Before he ever took his first breath, Julius Caesar Bouyea was destined for greatness. His mother, Lisa, was a student studying the story of the great Julius Caesar and was inspired by the power, strength, and leadership found in that name. She gave her son the mighty name Julius Caesar, a name that would prove fitting throughout his life.

Born to Lisa Hollins and Ron Bouyea, Julius entered the world as a bright light on March 6, 1985. Though his parents never married and soon went their separate ways, Julius’ life was blessed again when he was just three years old. His mother married Billy, a man who never saw Julius as anything less than his own son. Billy loved Julius deeply, raised him with unwavering devotion, and together they built a family that would grow by six more children. Though Julius was the oldest, Billy made sure he always knew he was loved just the same. As the oldest of seven children, Julius took the role of big brother seriously. He was the original latchkey kid, growing up fast, helping out, and watching over the siblings who followed behind him. He carried the quiet strength of responsibility from a young age and wore it well.

Julius was an athlete, an outdoorsman, and an all-around sportsman his entire life. Whether he was on the football field, racing on the track, or competing in lacrosse, he gave it his all. He loved the outdoors and thrived in action, challenge, and teamwork. His athletic gifts eventually led him to play semi-pro football with the Pirates, a proud accomplishment in a life filled with determination and drive.

One of the most beautiful stories of Julius’s life began with a bike ride down a neighborhood street. As a little boy, Julius was riding his bike when another boy from the neighborhood, Thomas Pence Jr., gathered the courage to stop him and ask a simple question: “Will you be my friend?” That simple yes changed both of their lives and gave Julius a new brother and sister, as Thomas’ sister Desiree has also been there from the very beginning. Thomas’ parents were overjoyed that their son had found a friend and welcomed Julius into their family with open arms. Julius spent countless days on family trips, at events, and in the Pence home, growing up alongside Thomas. In many ways, Julius became the bridge that united two families who became one big extended family for life.

From the age of five, Julius had one dream: to become a police officer. He admired the badge, the responsibility, and the chance to protect and serve others. He stayed committed to that dream through childhood, high school, and college. He did everything right; he studied, prepared, and stood on the edge of achieving the dream he had carried his whole life. Then life changed in a way no one expected. Julius was diagnosed with MS, which altered the course of his future. His dreams of law enforcement shifted, and he went on to work as a security officer and in safer roles, continuing to serve and protect in the ways he still could. Yet, Julius kept going. At that point, he decided to obey the gospel and became a member of the Body of Christ. He was a father, and one of the greatest loves of his life was his two sons, Troy and Grant. Yet we cannot forget his additional son, his dog Ranger.

Julius was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Jackson III; his grandfathers, Willie Lee Hollins and Billy Jackson Sr.; and grandmothers, Ovatria A. Hollins and Mackie Jackson.

Though we are heartbroken by his loss, we remember him as the athlete, the outdoorsman, the protector, the brother, the son, the father, the uncle, and the best friend. Julius Caesar Bouyea leaves behind a legacy of strength, loyalty, love, and friendship. He will forever be missed by his sons, Troy Bouyea and Grant Bouyea; his mother, Lisa Jackson; his father, Billy Jackson Jr.; his father, Ron Bouyea (NY); sons, Troy Bouyea and Grant Bouyea; his siblings Taraia, Joslin, Brooke, Jerricoe, Jade, and Adrian; and half-siblings Michael, Brandon, Christina, and Christian; grandmother Claudia Bouyea (NY); special aunt Gloria Ellis; godparents Tom and Sherry Pence; god-siblings Thomas Jr. and Desiree; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.