In Loving Memory of Derek Zebeedee Cox

December 6, 1983 – Forever in Our Hearts

Born at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, Derek Zebeedee Cox entered this world as a cherished son of Gerald Jackson and Deborah Cox. A beloved youngest child to his mother and the fourth son on his father’s side, Derek grew up surrounded by the love of his brothers—Darnell Robertson, Gerald Inkton, Karmel Jackson, Suvoy Norman—and his sister, Dawn Cox, all of whom carry his memory forward.

From his earliest days, Derek was drawn to the outdoors, his heart alive with the thrill of basketball—his favorite game—and many other sports. He reveled in the joy of friendship, the hum of bicycles, and the simple comfort of a classic ham and cheese sandwich. Childhood memories include a brave spirit marked by resilience, such as the time a childhood accident left a severe burn on his right ankle—a story he recounted not with complaint, but with the gentle humor that so defined him.

Derek’s journey through education took him to several high schools, including Thomas Jefferson, Cherry Creek, and The Cottage, where he turned a love for bowling into a skill honed in his favorite class. His passion for cars led him to Lincoln Tech’s automotive school, earning an Associate of Applied Science in mechanics. Though he preferred not to get his hands dirty, this knowledge helped him steer his entrepreneurial ventures with a keen business mind and a creative spark that set him apart.

Though he did not serve in the military, Derek carried with him the legacy of his grandfather Zeb, a veteran whose spirit surely inspired him. In matters of the heart, Derek’s path led him to Jenny Foster at age 21—the Bonnie to his Clyde and the devoted mother of his three daughters. Their love story blossomed in the face of life’s challenges, anchored by the arrival of their first child, Dasia Lee Cox, on September 23, 2008—a day Derek called the happiest of his life.

Dasia was followed by Desiree in June 2010, whose vibrant and outgoing spirit mirrored her father’s own, and later Diana Sylvia, their precious Christmas gift born three days after the holiday in 2015. Derek’s dream echoed through these daughters—he envisioned them growing to surpass even himself—and as Dasia recently graduated, the pride he felt shines brightly through her achievement, a testament to his enduring presence in their lives.

For over two decades, Derek thrived in the cannabis industry, where his remarkable creativity and quick wit allowed him to conceive original ideas that captivated those around him. A natural connector, Derek’s ability to relate and uplift was a beacon to many. Beyond business, his generosity knew no bounds—memories linger of Thanksgivings spent sharing food and gifts with those in need, embodying the compassionate spirit that defined him.

Whether on the softball field, volleyball court, or bowling alley, Derek embraced every moment with infectious enthusiasm and laughter that filled every room. His boundless love for family, friends, and strangers alike will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

Though Derek has left this earthly plane, his spirit lives on—through his daughters, through the lives he touched, and through the love that endures. We hold him close, until the day we meet again.

We love you, Derek. Thank you for all you’ve done and all you continue to be.