Key Takeaways
- JJ Peterson, a student of Strasburg High School, passed away at the untimely age of 18.
- He was battling acute Leukemia since late November 2023.
- Left to cherish JJ Peterson’s life are his parents, Jennifer and Jason, and his sister.
Jason Mathew “JJ” Peterson Jr., a recent graduate of Strasburg High School, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the age of 18.
The Strasburg, Virginia native JJ Peterson took his life breath at his residence in Strasburg after a long battle with acute leukemia.
While his family hasn’t shared anything as they prefer to maintain privacy during this difficult phase, social media is filled with tributes to late Strasburg High School star student JJ Peterson.
One wrote, “Oh my heart. I remember him from the salon, and I watched him grow up for a good while. My heart goes out to his family.”
Another added, “Oh nooo, they just did his high school graduation last week. Oh man, this is so sad.”
JJ Peterson received his high school diploma in mid-March this year during a special ceremony inside the Strasburg High School gymnasium.
“I didn’t know I was so loved, There was more of a community effort towards my health than I ever thought there would be,” said the late JJ Peterson after receiving his diploma.
As “Pomp and Circumstance” played, the crowd watched Peterson wheeled down the aisle in his wheelchair, with his parents, Jennifer and Jason Peterson, by his side.
The late JJ Peterson displayed bravery and a kind, cheerful nature. He lived life to the fullest and spread happiness to those around him.
At 16 years old, doctors diagnosed JJ Peterson with acute leukemia
The late JJ Peterson was diagnosed with acute leukemia in early November of 2023 when he was just 16 years old.
Despite battling with cancer, JJ Peterson and his family never lost hope and fought until his last breath.
In an interview in 2023, JJ Peterson stated:
“I’m not fighting alone; the community, people I don’t know, friends from school- it’s more of a community aspect. Everyone is working together to help me get past this, It’s not just my fight, it’s their fight too.”
NV Daily
His mother, Jennifer Peterson, further stated that JJ’s journey began with a mental health episode.
“He was just having a bad day, where he’s calm about it, as a parent it’s a little more dramatic.” said Jennifer.
Initially, the Peterson family thought it was a minor problem, but after running a blood test, they learned that JJ Peterson had cancer.
Moreover, JJ Peterson spent 28 days receiving chemotherapy at Inova Fairfax Hospital in his early stage and also experienced severe weight loss.
Despite not being able to walk and struggling for his life every day, JJ Peterson showed bravery and didn’t lose hope until his last breath.
Recently on March 20, the Strasburg community gathered together at Signal Knob Rec Center to honor JJ Peterson with a Car Parade, few days before his demise.
The whole of Strasburg, Virginia, will remember the late JJ Peterson for his bravery and strong nature.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In addition to his parents, Jason and Jennifer, JJ Peterson’s elder sister, Baylee, and his whole family are left to cherish his life.
- He was born in 2007 and recently celebrated his 18th birthday on February 21.
