Jasahn Barnes was going to make some big moves in 2022. He and his oldest child’s mother planned to relocate from Philadelphia to Florida and give their relationship another try in a new environment. He wanted to get into real estate and possibly start a demolition and cleaning business.
Most of all, he wanted to provide for his three children, ages 9, 5 and 3.
“He always said that if he got into real estate and something happened to him, his kids would have a roof over their heads no matter what,” his mother Theresa Thomas said. “He was always looking toward their future.”
Less than a month before a trip to Florida to look at places to live, Jasahn was fatally shot on Dec. 15, 2021. SEPTA police witnessed a man fire a handgun into a crowd in the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue just before 4 p.m. Jasahn was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. Police have a suspect in custody who was charged in connection with Jasahn’s murder.
Jasahn and his three children
Jasahn died four days before his 31st birthday. He was born Dec. 19, 1990 when Theresa was 15 years old, and they grew up together in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia.
“It was the best thing ever,” she said. “He made me a better person, having him so young.”
Jasahn was the firstborn of his generation, and his cousins looked up to him. Theresa had a second son and supported her family by working at Wawa for more than 28 years.
Jasahn attended Lewis Elkin Elementary School, Benjamin Rush Middle School and graduated from George Washington High School.
He had several jobs over the years. He was a roofer, an asbestos removal technician and a census taker.
Theresa described her son as a free spirit, eager to embrace all that life had to offer.
“He figured that life should be fun, and you shouldn’t have to worry about anything,” Theresa said. “One minute he’ll be here, and the next minute he’ll be calling me and saying, ‘Come on, let’s go to Dubai.’ Let’s go do this, let’s go do that.”
He blew off steam by riding dirt bikes around the city and being the focus of any gathering by dancing, joking and getting everyone to laugh.
Jasahn had an old soul, and he didn’t hold grudges. Even if he was in an argument with someone, he’d still reach out to check in and make sure they’re OK.
Jasahn loved riding dirt bikes
Jasahn loved fashion and could spend hours at the mall just to buy one shirt. Music was his sanctuary, and he would find songs that were meaningful to him and play them for his loved ones saying, “I dedicate this song to you. Listen to what it’s saying.”
One of his favorites to play for Theresa was “Dear Mama” by Tupac.
A turning point in Jasahn’s life came when his first son was born. He told Theresa that becoming a father saved his life.
“They were best friends. They did everything together,” Thesesa said. “Even if it was just a ride to the store, he’d make sure he’d take him. Or they’d sit in the car and listen to music together.”
His oldest son is struggling since his father has been gone. He’s been holding onto memories, like how Jasahn filled the bathtub all the way up so he could swim.
“I tell him, when you’re angry or upset, talk about it,” Theresa said. “Talk about when you used to sit in the car and sing. The more you talk about it, the more you tell his story, the better you’ll feel.”
Jasahn is laid to rest at Magnolia Cemetery in Philadelphia.
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