Iron in particular is noted as requiring specialty foods, which, as any pet owner knows, are sure to cost far more than standard-issue kibble.
As of this writing, a little north of $5,000 has been raised out of a $16,000 goal.
