Jarrod Scott Ridge, musician and amateur comic, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 40.
He leaves behind his parents Lee and Carolyn Ridge and sisters, Katie (Edward) and Sarah (Nik), six nieces and nephews, grandmother Delores Bryant and the Red Bull industry, which may perish to exist due to his lack of funding.
At a young age, Jarrod discovered a profound love of music. It snowballed from a drum set to help him focus to pirating music from Torrent, disorganized binders of CDs, numerous jam sessions with friends, and the eventual formation of a metal band known throughout the Central Valley as Aimaora. Everywhere he went, he found a connection with others through music.
Jarrod’s work history was lengthy and eclectic. He worked in what seems like every industry known to man, forming him into the epitome of the phrase “a jack of all trades, but the master of none.” While he never found his career, what he did find, was his place among people, and wanting to do good within the world.
His thirst for knowledge seemed to know no bounds as he was incredibly well-spoken and well-read. Camus, Dante, even Trump, and others intrigued him; he could keep company with people from all walks of life. He didn’t judge or try to sway; he wanted to learn from and about to understand and accept people as they were.
Over the past decade, he could be found on occasion in the Fat Cat and other local clubs performing comedy, doing what he loved by making people reflect on life through laughter.
He left this life knowing that Metallica was the greatest band. The Simpson’s was the best show, and chicks often dig guys with bright blue eyes and the occasional man bun.
Although a less-than-average lifespan, Jarrod did not live an average life. He traveled where he wanted to travel, laughed at every chance, learned everything that he could, and loved who he wanted to love.
Looking back, Jarrod is best known for being by his own definition a lovable fool. He was a son, brother, uncle, friend, and someone that loved BIG. It was rare to end a call or a chat with Jarrod that did not end with “I love you!” Anyone privileged to speak with him can attest to this.
He spent much of his life caring for and about others. He was a counselor to many, pulling others from dark places only someone with his light could reach. We imagine he can be found somewhere beyond this place, still spreading love and laughter by forwarding memes with his beloved wiener dog Schatz at his feet.
This is not his last laugh; while the song has ended, the melody lingers as we fade to black. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Turlock, CA @ 1 pm. The service may be viewed online by following this link: https://www.viewlogies.net/allen/
If you would like to donate in place of flowers, those donations may be made to: Valley Children’s Hospital, 9300 Valley Children’s Place M/S PC17, Madera, CA 93636, or Shriner’s Children’s Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817
Here are links to Jarrod’s music. Listening to and admiring his art is one of the best ways to pay tribute to him.
https://www.reverbnation.com/aimaora/videos
https://open.spotify.com/user/1270778266?si=QHM00IkZQRSUl1mF02wJrw
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