Jarrod was a beautiful, pure soul who made the world a brighter place. He was my shining star in a vast night sky. He was a dedicated and beloved son, grandson, and great grandson. He was a patient and fun big brother, and a loyal and loving friend. He was always smiling, polite, and respectful of his elders. It was rare and refreshing to see someone his age full of such genuine, selfless kindness.
Jarrod’s greatest joy was probably his dog Luna who was a constant companion for the past 7 years. He was a free spirit who found beauty in even the smallest of things from rocks to moss. He loved nature, whether it was nurturing plants, going out on his kayak, or hiking in Arkansas with Luna. He liked to be outdoors and usually barefooted. The boy never wore shoes, he was my little hippy. He had a strong work ethic, a brilliant mind, and was an excellent student. Jarrod was always eager to learn and master new skills.
Jarrod loved playing pool and surpassed his family in that skill, practicing as much as he could, whenever he could. Jarrod could grow anything; he started with sunflower seeds in his window sill at age 6 that grew to be 3 feet tall, and from that point on he was always tending to a tree or flower. He could tell you which plants were edible, and what ailments they could be used to treat.
Jarrod believed God wanted us to be good to each other, and he lived that way every day of his tragically short life whether by offering comfort to someone having a bad day, or mowing his neighbor’s lawn. He was generous with his time for neighbors, his family, and even to total strangers.
Jarrod would feel bad that we are all hurting right now, and would be the first in line to console us and make us smile. We will never forget his contagious smile, and he will be truly missed, loved, and remembered always.
