Help lay Jared to rest Peacefully

Hi, my name is TaLana and I am a friend of Jared’s older brother Jon, and was to Jared as well. I am writing this on behalf of Jared and his family, and with the blessing of his family members.

Jared was killed unexpectedly Wednesday, December 8th, 2021, during an incident with authorities. The details of this incident aren’t meant to be the focus of this fundraiser, it’s about honoring the memory of the real man we knew and helping his family in this difficult time.

Jared was a good friend of mine from Jr. High, through High School, and even into the college years. We lost touch in later years but whenever I ran into him I could always count on his big warm smile, and an even warmer greeting. He was a gentle soul, laid back and kind, and almost always happy…flashing that smile to all he encountered.

But that amazing smile of his began to fade more and more over the last year, as he seemed to face struggle after struggle. Some of these struggles were a product of his own decision making, and he’d be the first one to tell you that if you asked him. Jared struggled with his mental health, fighting the temptations of addiction, and above all, in regaining hope in himself and his sobriety. I’d like to believe he tried to fight these demons the best way he knew how, but ultimately just couldn’t get past them.

This type of thing isn’t something one typically prepares for, after all, not many parents plan on burying their child. Because of this and the fact that Jared was so young, the family did not have life insurance, nor did he. They are trying to give Jared a proper burial, service, and monument, but could really use any help doing so. All donations received will go toward funeral home and cemetery costs, as well as a monument for his burial. If there is any money left over after these costs, it will be kept in an account overseen by his brother Jon, to be given to Jared’s 4yo daughter at a later date.

Regardless of the struggles everyone deserves to Rest In Peace. Jared struggled hard recently (as we all do from time to time), but ‘prior-Jared’ did so many good things and deserves to be remembered for all those years; not this little snapshot of a rough patch in his life. His kindness, energy, and unbelievably compassionate heart, left little to be desired back in the day. Honestly even knowing things had changed him in recent years, it’s still hard to imagine Jared any other way.

This is the Jared that I, and those who really knew him, will always choose to remember. The kind, warm, and loving person who would give a complete stranger the shirt off his back, if it meant keeping them warmer (and I actually faintly remember him doing just that when a group of us ran into a person who was homeless on a trip several years ago❤️). Despite his struggles, Jared had a good heart and strived to be a good father, friend, brother, and son. He was hurting, and we all know how it feels to hurt as human beings. It may be easier to believe what you hear, pass judgment, or look away, but…. if you are able, and find it in your heart to help during this difficult time, your generosity will mean so much to his family and friends.

RIP Jared, you will always be the Jared we knew, and will remember!

Thank you for your time, and a huge THANK YOU to all who donate!!