Our lives completely changed on October 27, 2024

As my husband Curtis (Smokin J’s BBQ )was preparing to open our restaurant as usual he made a trip to Gordon food service to pick up supplies for the day.

I expected him to come back as usual but instead I received a phone call saying, he passed out and the ambulance was being dispatched. His condition which was diagnosed as a stroke in the brain stem and inoperable was a major concern.

He was taken to several Specialist all over Michigan where the doctors cared for him as best they could. I never left my husbands bedside.

I’m a woman of faith and believed God to be a healer. I never lost my hope throughout all the small milestones we seen and the setbacks.

Due to this devastating turn of events we had to close our restaurant which was the main source of our income.

My husband who was affectionately called Mr. Smokin J’s brought people together with his barbecue. He took pride in making sure it was grilled to perfection every time. He loved people and serving the community. His smile would light up a room because he never met a stranger. He would have given anyone the shirt off his back.

On June 18,2025 after 8 months of fighting, God called him home.

During this process I suffered health challenges and was eventually terminated from my job which has caused our family significant financial hardship. In addition our insurance policies canceled out. I’m reaching out to anyone willing to help us defray the cost to give him a proper burial. Any amount will be Greatly appreciated. I thank everyone in advance for your love, prayers and monetary donations.

God Bless You!

Jessica (Mrs Smokin J’s)