Jared Alexander Payne 

aka “Jare-Bear”

March 18, 2005 – September 21, 2026

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, Jared Alexander Payne, affectionately known as “Jare-Bear.” Jared passed away following an accident on September 21, 2026, at the age of 21. He was born on March 18, 2005, in Arcadia, California. He lived his early years in Glendora, California, then spent much of his childhood in West Bend, Wisconsin, before moving with his family in 2016 to Hesperia, California.

Jared’s life ended far too soon, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet, through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, our family finds comfort in the promise that death is not the end. We trust in our Savior’s Resurrection and in the sealing power of the priesthood, and we look forward with hope to the day when we will be reunited with Jared.

Jared found enjoyment in motorcycles, computer gaming, chess, photography, building his LEGO sets, collecting rubber ducks, and, of course, his love of butter and bacon. He graduated early from Sultana High School in hopes of serving a mission for his church. His username was “AimoftheGame,” and he loved trying to help others improve at the games he enjoyed playing. He had plans to pursue engineering and had a knack for it.

Jared was competitive, especially when it came to games. Mario Kart Wii could get surprisingly loud when Jared was playing, and Monopoly was almost impossible to play with him because he played to win—and he dominated. His sister Bethany felt particularly picked on when Nathaniel and Jared teamed up, so much so that she refuses to play Monopoly to this day. He had a mischievous sense of humor and a particular talent for stealing his older brothers’ jokes and somehow making them his own. These are the little things that made being around Jared memorable and that his family will miss dearly.

When Jared set a goal for himself, he followed through. He was emotional, deeply loyal, had a quick temper but was even quicker to forgive, and cared intensely about the people in his life. He went out of his way to maintain friendships, sometimes traveling long distances just to spend time with someone he cared about. He made time for people who were struggling and often felt their pain deeply. He had a genuine desire to help people and was there for many who needed someone to listen, encourage them, or simply stay by their side.

Like any siblings, Jared and his brothers and sister had their share of arguments, but underneath was a deep love for one another. He enjoyed playing games with his siblings and would even buy board games for the family so they could spend time together. Those ordinary moments—playing, squabbling, laughing, and being together—are now precious memories that his family will carry with them.

Jared was also someone who noticed when others needed help. He was known for pulling over whenever he saw someone stranded on the side of the road. Earlier this year, he even stopped to help a downed CHP motorcycle officer after the officer was hit by someone attempting to avoid being pulled over. Jared saw a need, and he tried to help. That was simply who he was.

At 21, Jared was still trying to figure out where life would take him. He had dreams for his future, plans for engineering, and much left that he hoped to experience. His life ended before he had the chance to see those plans unfold. What remains is the love he gave, the people he touched, the memories he created, and the many ways—both big and small—in which he made a difference in the lives of others.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jared is survived by his mother, Kandee Green Payne; his father, Scott Leland Payne; his sister, Bethany Garcia, and her husband, Joseph Garcia; his brothers, Nathaniel Payne (whose jokes he appropriated), Joseph Payne, Scott Christian Payne, and Gideon Payne; and his grandmother, Claudia Payne. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard Payne, Lynn Green, and Teresa Green.

Until we meet again, Jare-Bear, you will remain forever in our hearts.