Jayden Kahne McKinney changed my life; from the moment I knew of his existence my life was forever changed for the better. What I did not realize was the number of lives he would impact in his brief time on Earth or how wide his net of joy, love and kindness would be cast.
Jayden was born on August 3, 2007, and grew up in Stephenville, Texas. As a young child he was always so happy and easy going; of course, as his parents we thought he was incredibly special, but at that time we had no idea what God had in store for his path. Jayden was a very athletic child and tried all the sports available to him as a youth, soccer, baseball, basketball, and flag football. He loved going to dirt track races with his dad and playing outside with his neighborhood friends. As he got older and more serious about sports, he played on several select teams and by Junior high he was more focused on football and basketball. He took so much pride in being a Stephenville Yellow Jacket, he was constantly putting in work to get better, faster, stronger and it was beginning to show over this last year. He enjoyed fishing his entire life and as a freshman was able to join the bass team for his school, which was a major goal of his. He had also really come to enjoy golfing and would do it often, sometimes with hopes of becoming better and sometimes just for a fun time with friends and family.
While athletics consumed a significant amount of time in our lives and helped build character and lasting friendships, Jayden was so many additional things. He was smart and witty, extremely funny, and so enjoyed lifting other’s spirits. He was a loyal friend, a confidant for many, a kind soul to everyone he met and would give every ounce of his energy to unburden others from things bringing them down. Handsome, oh he was so handsome. He had the most precious dimple that had the ladies fighting over him since kindergarten. He was a gamer, singer, wannabe dancer and briefly TikTok famous. He was/is so many things it is impossible to put them all into words, but a perfect Son, the best big brother and my best friend are at the top of my list. He was an only child for 10 years and then his dreams came true when his little brother Karter was born, and he spent every minute since trying to live up to that version of him his little brother saw. Our family was perfect in all the ways that mattered and then about 1:00 pm on March 26, 2023, our lives changed forever again as Jayden went to be with the Lord, following a UTV accident.
No parent ever wants this to be the Lord’s plan for their child, but in the days and weeks since his passing I have learned so many amazing things about Jayden and it is our Family’s mission to carry on his legacy of kindness and compassion by creating a Memorial Scholarship in his honor at his alma mater high school so we can convey Jayden’s giving spirit by helping others go to college and fulfil their dreams. If you would like to help us keep Jayden’s giving spirit alive by donating to the Jayden McKinney Memorial Scholarship Fund, you can do so using the Venmo information below.
