Jarrod Michael Russell

Jarrod Michael Russell of Lacey's Spring, Alabama was born June 24, 1987 in Huntsville, Alabama. Jarrod was the son of James Enos Russell Sr. (Jim) and Audrey Hooper Russell. Jarrod’s siblings are James Enos Russell Jr. (Jimmy) and Jennifer Russell Hood (Jenny). He was a beloved uncle to his nephews, Brody Russell and Jensen Hood, and nieces, Aella Russell and Adele Russell.

Jarrod attended public schools in Morgan County Alabama including both Lacey’s Spring Elementary School and A.P. Brewer High School. Jarrod attended college at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, Alabama near his beloved Auburn University and later attended college at Calhoun Community College. Jarrod worked in several roles involved with automotive repair, construction, solar energy, and apiaries. He was passionate for problem solving and troubleshooting. He enjoyed helping others, gaining a reputation for “fixing things for free”. His true passion was working in the outdoors, as a raft guide on the Ocoee or maintenance at Keystone Ski Resort where he was promoted to a supervisor position in property management. Jarrod’s ultimate dream was becoming a forest ranger at a U.S. National Park. All of Jarrod’s roles involved leading people to achieving great things, offering his guests and customers great experiences and memories to share in the many exciting experiences this world has to offer.

Jarrod’s personal hobbies included a passion for extreme sports including motocross, whitewater rafting, snowboarding, BMX, and skateboarding. He loved the great outdoors, such as going on hikes or spending time flyfishing. He was an avid fantasy reader and shared his love for fiction with his Grandpa Russell and Granny Hooper. Jarrod committed much of his time to efforts supporting sustainability and environmental awareness in line with his passion for animals and nature. His passion for honey bee preservation was made evident by his participation in several local community events along with building his own hive at his childhood home. In a way, Jarrod was a lot like a honey bee since he was a hard worker, selfless (to a fault at times), a natural caretaker, and could pack a sting with his quick wit!

Jarrod was adored by all of his family. He had a gift with children. He loved to teach children about nature and the importance of respecting all forms of life. He was gifted at finding creatures you’d never expect to find. At family gatherings, he was the reliable “critter catcher”. His time with his nieces and nephews was spent out on bug hunts identifying different species or wading the spring fed creeks looking for crawdads.

Jarrod, at age 34, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022. His tragic death came at a huge surprise to his friends and family. He will be sorely missed by so many. A visitation with family for Jarrod will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811, followed by a Celebration of Life Service in Valhalla's Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jarrod’s name and as tribute may be made to "Bee Informed Partnership” and mail to this address: Goldin Group LLC, 4641 Montgomery Ave. #300, Bethesda, MD 20814, Attn: Ruby Zhang, CPA or their website, https://beeinformed.org/support/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Russell family. The Russell family appreciates any accounts of their dear Jarrod, a truly amazing man.