Jarrod Austin Feldt's Obituary
Jarrod Feldt Obituary
Jarrod Austin Feldt, 42, passed away unexpectedly on May 29th while hiking the Pink Pillbox Trail on Oahu, Hawaii — a life well lived, ended too soon.
Born in Wylie, Texas to Philip Scott Feldt Sr. and Melissa Dawn Feldt (Warn), Jarrod was raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia and graduated from Bayside High School in 2002.
During his first deployment, Jarrod met the love of his life, Mandy, and they were married on July 24, 2007. They lived all of Jarrod’s childhood dreams and created many new ones together. Not only soulmates but best friends.
Jarrod served honorably in the United States Army from 2003 to 2023 retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He initially served in Field Artillery but found his true calling in the mission of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), earning the master EOD Badge. A warrior in every sense, Jarrod deployed to Iraq (2005–2006) and Afghanistan (2009-2010 and 2013–2014). His bravery and leadership earned him numerous honors, including:
Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award (2nd award), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Certificate of Achievement (5th award), Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicle Clasp.
Jarrod made an impact on every service member he worked alongside. He was quick to volunteer, mentor, and assist any and all. His honesty was a defining character trait, leaving no one to wonder where they stood.
After active combat service, Jarrod continued his commitment to his fellow service members as a member of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), deploying to Myanmar, twice to Vietnam, and Germany to help fulfill our nation’s promise of bringing home the missing. Even after retirement from the Army, he continued this mission working with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Center for the Recovery and Identification of the Missing in the Philippines.
Jarrod was known for his devotion to his wife and family, fearlessness, humor in the face of adversity, relentless curiosity, and love of old trucks. There was no project he wouldn’t tackle, no friend he wouldn’t fight for, and no stranger he wouldn’t help. He enjoyed serving in the nursery at church with Mandy. Together Jarrod and Mandy made their home in Hawaii but traveled as often as they could, always seeking new adventures.
He is survived by his wife, Mandy Kaye Feldt; two children, Haley and Steven; his parents, Philip and Dawn Feldt; brother, Philip Feldt Jr. (Stacey); sisters, Brittany (Cesar) Robles and Shiloh (Jordan) Bethke; five nephews, four nieces, and one great-nephew. Bonus child Grace Maupin. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Everett and Elizabeth Feldt, Vincent and Jackie Warn, and by fellow comrades whose names and memories live on in those who served alongside them.
Tribute to Jarrod’s Adventures
Hawaii: 6/16/25 from 6-8 PM at Manna Church/Hawaii Dream Center, 2045 Lauwiliwili Street #203, Kapolei.
Virginia: 6/30/25 starting at 3 PM at Beach Fellowship Church, 1817 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach. With gathering to follow at 2840 Seaboard Road, Virginia Beach.
Jarrod would have wanted everyone to dress comfortably.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jarrod’s name to the EOD Warrior Foundation (eodwarriorfoundation.org).
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to the family, please visit our floral store.
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