Kind, wise, funny, creative, and hard-working
Justin “Jayjay” was a devoted father, a man with a big heart that would do anything for anyone, and an amazing friend and roommate. His smile lit up a room. His favorite things to do were to spend time with his young daughter, Elina, and go out with friends.
Justin’s friend Kaylyn remembers his great sense of humor. One day they went on a McDonald’s run, where he exchanged jokes with the drive-thru attendant for at least five minutes and had everyone laughing.
Justin was a handsome man who took pride in how he presented himself to others. He also had a unique fashion sense and a love for shoes.
Kaylyn fondly remembers a barbeque a few years ago that Justin had at his house on Labor Day. He was not in active addiction during that time, and he made sure that everyone had a wonderful time. Justin was always quick to help others in need and put them first.
Justin was a talented rapper, a hard worker, and a fast learner. He worked for a moving company for a time. Passionate about making a better life for himself and his daughter, he dreamed about starting his own moving company.
His former roommate, Kaylyn, thought she knew what was going on with him, but she realized after his death that he suffered in silence. His relapse was sudden, and his passing was unexpected. When he was using drugs, he would sometimes get hostile and aggressive. His illness convinced him that drugs could make him pain-free, and despite his efforts to abstain, he never appeared to pass up the opportunity to use them.
Kaylyn is in recovery, which has changed her outlook on many things. Sharing her experiences and helping others to know Justin as the kind and caring person that he was is something she enjoys doing. She misses his laugh and the friendship that they shared.
Justin’s friend, Kaylyn Ditus, provided the information for this narrative.
August 25, 1994-February 8, 2023-Age 28
Portrait Artist: Theresa Clower
Narrative Writer: Lynn McKnight
