Obituary: Jameson O’Neil, age 26, of Wellesley

Jameson O’Neil, beloved son, brother, and dear friend to many, passed away at age 26 on February 6, 2026, after being unexpectedly diagnosed last year with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Jameson’s life was characterized by his kind and clever spirit, his dedication to his many interests, and the relationships he built through his warmth and authenticity.

Jameson grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, attending Upham Elementary School, Wellesley Middle School, and graduated from Wellesley High School. While at WHS, Jameson – or “Jame-o,” as affectionately chanted by his friends—was an active member and three-season captain of the cross-country and track teams. Outside of athletics, Jameson enjoyed academics (particularly English and Film classes), and his involvement in the school newspaper –which included both factual journalism and the occasional satirical piece.

Jameson attended college at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, where he studied English and Journalism with a minor in Screen Writing. He built communities all over campus, from being Asst. Sports Editor of the campus newspaper, to working in the university Athletic Dept., and to joining a fraternity that he claimed was “normal and not obnoxious”. He loved exploring new parts of LA with friends, going on hikes and runs along the water, and tracking down the best street tacos around LA.

Upon graduating in 2022, he continued his love of athletics and media by working in college sports broadcasting. He started his career in the athletic dept. at CalTech in Pasadena and up until recently was working for the Los Angeles Lakers. While Jameson was grateful for any opportunity to work in the sports world, working on the court with the Lakers was truly a dream.

Though he loved the life he built in LA, in 2025 Jameson moved back to Wellesley to be with his family after his diagnosis which he faced with remarkable composure, grace, and quiet strength. He never compromised who he was, even as his world changed.

Jameson will be remembered for his clever and imaginative sense of humor, encyclopedic knowledge of basketball, love of running and exploring new places, deep appreciation of films and movies, fascination with maps and geography, but most of all, the authentic relationships he formed with people around him. He built many friendships through his genuine interest in other people, embracing them with empathy and acceptance, and usually lots of shared laughter. He was easy to love.

His memory lives on with his parents—Joe and Jordan O’Neil, siblings Keaton and Avery O’Neil, extended family, and the many friends he made throughout his life.

In the spirit of love, Jameson’s family will be holding a memorial service for him on Saturday, February 14th at 11 a.m. at The Village Church, 2 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

Note: Jameson’s family thanks you for your generosity but kindly asks for no flowers/gifts at this time. Instead, they ask you to keep Jameson in your thoughts and share a laugh with someone you love.