OBITUARY
Mr. Jahi Kudura Young, son of late Carol Raymond and Eskew Young was born July 16, 1977 in Berkeley California. His Mother named him Jahi meaning “Dignity” and Kudura meaning “Strength” in Swahili. It was a name that would come to symbolize his very essence.
In 1980, Jahi and his Mother relocated to Tacoma, WA. Upon her untimely death in 1982, Gerald and Carol (Kinlow) Spencer became his parents. Jahi was also blessed to have other great men, Arnold Christian and Dennis Davis to exemplify Fatherhood in his life. He actually gained a village of people to surround him with love.
Jahi possessed a quiet, calm dignity. He was a thinker and a seeker. He spent a lot of time looking inward and his introspective nature is reflected in his drawings, paintings and writings.
In addition to his love of art he had an insatiable curiosity, which led him to research everything from electronics to how to make everyday things work better. He became very interested in metaphysics which resulted in in-depth conversations with friends and family. Even though his conversations could be highly intellectual, Jahi always maintained a boyish innocence. His positive attitude and youthful spirit enabled him to communicate with children easily.
In his journaling he spoke of the things in life that made him the most happy. Seeing his daughters with smiles on their faces: being productive, having confidence from building a strong body, creating, laughing uncontrollably; and much more!
Gifted
Jahi was born an artist. His talent and love of art was evident as young as five when his family discovered he could draw beautifully and lifelike!
Over the years his artistic ability would be recognized. While a student at Seattle’s Ingraham High School he won awards for his paintings. In 1995 he won first place in the Student Expressions contest with his piece “The Invisible Face”. One of the prizes he received was a scholarship to study art at the Seattle Art Museum. Jahi was also chosen to participate in an exchange program in Russia with local artist George Woodall.
While in high school, Jahi was a fitness and nutrition enthusiast. He ran track and participated in the Jessie Owens Track Classic Meet in Los Angeles.
As a young adult, Jahi moved to Syracuse New York. There he continued to use his gifted hands building and remodeling homes. He also used his artistic talent to beautify the earth through landscaping.
Jahi was overjoyed when speaking about his love for his two daughters; Tanyra and Jaylin Young. He enjoyed listening to inspirational speakers and drawing. He spent countless hours designing and creating prototype micro radio controlled drones and cars. He enjoyed sharing that knowledge and fun with children.
Jahi came back to Tacoma WA in 2018 and loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed potluck gatherings where he always made his specialty dish –cream cheese-filled jalapeno poppers.
Jahi recently wrote, “I want to be known for my positivity, smile, good energy, honesty and for being a good man who cares about people.”
Jahi quietly departed this life on Thursday, February 20, 2020. His beautiful life will forever be cherished by his parents Carol & Dennis Davis, Brother Gerald Spencer, and a large number of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.
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