Jaden Sebastian Blake's Obituary
Jaden Sebastian Blake also known as King Jay, was born September 19, 2002, in Indianapolis,
Indiana to Yvonne Blake and Justin Blake. He was their first child, and he was loved fiercely by
his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and godparents. Always precocious, Jay skipped
crawling and was running at 10 months. He had their undivided attention until JB arrived in
February of 2004. Jay became big brother, protector, and teacher. He loved his brother and
quickly became an expert at everything! Jay and JB were inseparable (his person) and shared
many friends and adventures. The family moved to Chicago before he was two, and Jaden
claimed Chicago as home.
Jaden was a member of the inaugural graduating class of STEM Magnet Academy where he
participated in basketball, theater, and formed his passion for science (he always finished first
which left plenty of time for trouble). He attended DeLaSalle High School where he was a
student ambassador and an honor student. Jay was on the football and track team, eventually
becoming the track team captain. It was at DeLaSalle that he began to Pole Vault and gave the
school its first ever points in the event. As co-captain of the football team he went all
conference. He attended Grand Valley State University on an academic and athletic scholarship
and during his freshmen year he earned a track and field division II championship ring.
A member of Trinity United Church of Christ, he grew up in Walaika and was on the Junior Drill
Team. Jay and JB spent most summers in New Jersey and holidays in Barbados with his uncle
(Goppie), grandfather (Pop Pop) and cousins, where he excelled in swimming, eventually
became a lifeguard for the city of Chicago.
Always fun loving, Jaden definitely set a room on fire just by entering. A self-proclaimed King,
Jaden believed he could do anything, and he had the work ethic and determination to back it
up. There was not a lazy bone in his body and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was
a triathlete and trained hard with his bonus dad Milton and completed 2 triathlons with him
and one with JB as well! As an avid roller-skater, he spent hours at the rink mastering that skill.
King had a heart for service and was a natural leader. As a member of THE Chicago Chapter of
Jack and Jill of America, Jaden stretched his leadership and was named outstanding Senior as
well as winning National Recognition for his and JB’s work on the Chicago Children’s March in
the wake of George Floyd’s Murder. King was dedicated to community service including blood
donation. He was fascinated by the number of people that could be helped by one donation
and loved the snacks!
On November 13th after a fierce battle, King succumbed to the injuries of a car crash the week
before with his family by his side. Although he finished his course earlier than any of us could
have anticipated, Jay taught lessons in friendship and giving without saying a word. Having
signed up to be an organ donor on his own, King Jay illuminated the need for organ donation
and helped to save and extend four lives with two of them coming from our village.
King leaves to morn his untimely passing his Mom Yvonne (Milton), Dad Justin (Tanya), and
brother JB, god sister Jamila, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents and a host of
extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations are made to: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jadenblake
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