Obituary of Jared E Brooks

Jared E. Brooks of Ithaca – who lived life fully, passionately, and presently – went to what he once called “The Great Beyond” on July 1, 2021 at the age of 23. In the words of his parents, Aj and John, and his sister, Marley, “He was a beautiful spirit that left us too soon. If you met Jared, you remembered him. He lived Big.” Jared's passion for connection and his thirst for experiences brought him to Ireland, France, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Norway, Oregon, California, Key West and many other destinations. Next up on his itinerary was a visit to Madagascar. Jared's love for soccer endeared him to many, and a fellow soccer player who, like Jared, played at TC3, called him “ a scrapper who just never quit running.” In addition to his parents and sister, Jared is survived by his grandparents, Pam and Dennis Brooks of Wolcott, NY and his great-grandparents, Mary Jane and Ronald Johnson of Sodus, NY. Jared's loved ones are hosting a gathering on Wednesdy, July 7, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Finger Lakes Cider House. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date, “when our collective hearts are not quite so heavy.” *** Jared's Uncle Jim shared these words: “Jared was a kind and happy soul, with a heart hungry to experience all that this world has to offer. He believed in living life to the fullest. Jared knew how to live large. Large curiosity. Large thirst for adventure. Large life experience. Large heart. Jared always placed the highest importance on the people in his life - and he has so many. Jared had an easy way to put a smile on your face. And he was quick to give you his own. His smile was contagious, as was his excitement for life, friends, family and togetherness. His smile and his heart are with us, forever.” *** As happy-go-lucky as he was, Jared felt life deeply and engaged with everyone he met authentically and without judgement. Jared's humor and wit kept everyone around him laughing and connected in a gratifying and immense way. One of his defining personality traits was how gracefully he converged his easy going pace and tenacity. *** A scholarship in Jared's honor will be offered through the Community Foundation of Corning and Elmira. *** Jared Brooks Memorial Scholarship for online donations please visit www.communityfund.org or checks can be made out to Jared Brooks Memorial Scholarship and mailed to Community Foundation, 301 South Main Street, Horseheads, NY 14845.