"I didn't know Jaden, but I was touched by his obituary. He sounds like an amazing person! He is now at peace. My prayer is that God would comfort you during this time. A precious young man gone too soon, but not forgotten. He touched many lives for the better!"
In loving memory of
Jaden Smith
June 27, 2007 - June 26, 2025
Jaden Kurt Smith, 17, took his own life on June 26, 2025.
Jaden was born on June 27, 2007, in Ames, Iowa. He attended Northwood Preschool and Meeker Elementary through the 5th grade. Jaden and his family then moved to North Ames and he furthered his education at Gilbert Community Schools and was a recent 2025 graduate. Jaden was involved in scouting since first grade, was inducted into the Order of the Arrow by his peers and was recently awarded his Eagle Scout rank. As part of the Gilbert bowling team where he was captain for both JV & Varsity teams during his tenure. He was also the first student to participate in all four years since the program's inception. He took pride in teaching younger students how to bowl.
Jaden was a caring old soul and made everyone around him laugh daily. His other interests included golfing, watching anime, reading manga, playing video games, and going to the gym with his friends. Jaden's future plans involved accepting his scholarship & majoring in criminal justice with hopes to be a forensic or criminal psychologist.
Jaden is survived by his parents Fay and Patty Smith and his siblings Preston (Kaitlyn) Mesecher, Bailee (Marcus) Banker, Caleb Smith and his fiancé Carissa and nieces Jordann and Paisley. He is also survived by his beloved dog Piper, cat Jane and bearded dragon Kabito along with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles and his maternal grandmother.
He is preceded in death by three grandparents, Raymond Evans and George & Karen Smith.
A public celebration of life will be Wednesday, July 9th from 3-7pm at the Fareway Conference Center in Boone, IA. Casual attire preferred and suggested that guests wear anime shirts to honor Jaden. Lodging is available for visitors at Cobblestone Suites in Boone.
Tributes
"I noticed in the video that the last time I did the musical"The Granny Awareds," he was my Prince. I posted a picture. So many great pictures of his life at Meeker and beyond. Prayers for your family."
"What a beautiful tribute. What a wonderful life gone too soon. May these memories bring you comfort knowing you gave him a truly amazing childhood."
"Jaden was in our Scout Troop 230. He enjoyed Scouting and advanced to the Rank of Eagle Scout. It was my honor to be a part of his Eagle Board where our panel conducted his board. He did an excellent job and easily passed his board to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He will surely be missed. Gary Warning"
"In the short time I knew Jaden he was so sweet and funny, a real class clown through and through. I was sad when he moved away and wish I kept in touch. I hope he?s resting easy, he was a good boy."
"Patty, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this time of loss and grief. "
"This breaks my heart to hear. I have wonderful memories of his humor in the classroom always being able to get someone to smile. - Mrs. Fravel (5th grade)"