On Tuesday evening, over 150 people gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor “Teddy Bear” Jairus Cook, who succumbed to the affects of a stroke on May 1. He was 43.
“He was a light in Vallejo,” said many of those assembled. “He was like a brother to all of us.”
Cook was a barber but he also worked for the school district as a security officer for years. Past students, colleagues, friends and family met outside the Double Edged Experience barbershop at the Springstowne Center to remember him both as a Christian and as a man.
The event was organized by Donald Long, gregarious owner of Double Edged, who was moved enough by his friend’s death to pull the vigil together.
“He was a gentle giant,” said Long. “A loving and caring person who thought less of himself and more about others.”
Many people say such things when people pass, but in Cook’s case, the proof is in the people’s words that night. Everyone shared the same memories of him and his generous nature, how he never forgot anyone’s birthday, and how he loved to joke around.
Loved ones wore bright red T-shirts that played off the Coca-Cola logo, which read “Mr. Cook” instead. Folks who hadn’t seen each other a while shared embraces and tiny children ran around and squealed with delight, frankly having a ball, oblivious to the reason for the gathering but reminding all of us that life goes on and can be beautiful.
Cook’s mother Cynthia was there, holding it together, though the peace in her eyes had a twinge of sadness. She said that since his death she is fully realizing just how many people he has touched.
“He was always very quiet as a child,” she said, surprised at how outgoing his friends say he was. “He’s just a loveable person: Helpful, thoughtful, sensitive.”
DJ J Spades spun old school and contemporary soul to set the mood, which veered from solemn remembrance to upbeat dancing and laughing.
Minister Stacy Jones spoke of Cook’s allegiance with the Hogan High Spartans “for life.” The two met in school in 1994.
“Jairus means, ‘He whom God enlightens,’” Jones said. “He was always walking with God, whether he was cutting hair or wishing someone ‘happy birthday.’”
Cook’s high school girlfriend then sang the Le’Andria Johnson tune, “Better Days,” after prefacing it with how much he lit up a room.
Pastor Marco McCleod also spoke, citing John 11:24, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He echoed sentiments about the “good place” where Cook was now, in heaven, next to the Lord.
“You know you go to funerals and people make stuff up,” he laughed, referring to people’s services that talk about God even though the person wasn’t particularly religious.
“But we know he lived his life for Christ.”
Cook, he said, wanted to see Vallejo reach its potential and always asked, “What are you doing to make a…
Read More: Friends, loved ones honor the memory of popular Vallejo barber, school