Back in 2011 Jayden was sitting in our driveway playing with rocks as we pulled up to our house for the first time. A day or two later he ran down the street after our car all the way home. From that point forward Jayden became permanent fixture at our house with him and my sons becoming nearly inseparable. Jayden was truly the perfect friend. His smile his goofiness his mischievousnesses lit up joy or an eye roll to anyone who spent more than a few minutes with him. Every time he walked thru the door we knew anything could happen next and no matter what else was going on you were always gonna get a healthy dose of Jayden! He was so true to himself, who he was and didn’t have any issues giving you all of him- the good, bad and the slightly annoying! Jayden made every setting he was in instantly more enjoyable and fun. We all lost a piece of us and a void that will be impossible to fill when Jayden left us. The impression he left on everyone he met- young and old will never be forgotten or replaced. Gone far too soon but in typical Jayden fashion he will always be around us, on our minds and in our hearts. We owe it to Jayden to live life as he did- being true to yourself and giving love and a healthy smile to each person you encounter. John, Mandee and Kinzie, we love you so much and pray for you to heal around this unspeakable grief.

Love The Hodge Fam 

I first met Jayden when I came to visit my daughter and family when they moved to Aurora from Illinois.  This little kid kept coming by to play with my grandson Mekhi who was not home, he must have rung the doorbell every fifteen minutes looking for Mekhi!  It didn’t take long to get to know Jayden because he talked so much, every time I saw him I would say to myself I just love this kid, he was always friendly, polite and extremely funny!  This tragedy has left a big hole in our hearts and my prayers are for all your family and friends.  He was a special person to lots of people and will be dearly missed!