Jarod James Knuth

May 29th, 1989 - February 4th, 2023

Jarod's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Jarod here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Jarod,

It's hard to imagine a world where you are not somewhere strumming on your guitar, writing a new song, teaching someone the wonders of music, or serenading a lucky listener.

While it has been a long while since we last saw each other, you were always an incredibly supportive, kind-hearted, open-minded friend. Throughout our teenage youth at Upton, SJHS, and into adulthood, there were many moments that your friendship helped me through some challenging and dark times... and music was always the best escape.

You were always the best songwriting critic and musician, with an uncanny ability to visualize how each note can make or break the true meaning of a song. Your creative spirit knew no boundaries, no limitations. You had a natural gift of raw, unadulterated talent, ever so intricately wavering between tempest poetic and nocturnal serendipity.

I will always cherish our shared passion for music, poetry, and songwriting, and how much you shined whenever you had the freedom to express yourself. I wish you knew how much you were loved and so desperately needed in this world... and how Earth-shattering it has been for those who loved you most to lose you.

While the beautiful, wondrous, and soulful song of your lifetime has unimaginably come to an end, the legacy of your music will always live on in all who knew and loved you best in this world.

For many of us, this isn't goodbye... but rather, see you later, friend.

Sincerely,
Ammie-Marie Littke (Sprowls)

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THE SPARK, for Jarod

Like a wispy beacon in the night, a spark embers a solemn glow
A delicate balance beholding power to become a flame
Smoldering ever so gently beneath the ashen surface
Impatiently eager to combust through its materialistic chains

In the heat of a moment, it ignites into a roaring blaze
Unleashing an ethereal inferno of abundant, sweltering lust
Seizing its full potential, a torrid fury of uncontrolled chaos
Granting warmth and comfort those who brave its touch

As the moon ascends the night, it braces for the darkness
Casting grand shadows, thriving when all hope seems lost
Weathering through relentless storms and melodic winds
Holding fast to its allies, shielding them from bitter frost

At the dawn of a new day, it quells with the rising sun
Wistfully fading in the morning dew and spring breeze
Transforming into memory, transcending cosmic light
Its blaze short and swift, but momentously wild and free

The legacy of its warmth, an everlasting gift of gratitude
Even though it wasn't meant to blaze for all but a night
Forever cherished by its survivors, who will always remember
How it boldly burned hot, and ever so bright

Ammie-Marie Littke (Sprowls)

February 19th, 2023 at 6:45pm

On behalf of all of us at Guitar Center Kalamazoo, I’d like to express our sincere condolences to the Knuth family.

Jarod will be missed. He was a joy to be around, and I’m thankful to have had the chance to work with him for an extended period of time. I will always remember his passion for music, and incredible knowledge of musical equipment. His enthusiasm was contagious. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Matt Gullo

Matt Gullo

February 19th, 2023 at 12:06am

Dear Jarod,

I am so incredibly thankful to have had you in my life. I was always in awe of your ability to create. Whether it was masterful portraits and doodles when we were young to beautiful arrangements on the guitar or piano; you could do it all.

Thank you for carrying me through engineering class back in high school haha. I remember we were partners for our final project, and we decided to build a guitar on inventor (3D modeling software), and I did about 1% of the work, and you did the rest. You were such a natural.

I'll always remember riding in the backseat together when your mom took us to see Switchfoot when we were little, to you showing me how to play guitar for the first time and teaching me everything from simple chords to advanced music theory, jamming in Ross's basement every day after school, playing pool and making Rocket Summer music videos with you and Chris, goofing off in choir and music theory classes, to most recently, having you over to hang out and play guitar and meet my daughters.

I promise to teach them guitar on the acoustic you gave me almost a decade ago and I promise to share your story with them. I love you, brother. Rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Your dear friend Dayton