De'Jon "DJ" DeAllan Calhoun

A proud to descendant of a musically talented family, De’Jon was introduced to God early in life beginning with choir. It was through choir that DJ honed his talents in both dance and voice. Throughout his early years and into high school, DJ faced and overcame numerous obstacles. DJ attributed his resilience to God and the unyielding support of family - notably Alicia West and special godmothers, Vanessa and Vicki Sandusky and foster mother, Ms. Hagd. DJ attended several high schools in the Grand Rapids area before graduating from Godfrey Lee High School in 2009. It was at Godfrey Lee that he met lifelong friends who would ultimately become his sisters Tashima, Valerie, and Brittany. After attending Grand Rapids Community College, DJ channeled his passion for children and his outgoing personality into jobs. He worked in childcare and ultimately had a career in customer service where he truly shined and was very popular amongst customers. De'Jon was genuinely outgoing and naturally charismatic; it was these qualities that attracted people to him. He had a unique ability to make even complete strangers feel as if he had known them for ten years. Stranger or not, to have known De’Jon was a unforgettable experience. These qualities eventually attracted the attention of his spouse, Sir-Jaymes, beginning in 2013 and by 2015, this chance encounter had blossomed from courtship into a relationship where they remained devoted to each other until DJ's death. De'Jon’s passion for both music and dance continued well into adulthood. A die-hard Michael Jackson fan, there was never a dull moment when DJ came around. All he needed was his karaoke machine and a show was going to happen whether you wanted it to or not. Although he chose a career in service, De'Jon never lost his love for music. He showcased this passion in many ways, posting dozens of videos online to making impromptu performances with complete strangers or singing along with his brother, Kevin. Music was synonymous with De’Jon. Waist length dreadlocks complete with long nails and a style of his own, De’Jon was not afraid to stand out in a crowd by just being himself. It was not unusual to find DJ going about normal routines such as grocery shopping or running errands in one of his signature onesies.

Although he enjoyed having good time, De'Jon kept a relationship with God that continued into adulthood. He often read and carried his Bible with him. On July 12, 2023 he was called home by his Lord and Savior. De'Jon is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Calhoun Jr.; birth father, Louis Barber; father, Michel Calhoun I; and aunt, Cynthia Garner. In his passing, Dejon leaves behind his spouse, Sir-Jaymes Daniels; mothers Esther Calhoun and Alicia West; brothers Kevin Calhoun, Zhontae Smith, Joseph Calhoun, Michel Calhoun ll, and Brian Calhoun; sisters Te’aLeigh Calhoun and Mikayah Calhoun; close cousin, Sheena Garner; Aunt Carla and Uncle Arthur Garner; godmothers Vanessa and Vicki Sandusky; godbrothers Brandon, Darius, and Joseph; special sisters Tashima, Valerie, and Brittany; and a host of uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

De'Jon’s impact on the lives of others far exceeded his short time on this earth. In closing, may De'Jon’s death serve as an inspiration to all of us to LIVE or as he said, “Cherish the life you have.” A celebration of De'Jon’s life will be held from 3-10 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023 at Douglas Walker Park, 1195 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Guests are welcome to join the family with lighting and sending off lanterns at 10 p.m. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.

"Baby, our love took commitment and in return, gave us purpose. While I am saddened that you answered the Lord's call, l am blessed God gave me a chance to have loved you at all."

--Your loving husband, Sir-Jaymes Daniels (AKA Suga)