Obituary of Justin Lawrence White

If you were lucky enough to meet Justin Lawrence White, to shake his hand and call him a friend, you know that his spirit cannot be contained in a matter of paragraphs. Rarely does one encounter a human being whose energy is so infectious, wit so authentic, dance moves so crushing, you can't help but feel inspired by his brilliance. "JY" was the Sir of all sirs, a positive force whose exuberance for life rattled off the charts. JY was the "King of the Jingle." He was a puzzle head. A numbers guy. A dime toss master - conspiracy theorist – stone skipper – jetty blazer - barger of historic proportions. He was a worthy adversary at poker, darts and cornhole -- but would drop the beanbags at a moment's notice to hunt for Bigfoot or pan for gold in a Yosemite crick. He was curious, focused. And he was one hell of a golfer (just ask The Filtering System). For those of you who banked at the downtown Wachovia in the late 2000's, you surely remember Mr. White opening the door for you, making you feel welcome, then remembering your name three months later at the farmer's market. He would most likely flash that smile with a firm handshake and direct eye contact, a greeting as genuine as his Cross pen, and make you feel like you'd been pals for years. Deep down JY wanted to help people. With savings accounts or new cars or women's footwear or camping equipment or pillow-top mattresses or golf cart rentals or Cinnabons. If you were a stranger, he'd wave at you until you waved back. He had future plans to improve his native Santa Cruz and constantly spoke of new ideas and innovations to solve social problems throughout the community, even if it meant challenging the system. For thirty-four years Justin questioned everything; choosing to conduct his own research on this planet's mysteries with the help of underground radio and his relentless quest to decode the universe. JY wanted truth. He would light up a room then pull you aside and challenge you over some little insight he had just uncovered about government shenanigans or reptilian caves or spontaneous human combustion. He was dialed into the secret, pumping his fists, on fire and tuned in until sunrise. When approached to join MarchingOrder, a cutting edge company currently revolutionizing college graduation ceremonies, Justin immediately believed in the idea. He wanted to connect people, to make the most of the moment and celebrate the highlights of life. He became an integral part of the team in January 2010 and quickly became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In no time he had charmed clients across the country and become an admired partner for his personable business sense and killer tie wear. When Justin left his physical body on Tuesday, July 29th - tucked away in Scotts Valley's Hidden Glen, a short hike away from one of his favorite places on earth, Henry Cowell Redwoods – we all knew he was not done inspiring us. Challenging us. Daring us to do more, to think different, to wonder with healthy distrust. Throughout his battle with cancer Justin was not only surrounded by the White family, but Emil and Tina Schultz whose home became a backbone of love and care. He fought that nasty melanoma to the end with a will and determination that earned all of our respect. And now he has passed into peace. Justin White will always be a Son, a Brother, a Husband, a Father and a dedicated Friend to anyone who shook his hand. His spirit will live on through his beloved wife Libby - the definition of super woman - and his son Christopher, a newly minted one-year-old who now points to the sky with a curiosity equal to his Dad's. Justin is survived by his parents, Pat and Deb, who have endured with strength and grace, and his younger sister Jessica, who couldn't have asked for more in a big brother. JY would also probably want a shout out to his big sloppy white dog, Rio. Through this transition Christopher White will inherit dozens of dedicated Aunts and Uncles who loved his Father very much and have endless stories and inside jokes and "JY jingles" to share with him over the years. He will hear about the guy who got on the Giant Dipper for free then made it to DeLa for a twilight session. The guy who loved the Monterey Bay Aquarium and survived on breakfast beers in Italy. The guy who knew a thing or two about quality of life and was one of the funniest people you have ever met. Hands down, chin up, sending it. By now JY is surely cruising through the galaxy wearing a white Friday night jacket, his goddess cat Farrah flying alongside him, both looking for trouble. He rubs his hands together, surrounded by pyramid cells, then busts some fancy cosmic footwork and says, "Loves it, folks." We can see your dance moves from here and we nod to your command to have fun. You're doing great, sir. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Twin Lakes Beach. Please visit http://www.eventpearl.com/site/story.html?siteName=justin for more information. In lieu of flowers a fund has been set up for Justin's son Christopher White. Contributions can be sent to Member Services at Bay Federal Credit Union, 3333 Clares Street, Capitola, CA 95010, please reference #604662.