Write a memory

Growing up at Meadow Park together and Justin’s infectious smile.

I did not have the privilege of knowing Justin personally, but having met his twin Kala and hearing so much about him from Chitra and Kumar, I feel as though I came to know a little of this wonderful young soul. Justin will always be remembered with great fondness for his warmth, his gentle nature, and the happiness he brought to those around him. The love and affection with which everyone speaks of him says so much about the beautiful person he was and the lives he touched. His passing is an unimaginable loss to us all. May the beautiful memories he leaves behind remain forever in our hearts, bringing comfort and strength in the days ahead. May Justin’s soul rest in eternal peace. 🙏

Some of the best and most memorable moments in my life were spent with Justin. Our passions aligned, and we evolved together. Starting with hockey almost 30 years ago, then skateboarding, mischief, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, surfing, music, guitar, breakdowns, concerts, partying, and chasing girls. Over time, those passions transitioned into simply enjoying each other’s company, joking around, and having conversations about life. Interestingly, I recall detailed conversations I had with Justin over the past couple of years about the ocean—specifically, the lessons taught by the ocean and the waves. Fear, thrill, commitment, patience, humility, and fate were all themes we discussed. I love Justin so much, and I will miss him forever.

I’m so incredibly saddened to hear about Justin. I have so many memories of him from high school, but what I will always remember most is how kind he was to me. He always greeted me with a smile and had a way of making you feel seen and welcomed. Even after all these years, that kindness has stayed with me. It’s heartbreaking to know that someone who brought so much warmth and kindness to the people around him is gone far too soon. He will be deeply missed, and I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to know him and share a small part of his life. My heart goes out to Kala, his family, and everyone who loved him.

There were so many days we’d come home from junior high and watch TRL in the living room together. You were always so happy. I don’t think I ever saw you without a smile. I remember conversing with your mom about angels and sitting on the couch talking about what high school we had to go to. We were forced to go to different schools but I’ll always remember those days. You will be missed so very deeply, Justin. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to all of your family. ❤️

Justin and Kala hold strong memories for me- going to Blue lake, wild rivers and just existing on the loop through childhood! He was a bright light and their relationship together made them shine stronger! I’m so sad for everyone and I’m sending so much love ♥️

Rest in peace angel. Well I guess now you know my secret lol, I had the biggest crush on you growing up. Yes I was your sisters best friend but I really liked coming over too because you were there! You were handsome but what I liked most was your sense of humor, charisma. We never crossed “that line”. But one summer when we got older we met up at a bench in a park in Woodbridge. Somehow we spent the entire night until daylight talking for hours and hours about life, joking in between, enjoying each others company. You were such a gentleman despite our chemistry. I’m so happy we made that memory because it is one I will never forget. That night was so special, magical and now I know why. Thank you for being a light in this world, you will be missed my friend.

If you know Kala and Justin, then you know they are the glue to our friend group. In our early 20’s on a Friday night these two would round up the troops and off to the bars we went! Late nights at Laventinas turned into sleep overs at the Shahani’s and late mornings at Einstein’s. We spent countless birthdays, holidays, weddings, trips and average weekends together. Pasta Pomodoro, 25th Birthday Party Bus, Christmas at the Links, Mary Lane, Club Orange, Rodchester, and Ticonderoga just to name a few! One theme I’ve heard these last few weeks is that Justin made so many feel seen and valued… the way we should be want to be remembered… It’s times like these that make you realize that life is fragile. It shifts in a moment, humbles us without warning, and reminds us how little we truly control. Plans pause. Priorities rearrange. And suddenly, what matters most becomes painfully clear - safety, presence, and the people we hold dear. As we got older life took us all in different directions but one thing never changes, our friend group can always pick up right where we left off, an invaluable gift! We might be 41, but I will forever hold onto to the memories of being 21. Love you, Justin! I promise to take good care of Kala!

Juice, you will be missed but the memories we have will never be forgotten. I love you brother.

Juice and Kala's bond is sooo real and awesome to witness! The greeting from them both saying “Big Smooth” is always the best! Watching and listening to Juice Jam with my brother and cousin thru the years meant a lot to our family. One memory that comes to mind is my brother and I walking the streets of Rome halfway thru our Euro trip. It was right around the time when you start to miss home a lil bit. Then Juice and Kala came walking into frame with those smiles that we all know! A lil piece of home brought to us. When I think of a small world and chance encounters, this always comes to mind. Thanks for the good times Juice!

I texted Justin my family was moving to Massachusetts, he immediately called me and asked when we would get into town and when’s the soonest we could jam. I told him first I needed to find a place to live. He told me to “figure it out cause we couldn’t at his apartment” We got together a few times to have some beers and watch the Lakers and Bruins, probably the first two people in the history of Boston to do that. I’ll absolutely cherish those memories, a piece of home 3000mi away. When he told me work was taking him elsewhere, I was bummed but knew he was off to bigger and better things. Justin was absolutely one of a kind and as real as it gets, saying he will be missed is an understatement. RIP Juice

Jamming in your garage…You are a good friend.

I met Justin in middle school :) I was besties with Kala and I always remembered his smile and his zest for life and ofcourse the love his family instilled in him . My heart is with his spirit and I’m sending healing light to his whole family . He will always be celebrated and remembered in our hearts

Justin’s smile is an all time one, and truly unforgettable. I can picture him in Mrs. Lund’s class in 5th grade working on math with me, thinking how smart he was 🤍

I met Justin as a third grader. He was a sweet, sensitive boy who was easy to love because he was so kind to everyone-even at that young age. Kala was in my class in sixth grade so I was lucky to have more time with the Shahani family. They were always so lovely and a family I held close in my heart-always. We reconnected when he worked at Pasta Pomodoro where I saw him often. A delightful young man-still kind and so fun to talk to. My heart breaks for his family and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him at any point in his life. He was a gem.

It’s still hard for me to believe this is real. I still hear your voice and your laugh so clearly in my head. You always checked in and we always had meaningful conversations, full of good stories and good advice. It was never small talk and never fluff. Your outlook on life and your logic were always on point. I’ve never met someone who was more comfortable in their own skin than Juice. Love you, Juice. I’ll always be looking at every scenario through the lens of what you’d say.

Our last text exchange, me wishing you a happy birthday and reminiscing about your 13th birthday root beer catastrophe that still makes me giggle. You are deeply missed Justin.

Juice cared about his friends. He always made a point to reach out and keep tabs on everyone. We had meaningful conversations in the recent year that I value we were able to do. He was a party animal, had an infectious laugh and was a great musician. I had the pleasure of playing and creating music with him over the years that I still listen to this day. I will always have fond memories of you, Juice. Rest in peace, brother.

Justin was an amazing person and I'm proud to have grown up with him and had him be a major part of my life. He was my best man at my wedding and quite literally my brother. Justin was so true, raw, direct, and under that hard shell lied a sweet, caring human to all those around him. I met Justin at Southlake when Westpark Elementary crew joined forces with Meadow Park Elementary crew and ever since then we’ve been the best of friends. In every monumental moment of my life, Justin was there. Justin brought everyone together, he was the glue amongst us. His energy and personality made every moment better. Having him around in any event made everything more fun. It’s extremely difficult to write this, however I’ll always cherish the memories and moments that I have for which there are simply too many to name. Justin was simply the best. I’m proud of who Justin was, how he showed him for his friends, coworkers, and family, and how much fun he brought to this world. He will be a part of me forever, and I know that one day I will see him again. I miss you Justin, I love you. - James