Jaraan V Cornell

November 22, 1976 ~ June 6, 2025 (age 48)

Jaraan was a basketball star at the high school level while attending South Bend Clay. In 1994, he made a game-tying three-pointer at the end of regulation in the Indiana State Championship Game against Valparaiso. Clay would go on to win the game 93-88 in overtime to claim a state title. Following his high school career, Cornell went on to play at Purdue from 1996-2000 under legendary coach Gene Keady. He was well known for his three-point shooting ability, knocking down 242 long balls across his four-year career in West Lafayette. Cornell was a two-time third-team All-Big Ten selection in 1998 and 1999 and was a member of a Purdue program that reached the NCAA Tournament in all four of his years in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers reached the Sweet 16 in 1998 and 1999 and made it to the Elite Eight in 2000. In four seasons with the Boilers, Cornell averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He also shot 42.8% from the floor and 36.9% from three-point range. He ended his career as a member of Purdue's 1,000-point club, scoring 1,595 points. Cornell was inducted to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Silver Anniversary team in 2021.

He coached the Clay High School girls basketball team in 2013 and 2014.

Service Monday June 23, 2025 11AM , Viewing 10AM at Faith Alive Ministries (Faith Apostolic Church) 909 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN 

06/09/2025 EJS

Jaraan V. Cornell

November 22, 1976 ~ June 6, 2025

Mr. Jaraan V. Cornell 48, of South Bend, IN was born to the union of Paul Cornell and Barbara Neal on November 22, 1976. He grew up on the west side of South Bend and received a High School diploma from Clay High School as a proud Colonial. Jaraan was committed to God, Family and Community in that order.

Jaraan’s professional career consisted of working with children in every capacity. He was a Substitute teacher for the South Bend Community School Corporation, Paraprofessional/Teacher of Record for students with IEPs. He was a Boys and Girls Basketball coach at Clay High School, Program Director at Heros Camp and the Head Coach of Heros Camp Storm Basketball Team, Director of “The Club” teen Center at the Boys and Girls Club and a Group Supervisor at the Rites of Passage.

Jaraan grew up in a two-parent household with lots of siblings and it was never a dull moment. The whole house had jokes. Jaraan being the baby of the bunch, kept them all on their toes, doing something to make them mad. When he wasn’t at home he was hanging out with friends on Thomas St. Those friends became brothers. Unmatched relationships all in their own special ways.

While in High School, Jaraan made a name for himself by dominating the basketball arena. He Played for Coach Tom Debates. He was 3rd team Parade All-American, Finished 3rd for Mr. Indiana Basketball. He was a top 30 recruit during his senior year. Averaged 21.8 points a game 8.9 rebounds, 3.2 Assists, while leading the team in blocks, with 24. Career High Points 36, he led Clay his sophomore year with 30pts into the State Championship game where he hit the shot heard all around the state. That 3pt shot took the game into overtime to clinch the win.  He became MVP for the State Finals and All-Time Leading Scorer. 

Jaraan’s basketball talents and academic dedication awarded him a Full-Ride Scholarship to Purdue University becoming a Boilermaker. He played for the great Gene Keady and appearing in the NCAA Tournament all four years. Going to The Sweet 16 (twice) and Elite 8 (2000). 1997-1998 he led The Big 10 Conference with a 50% 3pt field goal average, breaking the previous record that year scoring (7) 3pts in a game. 

He left Purdue holding the school record for the most 3pts field goals made in a career, connecting 242 3’s, while having the record for the most attempts. He has the 4th most steals in a career with seventeen. Top 100 Purdue Basketball Players with 1000 points or more.    Towards the end of his college career, in March of 2000, his daughter, Ciarra Cornell, his “babygirl” was born. Going undrafted was the farthest thing from his mind. He stayed close to home to be by her side. Jaraan decided to play for the Gary Steelheads where he was drafted in the 2000 CBA Draft. He played for them 2000-2001.

Jaraan leaves behind two beautiful children. He was a devoted father. When Ciarra underwent two heart transplants he spent every waking moment by her side while she was in the hospital. Jaraan worked hard to be an example to his daughter that he decided to re-enroll back into college at Purdue University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009, allowing Ciarra to see him walk across the stage.

A few years later he would welcome a baby boy into the world. Jayce Cornell looking just like him, you would have thought he delivered him. He was so excited about “his little dude”.  He couldn’t wait to introduce his kids to one another. Jaraan spent all the time he could with Jayce and Ciarra. He made sure to take them to Chicago every time he went, so they could see his grandmother BiBi. He introduced Jayce and Ciarra to Hero’s Camp, taking Jayce to work with him, while he was there. Just like Jaraan he became a Heros Camper and also a Boy and Girls Club Member. Jaraan enjoyed picking Jayce up from school and getting haircuts together. Most importantly he loved having dinner with his “little dude” and “Babygirl” at their favorite restaurants: Hacienda or Red Robin.   

As a young man he sought after God. This continued to his final days. Jaraan loved the Lord. He was a praying man, reading the bible and taking notes regularly. These notes could be found throughout his apartment. Jaraan was a Father, Coach, Mentor. Examples of this were from his father Paul, Mentor Pat, and Coach D. His persona and humbling demeanor made him a genuine all-round kool individual.

Jaraan also leaves a large family. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Too many to name, but you all know who you are and what you meant to him.  He is survived by his loving family, Father Paul Cornell, Children Ciarra Cornell and Jayce Cornell; Loving Siblings: Jackie (Kenny) Lott, Darrin Smith, Carl Neal Sr., Corey (Yvonne) Neal, Rashaan Cornell and Parryn (Kristyna) Cornell. Aunt and Uncles: Margaret Jamison, Shirley Warren, Carol Smith, Yolanda Lott, Darlene Smith, David Cornell and Diane Mars.    He was preceded in death by his loving Mother Barbara Neal, Sisters: Chanda Cornell and Shaquindra Martin. Aunts and Uncles: A.D. Cross, Laverne Smith, Joan Smith, Doris Smith, Moses Smith Jr., Willie Cross, Morris Smith and Carlton Cornell.  Jaraan “J-Kool” Cornell loved by so many will truly be missed.

Service: Monday June 23, 2025 11AM; Viewing: 10AM at Faith Alive Ministries (Faith Apostolic Church) 909 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences may be shared. Service will be livestreamed on Youtube at Faith Alive Now. 

6/20/2025 djb

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jaraan-Cornell