Jason Crawley: 1983-2023
Jason Crawley, a Freese and Nichols Associate and water/wastewater treatment engineer who spent his entire 15-year career with the firm, died Sept. 28. He was 40.
A Texas Tech Red Raider, coffee connoisseur, father to two young daughters and recreational grill cook, Jason also was a leader who managed teams on complex treatment projects and spent considerable time on-site during construction of facilities.
He originally joined the Dallas office but recently switched to the Fort Worth office after a long-term field assignment serving the Trinity River Authority, one of our largest clients, on very complicated and critical projects, including extensive work on the Central Regional Wastewater System. He repeatedly received kudos from clients and was recognized with several in-house awards for innovation.
“Jason was a one-of-a-kind individual who valued and mastered personal connection and appreciation,” said Erin Flanagan, Group Manager for Freese and Nichols’ North Texas Water/Wastewater Treatment and Reuse team.
“He could recognize the needs of others, and he knew how to get to the root of an issue without taking sides while earning respect from everyone in the room. He valued teamwork and those who worked with him, and he frequently shared his appreciation through Workday, email or phone. He was a patient listener, question-asker, and exceptional friend and colleague.”
In an article celebrating his 10th anniversary with Freese and Nichols, Jason wrote lovingly about his daughters and talked about setting up an espresso bar at home to make his own cappuccinos.
“I also love learning,” he said. “I’m a fan of museums and listening to podcasts that challenge my ideas and ways of thinking.”
Jason was an integral part of the treatment group, whose members find any number of ways to work, learn, play and serve together. In October 2022, the group gathered in Fort Worth to celebrate Jason’s marriage to Carly.
“I had the privilege of working with Jason for his entire career, and I thought of him as one of my work ‘kids,’” said David Jackson, Water/Wastewater Treatment Practice Leader. “He became a tremendous leader and engineer in our industry, a trusted advisor to countless clients, a valued colleague, and much more importantly to me, he became my friend.”
Jason shared his energy and expertise with younger staff, students and peers across the industry through his involvement with state and national professional groups and other avenues.
Early in his career, he chaired the Water Environment Association of Texas Student Design Competition and Young Professionals Committee and served as YP representative on the WEAT Board. WEAT named him its 2014 Emerging Leader.
He started judging WEAT’s Operations Challenge Competition and most recently was the head Safety Competition Judge for the Water Environment Federation’s National Operations Challenge Competition. He was highly regarded nationally by WEF leadership and by plant operators from across the United States.
Jason also served as an adjunct professor for Texas Tech University’s Master of Environmental Engineering capstone course.
He received both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Tech. He was licensed as a Professional Engineer in Texas and North Carolina and was a Certified Construction Manager.
“Jason made a positive impact on everyone he worked with,” Freese and Nichols Chief Operating Officer Jeff Payne said. “I have many memories of his positive attitude, of him mentoring many around Freese and Nichols, and many of our clients showering him with praise. We will all miss him dearly.”