Jared Jake Jenkins

Jared Jenkins, only 24 years old, was taken from us on August 17 due to a car accident in Kern County.

Jared was born on December 10th, 1984 in Santa Cruz. He grew up in Bonny Doon, attending Bonny Doon Elementary School and later graduating from Santa Cruz High School in 2003. Jared was a good student and excelled both in football and wrestling. At age 17, he began surfing which turned into a passion that he lived for.

Jared attended Miramar College and San Diego State University. He spent time as an EMT, a river raft guide, and had just completed Paramedic School.

Jared had a larger-than-life personality with his giant smile, enormous energy and a zest for life that was unmatched. He loved to spend his time outdoors, guiding raft trips, surfing, mountaineering, and camping. Jared made life-long friends wherever he went. He had a unique ability to bring excitement and humor into every situation. His spirit was huge and his death leaves all who love him broken hearted.

Jared is survived by his parents Alexis and Jerry Jenkins; his brother Colin Jenkins; the love of his life Claire Steusloff; his grandparents Bill and Gwen Jenkins; his grandfather Joseph Cozzoli; his great aunt Roz Turkin; his aunts Cara Oklin and Sue Bartlett; his uncles Jeff Jolin, Allen Jenkins and John Bartlett; cousins Jaima Oklin-Jolin, Chad Oklin-Jolin, Eric Bartlett and Amy Jenkins; many, many friends; and last, but not least, his joyful dog Ziggy.

A memorial service to celebrate Jared's life will be held this Sunday, August 23 at 11:30am at Aptos Village Park. A reception will follow.