Jared John Kopecky

Some of the best people we meet are the ones that we come across from pure circumstances. I met Jared through our shared interest of automotive photography across the vintage auto and slab community in Houston, TX. An instagram message about fishing in Port Lavaca, turned into a 6 year friendship. The last time I saw Jared was while I was visiting Austin in December 2024. We were catching up on Muffin's adventures, his health, Arno, a short story about a vampire in River Oaks, and my new place in Houston. We went to Top Notch Burger for lunch, our reg spot when I came into town - and we talked about how much the area was growing commercially and residentially.

We were the type of friends who could go months at a time without chatting or hanging out, and then when a text/call or visit happened to fit into our schedules, it would be so funny, and genuine. There are so many times we would find something online to laugh at till we were wheezing, and our sides hurt. We would talk about comic book ideas, funny things our neighborhoods, our family holidays, and work situations. It felt like we were soundboards for each other, and it's hard finding a friend like this today. I appreciated our bond so much. As an eldest daughter in my family, I would have no one to ask for advice on subjects, so most of the time I would ask Jared anything about real estate, land, investing, career advice, and even advice on men sometimes.

Jared was always the guy who I could count on for a male perspective in my dating life. As a woman today, every little bit helps. Amidst his own personal life going on, he always appreciated the birthday and Christmas cards I would send. Sometimes he would mock it, but I know that deep down he appreciated this old-world practice.

I am saddened for all he leaves behind, but I know that he was destined to leave this place for a better one.

I know he's somewhere pre 2001, pre internet, driving around in a sky blue slab, as blue as texas bluebonnets, where the aroma is fresh plowed grass thats a part of old Washington soil, where the sun never sets.

To Jared’s son and family, my condolences go out to you. Jared was truly a remarkable friend to me and to so many others. I am going to miss our daily talks about life and our common love of comics. He had a light that shined so bright and often was a voice of reason to me. I am very grateful for the short time I got to know him. I will miss him terribly but all the laughs and memories will never be forgotten!

Jared was one of the best humans I’ve ever known, and one of the best friends I’ll ever have. I loved him like a brother. I will always miss and remember him. Still can’t believe this is real. See you on the other side brother. I’ll keep an eye on the baddies for you.

This is very hard to write, as I still don’t believe it.
We will miss Jared so much, a truly amazing friend and all round great person.
He had a great love of Aussie animals and ‘culture’, we would share aussie videos back and forth and make each other laugh.
From the trap to downunda- life won’t be the same without him.
We wish we could be there, we will always feel Jared’s spirit here in Oz.

Praying for Jareds family in this sad time.

Heaven gained an angel. Jared was one of the good ones, such a gem and always a gentleman. Sending comfort and prayers to the family.

This absolutely breaks my heart. Jared had a heart of gold. He was the best listener back in high school and about as loyal as they come. He will be so missed!

Rest in peace Jared. Although we all didn't know each other long, I am forever grateful for the friendship you gave my dad. Jared was such a kind, funny, and thoughtful person. He was a great father to his son and a great friend to many. He will be truly missed and the memories of him will live on forever.

There are truly no adequate word for such a great loss. Prayers of peace and comfort to Jared's (Jarebear) family. He will have a piece of my heart forever. I grieve for you and with you. He was/is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

My most deepest condolences,

Michelle Comer (Me Shell)

So sorry to hear about this! My prayers go out to his family and all Jared’s friends during this time. We had a lot of fun back in ‘98-‘99!

Jared, you’ll be missed!
Michael