Jarod Paul Newlove

Jarod Paul Newlove was born on February 17, 1985 at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington. His parents were Joseph and Cheryl Newlove; he was raised in West Seattle along with his older brother Will. Even as a child, Jarod had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was warm, caring, and friendly and couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining the entire family.

He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, and had a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Jarod managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems both in life and in work.

All of Jarod's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. Always a good playmate, Jarod was easygoing and fun loving. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Jarod experienced an active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in baseball and soccer when younger. On the weekends Jarod, his dad, and his brother Will would wait for the Mariners after each game to get their cards signed, even chasing down the player’s cars.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Jarod was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Jarod simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Jarod, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his high school years. Jarod graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 2003. Jarod played baseball and wrestled in high school, he went to Metro divisional tournaments in wrestling.

Jarod never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Jarod to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Whether it was a story, a joke, or just plain fooling around, Jarod was always right at home among his friends. Jarod utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his good friends were Collin, A.J., Travis, and Lamar. Later in his school life, he became best friends with Garrett Rochon who has forever remained his bro. While in the service he became good friends with so many of his shipmates including Edgar Molina, Tim Weiss, Adam Saperstein and Justin McNeely who died with him on the convoy. He always knew what to say to his friends when they were having a bad day. Jarod loved sharing life with the people he loved and having his home filled with friends.

On July 2, 2004 Jarod exchanged wedding vows with his high school sweetheart, Kimberly Elizabeth Humphries in Kent, Washington. They wanted a big wedding but he had to leave for training so they quickly tied the knot in a civil ceremony.

Perhaps the reason Jarod related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Jarod was blessed with two children, a daughter Addison, 3 and a son Jordon, 1. Jarod had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. While in Afghanistan he could always be found handing out candy to the kids while stuck in traffic on convoys, etc. A lot of the kids there spoke English and he enjoyed just talking to them.

At work, as in life, Jarod was a real “people person” he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Jarod was a realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Jarod's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Jarod as an excellent problem solver. His shipmates knew that whatever job he was given, he would be able to do it. His primary occupation was culinary specialist in the United States Navy. He attended several culinary art schools, he loved to cook for the family and friends. His favorite was BBQ and he was proud to have made and decorated his kid’s birthday cakes.

Jarod was a Navy Sailor and has been in for five years. He was assigned to the USS New Orleans 8/2004-12/2008 stationed in San Diego. After getting out he joined the Navy Reserves in 2009. Jarod saw action for one year during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. He was nominated for Junior Sailor of the Quarter. He received several awards including Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Combat Action Medal and the Purple Heart.

Jarod felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Jarod loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Jarod relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Jarod never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, Jarod played baseball and wrestled. Recreational sports included softball and soccer with the USS New Orleans Team. Jarod was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball, soccer. His particular favorites were Mariners, Seahawks, and the New Orleans Saints.

Living life in the fast lane suited Jarod just fine. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included camping with his family and visiting relatives in Washington and Kansas.

Jarod loved his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. He enjoyed walking, running and teaching them new tricks. His dogs, Remi and Mia, were his buddies for 4 years.

Jarod passed away on July 23, 2010 at Kabul, Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, his children Addison and Jordan, his brother, William, and his father, Joseph and his mother, Cheryl. Services were held at Holy Family Catholic Church on August 9, 2010. Jarod was laid to rest in Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

Jarod brought joy to all of those around him. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Jarod Paul Newlove lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.