‘You can’t find people like him.’ Gunned-down Puyallup barber remembered fondly

A Puyallup barber killed in a shooting Wednesday evening has been a steady presence in the lives of Pierce County residents for years, people who knew him said Thursday.

JQ’s Barbershop at 112 E. Stewart Ave. was owned and operated by a Tacoma resident, who Puyallup police identified Wednesday night as the victim of a shooting inside the shop. His name has not yet been released by the medical examiner.

The man worked as a barber in the Tacoma area for more than 10 years, according to barber Hasune, who asked only his first name be used. Hasune, who is the owner of Hasune’s barbershop in Tacoma, credits the victim as a mentor and with helping him grow to the point where he could open his own shop.

“You could describe him in so many ways. Like a strong man, loyal, a real, real person, for real,” Hasune said in an interview with The News Tribune on Thursday. “Like you really can’t find people like him.”

Hasune added that many barbers in the area knew the victim, and that he strove to assist others in improving their skills.

Since the shop opened in August, JQ’s Barbershop has specialized in straight-razor cuts, hot-lather shaves and all kinds of fade haircuts, according to its review page on Yelp. The shop also provides haircuts to children.

Homicide in Puyallup: Police say barber was shot multiple times as child sat in chair

The Puyallup barbershop holds an average of four and a half stars based on 100 reviews on Yelp. One review from September reads, “[The barber] talked to me beforehand to really make sure I’m getting what I wanted. …He really took his time with me which I appreciate, and it looks great.”

Additionally, the owner frequently replied to reviewers, thanking them for their positive feedback and even criticisms.

In some review posts, some mentioned the victim specifically, citing his dedication to providing a comfortable environment to customers of all ages.

One person reflected on how impressed she was with his work ethic and demeanor while helping her son: “I was so nervous on how my son would react, how the barbers would be, but it seriously could not have gone any better. My son did not fidget and Jose was extremely patient, kind, and gentle with my son. … I could tell Jose is a professional and carries himself as such.”

After news of the Wednesday night shooting became public, online users have taken to the business’s Instagram page to offer their condolences and comment on the shop’s history of quality standards.

“Always was solid and stood on principle,” one user wrote.

Flower bouquets and a lit candle rested in front of JQ’s Barbershop Thursday.

Locals said the barbershop owner had been working in Puyallup for a few months. Workers at businesses nearby said he was a frequent patron.

Katie Prasad, who works for Meridian Cafe at 213 N. Meridian, said the barbershop owner has two children and a wife. She and other coworkers placed flowers and a note outside the shop that read “REST IN PEACE JQ.”

“He had a lot going for him,” Prasad said. “A lot of people cared for him.”

The barbershop owner often got breakfast at Meridian Cafe before heading to work, Prasad said. His usual order was a cup of coffee and corn beef hash with scrambled eggs and toast, or french toast with scrambled eggs.

“He was just a friendly person,” Prasad said.

Another place the barbershop owner frequented was Crockett’s Public House at 118 E. Stewart Ave. Crockett’s employee Grace Davis said he always visited in a good mood. She described him as “super sweet” and said he always asked workers how their day was going.

“I hope they find the person who did that to him,” Davis said.

Hours before the incident, Davis said the barbershop owner ordered a fried chicken sandwich. It was his first time trying it. He told Davis he would let her know what he thought of it.

“He’s never gonna let me know how it is,” Davis said. “I just feel really, really sad.”

The suspect fled the scene on foot. Puyallup police describe him as a 5-foot-8-inch male wearing black pants, a black jacket and possibly a mask. Anyone with tips can reach PPD at 253-770-3343 or tips@puyallupwa.gov.