Jared Benjamin "JB" McKnight

Jared Benjamin “JB” McKnight, 6 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Born on August 26, 2019 in Jackson, MS, JB was a son of Ciara Anderson McKnight and Charles Jared McKnight.

JB was a special little man by all accounts, and he definitely marched to the beat of his own drum (a beat no one else could hear). JB never sought approval from his peers, siblings, parents, or anyone for that matter. He was a head-strong little firecracker at times and decided what he was going to do and when, this rang true even from birth. Each developmental milestone came with some “push-back” to the point where I honestly believed he would just go to school in diapers at times (spoiler, he did not but decided to potty train on his own when we finally gave up, after literally trying everything under the sun and more). During his first year of 4 year old kindergarten, the behavior scale was “in the sunshine” (good) or “out of the sunshine” (not so good). We joked that JB was never in the sunshine and spent the year in the shade instead—I got at least 1 phone call/week that year. However, in true JB fashion (when he was willing and wanted to), he received all-star behavior reports each day from Kindergarten and First Grade.

Even though JB was such an independent and headstrong little man, he was incredibly sweet and kind. He was everyone’s buddy and favorite cuddle monster. Each night, his very large bulldog, Daisy, slept with him. Daisy and JB were best of friends and “grew up” together. We would often find puppy Daisy chewing baby toys and JB playing with puppy toys. His big sister, Cherry, would often momma-hen him as a baby, which he quickly grew out of, but they remained extremely close, playing school and even holding hands to walk/cross the street (when they did not think we were looking). He was usually so sweet and patient with his little brother, Isaac (and true best friend), to the point where he split his birthday toys with him one year, just because he honestly would rather everyone around him be happy or share in his happiness.

JB was growing into his own little person and was really beginning to develop his own personality and hobbies. He most enjoyed playing with his brother, Isaac, whether it was at the park, in the backyard on the trampoline, wrestling, building blocks, or playing video games. There were many, many slow mornings of playing video games with Daddy and Isaac (momma is not good at them), and there were equally as many slow evenings of cuddling and watching his favorite movies (anything with a minion in it or “Finding Nemo”). JB also never missed a beach day or a chance to swim in a pool; he was quite the little fish, although he quickly became a sand monster after a day at the beach (he was affectionately my little “Pig-pen”). Last year’s birthday blast was his true vision come to light: a pool party themed pool party, complete with a pool inspired cake.

JB was incredibly curious and loved learning any and everything about the world around him. He recited many, many “fun facts,” which included a library of marine life and dinosaur facts (fun fact: Greenland sharks can live upwards of 450 years). He enjoyed many trips to zoos, campgrounds, aquariums, and nature walks and made sure we read (or later he) all of the “fun facts” to find on any and every placard along the way. JB was quickly becoming an avid reader and loved any and every book about dinosaurs and animals (fun fact: we credit video games for his advanced reading ability, since we made him read the prompts before doing the levels). JB’s inquisitive nature and wonder of the natural world will live on through our family’s travels and continued patronage of all of the natural parks, recreation areas, museums, and zoos (we’ll be sure to continue collecting those facts as well).

JB absolutely adored his family and friends. He spent countless hours playing with his brother and sister, pretty much doing whatever it was they wanted to do, without too much pushback. He loved hanging out at the house and eating good food together. JB had every adult in his life wrapped around his little finger, where we would pretty much allow any request after getting a JB wry smile. He had a fun little sense of humor and definitely enjoyed playing pranks on momma (always the easiest target) and playing with his minion “fart gun.” JB had the best sound effects and often made up silly words and chants that echoed throughout our home (and cars).

JB’s memory will live on in our family in both the calm, quiet moments and the time spent outside discovering the world around us. JB loved unconditionally and was a kind and gentle soul that touched the lives of everyone he encountered. It was an absolute pleasure to know and love him, and his absence is immeasurable. He lived and loved more in his short life than most people will ever be able to in 100 years. He would want us all to cherish our time with loved ones and introduce a little comedy to our daily routines. To keep his memory alive, we should all look around our world and learn something new and exciting and find contentment in the quiet moments together.

JB is preceded in death by his sister, Cherry Elise McKnight; two grandfathers, Terry McKnight and Benjamin Anderson, Jr.

JB will be deeply missed by his parents, Charles Jared McKnight and Ciara Anderson McKnight; brother, Isaac McKnight; two grandmothers, Jennifer Avant and Michelle Mau; two grandfathers, Michael Avant and Bobby Mau; uncle, Aaron (Merilyn) McKnight; aunt, Katie (Kyle) Hara.

A private Celebration of Life with close friends and family will be held at his home on February 7, 2026. He would want everyone to enjoy some outside time, make a few jokes, and eat some fantastic food (emphasis on the sweet treats).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.