Jaden Smith

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) Ban...[more]

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, 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.