Monday, November 2, 2009
Vale Jai Coker
On Thursday 29th October our son, brother, friend Jai passed away from heart failure. His death has saddened all who knew Jai and this site has been created for us all to share memories, stories and photographs to honour him. Please feel free to post. NOTE: Posting of text comments is freely available however if you would like to upload photo's, please email them to ambercoker32@hotmail.com. While we would like to upload all photo's, please understand that we may be selective based on volume.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You were the big man, whom I loved to feed, chat to and house on the odd occassion. Our little boy Jack loved joining "untle Jai" in the lounge room mosh pit - where he would dive at you only to be thrown up into the air squealing with delight. So sorry you left us so soon - but you made a lasting impression on our hearts. Much love and fond memories Luisa
ReplyDeleteJai san. You could floor me with your maegeri and you've now floored me in a way unimaginable. I can't believe how that casual goodbye on that Monday night became our last.
ReplyDeleteYou did not take the easy road in karate-do, to enlightenment but you walked further along it and searched harder for it than most. You exemplified the budo spirit and the legacy of Funakoshi Sensei. You were a giant who walked amongst us, now your spirit becomes as big as the universe to dwell amidst us.
I find myself now having to say goodbye with much regret. I am sorry that I didn't take the time for my boys to get to know you better. I never thought for one moment you would no longer be around ... for there would always be time.
Our tears will fill a well, drink from it and know how much you were loved.
To have stood beside you in the dojo was my honour
To have walked with you in the ways of karate-do was my privilege
From when my karate journey began you have been my sempai and my friend
To me you became and forever will be ... moving zen
You are now enlightened Jai, so get that dojo in the sky ready for us when we meet again. You will be forever missed.
Osu, Terry
One of Jai's zens:
"If everyone flocks to the world, who then will be a hermit?
If everyone abandons the world, who then will manage the world?
There is none like this Great Master who dwells between the two,
neither defiled, nor pure; neither Vinaya, nor Ch誕n, there is none like Hai-yueh." Su Shih (1073)
We used to talk.
ReplyDeleteWe used to laugh.
We were friends.
I thought that's how it would always be.
You taught me so much.
I wish it were still the same.
But we will meet up again in Heaven someday.
Our family has known Jai since he first started Karate and have watched him grow into a gentle and considerate man and an excellent Karateka.
ReplyDeleteWhen we saw Jai in 2006 in Japan he was full of life and future plans it is sad that these will not come true.
We will miss him and our condolences go out to his entire family.
Zivko, Leanna, David & Mark Delevski
I pray for his departed soul may enjoy the Divinity!
ReplyDelete- Yogi Anand
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJai, where do I begin, for one thing I never thought I would have to write this. I am lucky enough to have known Jai for over 15 years. He was always a part of our lives and to think he is no longer around is unbearable at the moment. My consolation lies in the wonderful memories I have of him and luckily there are many.
ReplyDeleteSaturdays on Bondi Beach then back to our place where Jai loved to have Kevin make him toasted sandwiches before training at Bondi dojo. Those numerous weekends when we went drinking in Bondi and the Cross.
Bali world champs 2001, when he shamelessly used Oisin as a chick magnet, carrying him around Kuta on his shoulders, in fact there are a lot of memories of Sheeny or the Sheenster as he called him being carried high on those shoulders. Japan 2006 when he was able to show us what he loved about the country.
Numerous Bar-B-Qs and parties when Jai would always just saunter in, it is going to be especially hard to have our next bar-B-Q knowing he won’t be coming through the gate.
We are lucky to have had so many good memories and for me I am going to treasure the few days we had in Lennox Head earlier this year, when we shared new years eve and talked long into the night about the future. The lazy days when he built sandcastles with Oisin and Caoimhe, played Frisbee with them on the beach and threw them metres into the tea tree lake to squeals of delight. He also patiently watched Dr. Who over and over again with Oisin for hours.
Jai, you will always be our giant and words cannot express how much we are going to miss you.
From the Coker Family:
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express our gratitude for the support and love from so many in our time of great loss and grieving. He was loved by so many in all different walks of life.
On behalf of Jai, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their compassion and condolences. Also thank you for all your contributions to this website.
Jai was a gentleman and a gentle man. He unfailingly demonstrated the way of a true karateka - setting a great example to which I aspire. It saddens me to think that Jai will never know the impact he has had on my life. I remember Canberra 2001, the night before my nidan grading – in a state of panic, stress and nerves and unable to sleep, I phoned Jai to seek advice. In his characteristic quiet and concise way, he was able to put me at ease. In just nine simple words:
ReplyDelete“All you can do is all you can do”.
For the last 8 years, I have carried this saying with me into my academic, work and personal life. It has comforted me with the knowledge that no matter what happens, I have done my very best. I believe Jai lived this way too. Always giving 110% to whatever challenge he faced or adventure he embarked upon. It is with immense sadness that I farewell such a young, honourable and gifted man. And I sincerely thank him for enriching my life. I will treasure the memories.
Much love,
In-chan.
Everyday since last Friday I struggle to comprehend the message from Steve that our friend Jai had passed away. I am lucky to have spent time with Jai in the days before last Friday and will forever treasure these last moments. I first met Jai almost 15 years ago at a grading in Sensei Brians dojo. Jai took the warm up. Jai was a considerate and caring friend who always uplifted you when you met him. His easy humour and big laugh always cheered the room. Jai's friendship was one of giving never of taking. Jai lived his life true to the Budo way in a manner that I can never emulate. Jai had an appreciation of the natural world that we can all learn much from. He may have died young but he lived a life fuller than many in both physical and spiritual ways. Our kids loved you and thought that Jai was short for Giant. We have many memories but I now wish for many more.
ReplyDeleteFarewell my friend you will never be forgotten. Watch over us in your dojo in the sky.
kevin
My beloved bright star, not a day passes that I dont think of you miss you always love you forever Mum x
ReplyDeleteMy Jai had the most amazing karate family I will always remember all of you, he may be gone but he walks by my side always Bless u Pamela Coker
ReplyDelete