Dr. Jason Marc Cross

Jason Marc Cross, 47, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, in Seneca, South Carolina. Born on May 11, 1977, in San Francisco, California, Jason was a distinguished scholar and dedicated advocate for healthcare innovation. His academic journey was marked by an unwavering pursuit of knowledge. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology, History, and Religious Studies from Penn State University before continuing his studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where he obtained a Master of Arts in the History and Philosophy of Science. He furthered his education at Duke University, earning both a Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the Anthropology of Economics & Governance. Additionally, he obtained a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Duke University School of Law with a specialization in Global Innovation & Intellectual Property Law. His commitment to research and policy led him to the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Science & Technology Policy. Jason’s career was deeply rooted in his passion for improving global healthcare systems. He was co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer for Rymedi, a company focused on expanding access to high quality healthcare. Cross was a professor at Duke University and Founding Director of the Innovation & Technology Policy Lab where he spearheaded value-based contracting between countries and pharmaceutical and medical device companies. He is also Chair of the Intellectual Property Subgroup of the IEEE Blockchain in Healthcare and Life Sciences Working Group. He dedicated much of his time to strategizing advancements in healthcare accessibility and innovation. His intellectual curiosity and analytical mind made him a respected figure in his field. Beyond his professional achievements, Jason cherished time spent with his wife, Anna Kaminski. Together, they enjoyed exploring new places, dining out, visiting vineyards and hiking in the mountains of western North Carolina. Jason was also “Tío Jason,” a beloved uncle who shared his love for Star Wars, beach soccer and goofiness with his nephews. He was a fantastic musician and a driving force behind several bands during his high school and college years, some of which practiced in the Cross-family basement. Whether performing with his band, for an intimate gathering of family and friends or simply playing for Anna, Jason's musical expressions were a true reflection of his creative spirit and unwavering commitment to celebrating life's beauty through sound. He was an avid reader who found joy in exploring new ideas and perspectives through literature. Jason traveled widely for work, research and pleasure, returning often to Guadalajara, Mexico where his enormous extended family resides and where he spent countless summers as a kid. His dedication to humanitarian healthcare reflected his deep sense of responsibility toward creating a better world for all. Jason is survived by his loving wife, Anna Kaminski; his father, Roy; and his brother, Tico (Karly), along with their children, Orlando, and Dario. He was predeceased by his mother, Cristina. A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel at Clemson University, located at 181 Jersey Ln, Clemson, SC 29634. https://psu.zoom.us/j/96936391576 In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in the memory of “Dr. Jason Marc Cross” to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center rare cancer research program: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Rare Cancers https://secure2.convio.net/mskcc/site/TR/GivingPages/CommunityFundraising?px=5579535&pg=personal&fr_id=4282 Jason’s legacy as an intellectual force and compassionate advocate for healthcare reform will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Dr. Jason Marc Cross

May 11, 1977 - February 20, 2025