Michael Jasper

On April 22nd, an energetic, inspirational, loving, and caring part of ALL our lives transitioned from labor to reward. Michael Jasper was born on March 9th, 1961 to William Jasper (Malik Muhammad) and the late Evelyn Jasper in Newark, N.J. In his youth Michael brought laughter and joy to everyone he knew. Michael touched our lives in different ways, whether it was a hug-inspiring gesture, a kind word, or his quirky smile, you couldn't help but gravitate to his charming energy. Michael had a deep commitment to God and family. He was a praying man. He would say “stay strong and trust in God, for it is God that has the final word.” He prayed in meditation daily and shared his relationship with God with anyone who would receive it. He had a deep love for his family and children. He did what he could to provide for his family, but always provided his love. God and family had the front seat to his love and devotion. Michael’s nickname was Crazy Cat. He was known as a prankster to his family and friends. If you weren't a part of the prank, you were the prank. This was another part of Michael's personality we all loved. Michael loved to party. When he walked into a room you knew the party was about to get started. Michael could turn any social event from boring to fun, exciting, wild, and memorable. This was the free spirit God gave him. He was a renegade, a maverick, a force that was unconventional and unapologetic. He was an original. We all have a Michael story. It goes like this: remember when Michael Jasper did this? Tell your Michael story and keep his memory alive. Let's all laugh, remember, and celebrate his life, not be stuck in sorrow. Michael would want that. (We can picture him laughing now.) Michael received his education in the Newark public school system. He graduated from West Side High School in 1979. This is where the fashion bug bit. Michael was always the leader of the pack. Many in his high school tried to be Michael, the guy with natural style. Michael learned style from his brothers Kevin and Spike. Michael and his best friends, Douglass and Linwood, were leaders in setting fashion trends. Michael protected his gay friends. He was not afraid to use his influence to gain them safety and respect. He did shows for the biggest show producers in New Jersey. He also worked on Wall Street, for the post office in Newark, and as a toll collector for the Port Authority. Michael accomplished so much as an entrepreneur, creating various ways to broaden his reach and still remain always in fashion. As a young man Michael loved to dance. He competed in dance contests with his sister Sharon and won almost every contest. You could also find him modeling and doing shows at Zanzibar and Club 88. Whether dancing or modeling, Michael was fearless, creative, and focused on the life of entertainment. He would frequent the NY club scene and dance in places like the infamous Paradise Garage. Michael signed with local and international modeling agencies. He modeled and graced the London scene and nightlife. While in London, Michael modeled in an editorial for Roots International Magazine. That's when his career took off. Michael wasn't just our local star. He was the go-to guy with the international agencies and helped them find talent. He was a favorite of the international designers. Michael had the personality, magnitude, and charm designers looked for. He was their Rock Star. He walked the runways in Paris, Milan, London and more. He landed jobs on billboards throughout the country. In the early years he worked at Broadway Studios with Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Grace Jones. Michael appeared in many celebrity videos--Whitney Houston, Tina Marie, Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam, Keith Sweat Patria, and Little Kim. He was an extra in several movies and episodes of Law and Order. He also worked with his friend Jeff Friday, CEO of the American Black Film Festival, ABC anchor Sandra Bookman, and Singer Melky Jean, sister of Wyclef Jean. Michael also graced the cover of Ebony Man Magazine. Michael had a ferocious love for his body. He trained everywhere he could. He was inspired to become a fitness trainer and became a member of the Diamond Gym. The Diamond Gym became his home and the staff became his second family. Michael trained celebrities around the country and was a bodyguard for P. Diddy, Jeff Friday, and others. It is said it takes courage to love. Michael loved life and was courageous. Life well lived. Michael Jasper. As we go through this journey called life, Michael would want his family and friends to live, laugh, and love as he did. Live – Life to the fullest. Laugh – Everyday. Love – Unconditional. Michael had a lot of love to share, His energy captured and charmed many people. But the most valuable part of his legacy lies in his children and the love he had for them. Michael leaves to treasure his memory: his father, Malik Muhammad (William Jasper); siblings: Kevin Johnson, Edward Jasper, Sharon Jasper, Jamel Jasper, Kurtis Jasper, Malika Muhammad, Syeda Muhammad, and Fatima Muhammad; children: Michael Jasper Cruz, Jillian Espino, Tiffany Cruz, Taler Jasper, Jamaica Jasper, Brandon McCall and Christian Jasper; grandchildren: Michael Cruz, Jayden Davis, Journey Bell, Cameron Cruz, Zoey Cruz, Gianna Davila, Khaiden Cruz, Egypt Cruz, and Khy Cruz; cousins: Andrewnett Walker, Bwanna Bank, and Anthony Walker; significant other: Gigi Dennis; and God sister: Monette Vauters. He is preceded in death by his mother, the late Evelyn Jasper; grandparents, the late Isiah and Janie Johnson and the late Bessie and William Duke Jasper; sister, the late Sandra Jasper; and uncle, the late Andrew Johnson, A life well lived A life well lived is a precious gift Of hope and strength and grace, From someone who has made our world A brighter, better place It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad With smiles and sometimes tears, With friendships formed and good times shared And laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy Of joy and pride and pleasure, A living, lasting memory Our grateful hearts will treasure Author Unknown Thank you, Michael Jasper, for sharing your life with us