JustInBasil, Longtime Contributor to the Pokemon TCG Community, Has Passed Away

By: Water Pokémon Master · Posted Posted onJul 26, 2025 at 4:07 AM · 130 Comments

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.

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, and busy preparing to return to his classroom next week, 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 recent years. He always took my calls whenever I needed emotional support. He was my rock. 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 dedication touched countless Pokemon fans across the world. The Pokemon TCG community has lost one of its greatest contributors and kindest souls. He will be greatly missed.

Update: His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of his funeral and the care of his two cats.

Update: His family has provided a statement to me to share with the community: "We’re greatly touched by all the love and generosity that has been shown for Jason. He will be greatly missed by us and it is so heartwarming to see exactly how much he affected everyone in this community. We may not know every one of you but you were all considered his family. Thank you again for supporting us during this time of grief."

Update: Jason's funeral will be held August 22nd at 10 AM at Mission Park Funeral Chapels, located at 8332 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229. There will be a reception area afterwards until 1 PM. His family encourages any Pokemon folks who knew him to attend, such as his League players. I will also be attending.

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I was shocked and saddened to hear he passed (and still am), and I'm sending condolences to his family and friends.

It was a pleasure getting to know and working with him as part of the team. Always fun to discuss and speculate about set lists (usually he would be better at it than me), speculating about English translated names, and being part of the dream team when Jon was asleep and we needed an article to be made fast with his speedy translations. Discussing our love for Bellossom and our hope for it to get an ex (or better) was always a good time.

He will be missed, and I hope he rests well <3
 
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