Jasper Scott Cutter

Jasper “Jazzy” Cutter, 22, of Columbia, Missouri, peacefully slipped over to the other side of the rainbow, at his home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born November 22, 2003, in Independence, Missouri, to Ryan and Sarah (Wood) Cutter.

Jazzy was a young man with a big heart, a contagious smile, and a deep love for the people around him. He cherished every chance he had to hold a loved one’s hand and be close to those he loved. Jazzy was known by many nicknames, and many who loved him had their own special name for him. Whether it was Dad calling him “Little man,” Mom calling him “Jazzy-mc-snorkel-bottom,” Grammy calling him “sweet boy” or Auntie Cat calling him “J-bird” he always knew they loved him.

Survivors include his parents, Ryan Cutter of Columbia, MO, and Sarah Cutter of Columbia, MO, paternal grandparents “Grampy” Bruce Cutter and “Grammy” Karen Cutter of Columbia, MO, aunts and uncles, Jessica Leonard and her husband Jamie, Catalin Giacchi and husband Carl, Stephen Wood and wife Dana, Matthew “Matt” Wood, Elizabeth “Bethy” Bernasek and her husband Ryan, many cousins, other relatives, friends and his special caregivers Michelle and Paige.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, “Pa-Pa” Raymond Wood, Jr. and “G-ma” Susan Wood.

Jazzy had an incredibly creative mind and a memory that seemed to last forever. He loved music, books, and especially The Muppets, Curious George and Dr. Seuss. Frog and Toad audiobooks were a recent favorite of Jasper’s, especially the “cookies” story. Music brought Jazzy a lot of joy. He loved listening to Christmas music all year long. He also enjoyed The Muppets’ songs, “Philadelphia Chickens” album, Johnny Cash, and—thanks to Grampy—the Bee Gees.

Jazzy loved when “mommy” read to him, especially when she used fun voices. Nothing made Jasper laugh more than asking a loved one to spell a word after giving them the wrong first letter. Jasper loved to invent games with those he loved. Grampy played the “Muppet Get ’Em Off” game, Mommy and he played the “Belly Button” game, Daddy and Jasper did the “Elephant” sound game, and Grammy the “Brain” game. Those small moments of play became treasured memories for the family who loved him.

Jazzy was truly a warrior and a fighter throughout his life. Even through his challenges, he taught everyone around him so much about love, patience, and joy in the little things. His life touched many hearts, and his family will forever be grateful for the 22 beautiful years they were blessed to love and care for him.

Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort and support at a visitation on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri. Services honoring and celebrating Jazzy’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Private committal prayers and burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, an organization that held a special place in their hearts. It was there that Jasper, who was visually impaired, was lovingly supported and taught to walk. The care and compassion he received will never be forgotten. Donations may be made online at https://www.ccvi.org/give

Jazzy’s smile, laughter, and the love he shared so freely will always live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.