photo by Jamaal Cannon
There’s people who we meet that have an immediate impact on us. Jason Stewart was one of those people to me. We weren’t best friends, we never even called each other to make plans to hang out, but when we saw each other it was always love and he always taught me something. Jason was supportive, He believed in Hip Hop. He believed in me early on, when it often felt like many did not. He inspired me.
A few months ago I brought my brother into J’s store, ACK (All City Kicks), and they immediately launched into an hour and a half discussion about shoe models, brands, designs, athletes and who knows what else… This is the first time they ever met….and by brother is FAR from a chatterbox. It was amazing. The Jason I knew always made people feel welcome and comfortable, He was invested in his community.
Nas plays thru my speakers as I type this remembering a debate with J.Stew, Jelks, Tekh Togo, Vic and myself about Hip Hop in general that eventually turned to Nas and his sprawling catalog. J was vehemently passionate about Nasir Jones. He hated many Nas tracks/albums and seemed to loved others more than anything ever created. His eyes lit up as he spoke about Illmatic that day.
photo by Jamaal Cannon
Jason Stewart protected his brand above all else in business and paid annoyingly close attention to details. He was the definition of 5iveit. The last time we spoke was at Billy’s. We greeted each other just as I had to go on stage, he was gone when my set was finished.
It is strange to write this, as I don’t know the intimate details of Jason’s life. I’ve never felt compelled to write something immediately upon learning of a death, but this is all I could think of doing this afternoon.
My prayers go out to his family, thought I’ve never met any of them. Sudden loss is a real shock, lean on each other even more than usual during this time.
Jason, You are already missed. I believe You will to be seen all over this city for years to come. Thank You for caring and showing us how to Live Passionately. 5iveit.
Damn. Just sat in a focus group with J last month. I, too, had spoken to him only about 7 times (within ACK and around business circles) and you couldn’t have more clearly conveyed his persona. The vibe he invited others to share was equal parts passion and love. Jason will be missed, and you, Rick, are to be commended for this tribute.
5iveit.
Jason was a really cool dude.He always called me when he got in new product because he really cared about his store and growing it.Anytime I needed sneakers I always went there before the mall because I wanted to support him because he was really a “genuine”type of guy.He appreciated my business and the clients I sent him.Im sure so many people are gonna miss this guy,so one way to remember him is to “SUPPORT LOCAL” because I had several conversations with him about his passion for playing local hiphop music in his store to shopping at Grand Rapids owned stores.I hope someone is able to carry the torch he did for so long in the local sneaker business.
Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family and many close friends.He will be missed!!!
I can’t believe he died. Cool genuine dude. I was his realtor for his new store and became instant friends with him. He was the real deal.
Much Love “J. Stew” you will be missed but never forgotten my dude…
Rest In Paradise…
That was beautifuly written. A truly awesome guy. RIP
I saw and spoke with him Saturday, and we talked about everthing that there was to talk about. It’s just so devastaing and unreal that he’s gone, I’m truly heart broken. I can’t believe this…
Love You Jason (Angel)
4 ever
- Lil’ Kari
(I know that you are smiling)
Our community mourns this loss, and we would like to express our deepest condolences to Jason’s family, immediate and extended.
Rest in peace brother.
The words spoken of this man shows that he really lived…This is a Blessing to have LIVED at such a young age! Good for him and Please Lord strengthen his family. ~everybody dies but not every body LIVES.
Wow…I’m loss for words!! That was beautifully written. Jason rest in peace!!
Jay was a genuine one of a kind good guy… I was blessed to have him as a great friend… I’ll truly miss talking to him daily, I loved his passion, determination, drive and loyality! You’ll never be forgotten. My prayers go out to the famliy & friends, Rest In Peace Jay
-Roshanda Ellis (Ro)
Memories are real you only really realize once the one u made a memory with are gone. Jason was a joy to be around his smile warmed your heart n sooth your soul. His mother raised a bright ambitious man. He wasn’t scared to achieved his dreams> The passion this man carried in his heart pulled young souls to him. He helped people open there eyes, dream, dream big dont give up for what you believe in. Although god has called his angel to help him,Jason u will be missed many tears will cry for you, yet we know you are in a better place these tears are in fact the smiles you put on many faces. Love you and blessed your family. our prayer go out you.
Dear Lord
My heart can’t begin to understand Nor except your reasoning behind ending this young mans life so soon. Jason had a spirit that was so humbling despite his accomplishments and a gentleman None the less….Something so hard to find! I met Mr. Stewart in passing a few months prior and he left a impression on me that I find hard to explain But Lord You know the words written in my heart. PLEASE shield his family & friends from any furthur pain as I continue to send my blessings.
Amen FB
God didn’t end his life. He allowed it. May he rest in peace!
Jayson was a Beautiful person inside and out.he will missed Rest n peace jay.
I love Jason and always will. I remember sharing a locker in middle school and cussing him out for having too many shoes in it. He used to tell me that he need different shoes for different parts of the week and I just laughed. He always kept me laughing. I can’t believe he’s gone. My prayer go out to his family and especially his baby. I love you and will miss Jason…RIP!!!