Remembering Jarod Owen’s Legacy
Join us in celebrating the life of Jarod Owen.
Honoring Jarod Owen’s Life and Memories
Jarod Edward Owen
July 16, 1971 – September 6, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jarod Edward Owen, age 54, of Renton, Washington, who peacefully passed away in his sleep on September 6, 2025. Born in Astoria, Oregon, Jarod was the youngest of his siblings and a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.
As a child, Jarod was an undiagnosed autistic individual with a unique spirit. His early years were filled with imaginative play, often in appliance boxes constructing intricate Lego worlds. A gift from his Aunt Jerry in 1981—an espresso machine—ignited his lifelong love of coffee, and he proudly carried it with him wherever he went, delighting friends and family by brewing espresso for all, even the most devoted Folgers fans.
Jarod’s passion for the culinary arts began at age 14 when he started working at the European Pastry Café, where he honed his skills in French pastry making. His love for vintage guitars and amps also began in his youth and became both a hobby and a source of income as he collected, sold, and traded instruments throughout his life. He became known as “The Birdman” in this community due to his pet Monk parakeet Tubby, who traveled in his shirt wherever he went. His musical talents were expressed by playing and writing with his brother in Band Named Hollow and his own band Blue Vinyl Martyrs, and he loved engaging in his online guitar and amp “geekery” forums.
In addition to his musical career, Jarod made his mark on the Seattle community. He worked with Seattle Out and Proud from 2011 to 2013, contributing to the Pride Parade and serving as VP of Operations on the executive board in 2013. His professional journey began in performance lighting, assisting in building the infrastructure of Seattle’s EMP (now the Museum of Pop Culture), and later transitioned into estate facility management, where he was known for his dedication and skill.
Jarod was also a prominent character in his brother’s book The Polliwog Fields, where his larger-than-life personality and love for adventure were immortalized. His generosity, kindness, and wit touched many lives, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jarod is survived by his husband, Mario Alejandro Mora; his cherished “fur babies” Nena, Lulu, Apple, Vaquita, and Chiqulin; his mother, Dixie Owen-Perry; sister, Jenni Owen-Rimbaugh; brother, Jeremy Owen and sister-in-law Julianne; Michelle Shauermann and husband Peter; as well as the extended Mora-Castillo family. He is also remembered with love by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncle. Jarod was preceded in death by his father, James Fredrick Owen and his brother, James Anthony Owen.
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Remembering Jarod Owen: A Tribute
A Beautiful Celebration of Life
Feeling shock, disbelief and sadness for the sudden unexpected loss of our good friend Jarod Owen. As his family and countless friends will tell you, there is no one like him. I’m grateful for the friendship, memories and fun we had during recording sessions, conversations, concerts and through shared interests, this is a huge loss.
In 2020, during covid times, when all recording studios were temporarily closed, Jarod tried to help us out and commissioned the Uptone Recorders team (Rick King, Wendell Levi Ratliff) to arrange and remotely record some of his compositions. I wanted to share his beautiful song, “Images of Yesterday” from those sessions. RIP Jarod, we love you.”
Hunter Lea
A Tribute to a Wonderful Soul
Too many times I’ve reached for my phone to call you, just to hear you say this was a twisted joke.💔
Sister Jenni
A Heartfelt Tribute to Jarod
“They say if you have one true friend in your lifetime you are lucky. I feel very fortunate to have a few. I don’t rank them, how could I. When I told Sheila that Jarod had died in his sleep Friday night she said “but he is your best friend!” The bond I had with Jarod was very special. He was like the little brother I never had, not the little brother you tease and make fun of no, the one you protect from the bullies and the outside world. But at the same time his unbelievable genius and autistic insight allowed him to also share wisdom with me like that of the wised father.
We met in 90 or 91 at Guitar Maniacs, when he was in Olympia. He carried his bird on the inside of his coat and we called him Birdman. He was obsessed with Supro amps and bought everyone we had. His passion was strong.
When Asshole Trump became president the second time Jarod really feared for he and Alejandro. He made a plan to get rid of his world class Amp and Guitar collection and with the help from Trevor Boone, Mike Ball, Chuck Mahar, Guitar Maniacs and many others were able to reach their goal of a new start to a better life together. I learned long ago time does not heal. This loss will take a long time for me and everyone he has ever come in contact with, because his light shined bright all over the world. I will love you and miss you forever Jarod Owen.”
Rick King
Life and times
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