Jared James Sykes of Dardanelle, Arkansas, born July 31, 2000, died in a tragic hunting incident on January 17, 2021. Jared brought light and mischief into the world from the day he was born until the moment we lost him. If you knew Jared, you probably have a story to share. He could make you laugh until you cried. He was smart, handsome, kind, loving, caring, ornery, mischievous and just downright likeable. He was known for his laidback, "It'll be alright" attitude. He was loved immensely and mothered by many in addition to his own mom but he took it all in stride – often by ignoring the extra input with a grin and a nod.

Jared would do anything needed for family and friends - from moving furniture to having a caring, listening ear. Family and friends were important to him and he lived that out.

He was a student at Arkansas Tech University and a member of the Arkansas National Guard. He was an employee of First State Bank and former employee of Burris Inc. Furniture and Office Products. He was a member of First Baptist Russellville and attended New Life Church Russellville.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jim Sykes; his uncle, Barry Neil Tippin and his great grandparents.

He is survived by his parents John David and Sheri Sykes, brothers Joel and Jonathan Sykes, grandparents Bobby and Debbie Crow of Dardanelle and Jeanne Sykes of Benton, aunts Mandy (Michael) Jay, Erin (Nathan) Mills, uncles Jeff (Sarah) Sykes and Jason (Tanna) Sykes. He loved and was loved by numerous cousins, Abby, Keely and Sophie McClellan, Jillian and Harrison Mills, Oliver Sykes, Peyton and Piper Sykes and his more like a niece than a cousin, Kinsley Weatherley. He is also survived by a large extended family, including his friend and cousin, Dylan Tippin, girlfriend, Melissa Cumnock, and a host of life-long friends.

Pallbearers will be Elyas Carter, Carter Chandler, Dylan Tippin, Bradey Johnson, Casey Thompson and Cody Kayavongsa. Honorary pallbearers will be the Dardanelle High School Class of 2018 and his National Guard Unit, Bravo Battery 1-206 FA.

Our hearts are shattered, and our lives will never be the same. Our only comfort is knowing that he was a believer and therefore, is spending eternity with Jesus. We know that we will see him again and only then will things really be alright again.

Open visitation will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cornwell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Russellville. Burial will be in New Bethel Cemetery in Plainview, Arkansas. Covid protocols will be in place. Please bring and wear your mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dardanelle School Backpack Program.

The service will be live streamed only, via two channels (1) Facebook, "search First Baptist Church Russellville" and (2) YouTube "search FBC Russellville".

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com