In Memory

Jared M. Runyon - Class Of 2005

Jared M. Runyon

Jared Morris Runyon, 30, of Asheville, North Carolina, formerly of Olney, Illinois, passed away November 18, 2017 at his home in Asheville. Memorial service at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, December 22, 2017.

Jared was born April 30, 1987 in Olney a son of Richard Runyon, Jr. and Marcia (Wolfe) Runyon and was raised in Olney. He graduated from East Richland High School in 2005 and attended Olney Central College and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. In 2012, Jared moved with his partner, Vanessa Bourgeois, to Asheville, North Carolina. Jared worked for a time as a server and bartender at Grove Park Inn in Asheville and more recently had returned to school at Haywood Community College, pursuing further education. He was interested in helping others, possibly as a counselor or social worker. 

Jared was an outgoing, funny, charming, and caring person who was much beloved by family and his many friends. While he was young, Jared enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, among other sports. He was especially proud to be a catcher for the Olney Tigers baseball team. Jared was also a talented musician who played the drums in middle school and high school band. He loved writing music and playing in the band “Nightlife” with his friends. 

After moving to Asheville, Jared took advantage of the natural beauty of the area and spent much time hiking and exploring the mountains and trails of Western Carolina. He became involved with several Asheville area non-profit organizations including West Asheville Youth Baseball, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, and Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund, which exemplified his giving nature. When they could find the time, Jared and Vanessa enjoyed getting away to Atlanta or Tybee Island, Georgia, a favorite vacation spot. He loved his dog Ralphie, and cats Atticus and Boots, and most of all his partner, Vanessa, who was always by his side.

Jared is survived by his father, Richard Runyon, Jr., and wife LeaAnn Runyon, of Olney; brother Craig Runyon, and wife, Kelli Runyon, of Decatur, Illinois; his partner, Vanessa Bourgeois, of Asheville, North Carolina; his uncle, Ken Runyon, and his wife Belenda Runyon, of Tega Cay, South Carolina; and cousins, Christina (Runyon) Couch, Tyler Runyon, and Lea Potter. 

Jared was preceded in death by his mother, Marcia Runyon; paternal grandparents, Richard and Eleanor Runyon; and maternal grandparents, William and Ellen Wolfe.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney obituary & photo – November 28, 2017