Beloved musician, gone too soon
An empathic, selfless, and loving individual, Justin Brown had a heart of gold. A softie with a goofy, nerdy soul, he was always laughing, writing lyrics and poems, or spending time outside fishing, hunting, and hiking. Strumming and humming came naturally to him—he had a natural aptitude for music and could play a song on the bass guitar by ear. One of nine siblings, Justin stood out for his sensitivity, openness, and gratitude, with impeccable manners and sweetness to spare.
He spent most of his childhood playing baseball, skateboarding, exploring the outdoors with his dad, and playing video games with his siblings. He shared many qualities with his father, including his big, dark brown eyes and putting “too much” black pepper on his food. He and his sister Shaina were born 11 months apart and shared a soul-deep bond, built over a lifetime of sleepovers that never stopped—even as adults—staying up late laughing and talking about everything. She says he was her best friend in the world and losing him felt like losing part of herself.
His sister Marissa remembers their shared love of video games and music. She can’t play Snake Eater without thinking of him. As harmonious spirits, he played guitar while she sang along. Marissa recalls how the two of them “saw the beauty, passion, and talent in each other.” His sister Nicki remembers playing together in the family basement and the innocence of those days—memories his entire family treasures. Justin brought joy, tenderness, and warmth to everyone who knew him.
As a kid, he loved Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, dreamed of skating professionally like Tony Hawk, and had an enviable musical talent. As he grew older, Justin faced the difficult reality of substance use disorder. It was a painful journey that placed distance between him, his family, and the dreams he once held. His family never stopped loving him or holding onto the memories of the kind, creative, and soulful person he truly was. Addiction did not define who he was; love, talent, and a deep, enduring spirit did.
Purpose flourishes in the wake of Justin’s passing. Michelle continues her own recovery journey and works tirelessly to raise awareness around substance use, hoping to help others navigate a path to healing. A longtime treatment advocate, she works closely with other advocacy organizations like USARA, educates others on the importance of having and providing naloxone, and says, “I make sure that when any hand reaches out to me for help, I reach mine back.”
Justin’s brother Randy, now in recovery and playing in his own band, assists Rhythm in Recovery, an organization that gifts instruments to individuals in recovery. Though he wishes his brother could be playing beside him, the music lives on—both in melody and memory—in the hearts of those who loved Justin with everything they had.
Justin’s stepmother, Michelle Harris, provided the information for this narrative.
July 22, 1987-November 7, 2018-Age 31
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
