Justin Robert Alexander Ross fue extraordinario desde el momento en que llegó a este mundo el 25 de febrero de 2000 en Berkeley, California. Entró con confianza, con unos preciosos ojos muy abiertos, una energía dinámica y radiante, e inmediatamente cautivó los corazones de sus cariñosos padres, Regené Polk-Ross y Benjamin Scott Ross.

Desde el principio, los numerosos dones de Justin brillaron con luz propia y fueron innegables. Estaba dotado de un espíritu, un aura y unas ganas de vivir increíbles e ilimitados. Amaba su ciudad, absorbía su entorno y representaba realmente toda su grandeza.

De niño, era fascinante ver cómo trabajaba su joven y brillante mente. Asistía a la escuela primaria Joaquin Miller (en Oakland, California), donde empezó su racha de victorias, participando en el concurso anual de la ciudad de Oakland. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival de Oratoria;  fearlessly delivering powerful, original speeches in front of thousands. As a result of his achievements, he was selected to perform before the Board of Education, one of the highest honors for outstanding student orators. As Student Body President, Justin delivered an unforgettable speech to his fifth-grade graduating class (strengthening  and encouraging them to reach for their dreams). His thoughtful and clever poetry was also published in the school newspaper. At Montera Middle School, Justin achieved his fifth consecutive first-place win in the oratorical fest, earning televised press coverage and recognition from city leadership. He was a strong and academically sound student, with aspirations of becoming a writer, football player and a scientist. His academic achievements at Montera contributed to his successful application and acceptance to attend Bishop O’Dowd High School (Oakland), joining the class of 2018.

Justin era un joven renacentista y un estudiante deportista fenomenalmente dotado, que dominaba cinco deportes (mientras practicaba cuatro simultáneamente durante varios años). Era el quarterback titular de uno de los 10 mejores equipos de fútbol del país y fue siete veces all-star en béisbol. Además, obtuvo varios premios destacados en fútbol, atletismo y baloncesto antes de decidir centrarse únicamente en el fútbol en el instituto.

At Bishop O’Dowd, Justin excelled in football. As a freshman (and starting wide receiver), he channeled his dynamic speed, vision, agility and strength to lead his team (the Dragons) to unprecedented success and a divisional championship. During his sophomore year, his arsenal and brilliance was on full display as the starting quarterback, where he led the team to an amazing 14-1 season and league championship, while gaining over 1,200 yards with 24 touchdowns. That same year, he was called up early to the Varsity team and his excellence (both on and off the field) caught the attention of multiple division 1 universities, including offers from University of Wyoming, and University of Utah. His talent, intelligence, heart, tenacity and unmatched leadership helped his team reach the ultimate victory in 2016, as the Dragons went on to win the California CIF State Championship – the first in the history of Oakland, California.

Justin was a natural born leader.  He was active in many empowering organizations outside of school, including: Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Pop Warner Football, Beebe Memorial Cathedral, and World Conquerors Church. After graduating from high school, Justin attended Diablo Valley College (as a student athlete) and California State University East Bay and worked during the off-season. Justin’s last position was a Junior Warriors Coach for Hayward Area Recreation & Park District (H.A.R.D.). He loved his new role, as it allowed him to collaborate with civic leadership, share his talents and give back to the next generation. He had a golden heart, and wanted to be a part of nurturing the potential in others.

Justin was also a gifted artist and truly passionate about music. While the world battled COVID-19, he turned to his creative side to focus on writing and performing his own original works. On June 19, 2020 he took the Bay Area by storm – and (under the moniker of “9Letters”) released his debut album, Justeau, which included the classics “Nevermind Ju” and “Phineas & Ferb” (which became a viral TikTok clip).  His music allowed him to dig deeper into his creative spirit and thrive though authentic expression. Further developing his catalog, he released several more gems, including “Mr. Letter Gang” and one of his latest tracks (and visual) “Hey Hey".  

Affectionately known as “JuJu”, he was passionate about his friends who were more like brothers and sisters.  He truly loved everyone and had the priceless gift to establish instantaneous and powerful relationships.

Justin tenía una sonrisa brillante que era como un sol puro, radiante y siempre presente. Siempre que estabas en su presencia podías contar con su ingenio, su encanto y sus legendarios (y divertidos) comentarios sociales. Para él, cada momento era importante y llenaba cada habitación de risas y amor.

Not envious or self-centered, he always worked hard to be successful, and celebrated the success of others with the same zeal. He lived on his own terms and set an excellent example of inspiration – boldly and bravely.

Todos los que le rodearon (toda su familia, una infinidad de grandes amigos, su comunidad, sus estudiantes deportistas y su gato, "Li'l Chef") echan muchísimo de menos a Justin, que deja tras de sí un legado duradero de amor, vida y luz. Todos somos mejores por haber conocido y amado a Justin Robert Alexander Ross y siempre mantendremos su hermoso y poderoso legado.

He was a true blessing who impacted us all – a young king.