Justin Robert Alexander Ross was extraordinary from the moment he entered this world on February 25, 2000 in Berkeley, California. He entered confidently, with beautiful wide-open eyes, dynamic energy and radiance; and immediately captured the hearts of his loving parents, Regené Polk-Ross and Benjamin Scott Ross.

From the very beginning, Justin’s many gifts shone brightly and were undeniable. He was blessed with a boundless and amazing sprit, aura and zest for life. He loved his city, absorbed his surroundings and truly represented all of its greatness.

As a child, it was fascinating to see his brilliant young mind at work. He attended Joaquin Miller Elementary School (in Oakland, California), where he started his first-place winning streak, participating in the annual city-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Fest;  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 was a young renaissance man and a phenomenally gifted student athlete, mastering five sports (while playing four simultaneously for several years). He was the starting quarterback on one of the top 10 ranked football teams in the country and was a seven-time baseball all-star. In addition, he earned several outstanding awards in soccer, track and basketball before deciding to focus solely on football in high school.

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 and 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 had a brilliant smile that was like pure sunshine, radiant and ever-present. You could always rely on his quick whit, charm and legendary (and entertaining) social commentary whenever you were in his presence. To him, every single moment was important and he filled every room with laughter and love.

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.

Justin is missed immensely by everyone he touched (his entire family, an infinite amount of great friends, his community, his student athletes and his cat, “Li’l Chef”); and leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, life and light. We are all better for having known and loved Justin Robert Alexander Ross and will forever uphold his beautiful and powerful legacy.

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