Reed James (R.J.) Van Wart

On May 31, 2022 a beautiful soul, Reed James “RJ “ Van Wart, returned to the stars from which he came. A resident of Leucadia, RJ was born May 13, 1997 in La Jolla to Jamie Elizabeth Reed and Christopher James Van Wart of Scripps Ranch who survive him along with stepfather, Craig Burriss; siblings, Acacia and Ashton Burriss (Scripps Ranch); grandmother Brenda Keck Reed (Rancho Bernardo); grandparents James L. and Kathy Van Wart (Cary, NC); many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by grandmother Nancy Duehring and grandfather Cpt. James Eddie Reed.

We celebrate RJ for his kindness, compassion, gentleness and big heart. RJ was all about love. A graduate of SDSU, RJ left a legacy of beauty and creativity as a talented graphic artist, composer, and musician; having recently released an album of his original music as “Paisley Shirts”. He was an avid surfer and traveler, with a deep passion for music and the arts.

RJ Forever. We love you.

A private Celebration of Life for close family and friends will be held, where RJ will be interred at sea off La Jolla. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to TheTrevorProject.org.