JJ and I became really close friends over his last years at Santa Barbara, I lived in the van in front of his old purple house. He was one of my first friends at Santa Barbara. We’d watch the sunrise and set together in the chairs in the backyard almost everyday and talk about what we wanted to do in our lives. JJ told me he wanted to live in France after he graduated college, I’ll never forget the way he described the sunrises and sunsets he had such immense detail for color his favorite color in the sky was either the really light peach or  the burnt periwinkle (as he would say) I can’t stand to think I’ll never see his sweet smiling face again.  His eyes always lit up when  he would tell me about his love for working with the kids. Whenever he was stressed about school I would ask him about his job and his mood would change entirely. He was so compassionate, thoughtful and sweet. My favorite memory I shared with JJ was on our birthday last year in 2019. We were smiling and dancing and then everybody in the house decided we wanted to go to the bar so we started walking, JJ grabbed the skateboard and told me to get on. He held me on the front of the board and pushed, everyone was laughing, smiling and singing around us and I remember complete happiness. I love him so much and I always will, he was such a special person. I’m devastated he isn’t with us anymore. I think about him and send love to him and his family everyday.  I’ll make sure to live the rest of my life with the passion and love that JJ had. 

JJ will always be in my heart- his big hugs and huge smiles- my last visit with him will always be with me- a wonderful evening sitting outside with the family- JJ arrived and gave me the biggest hug and we talked for so long- 
I am so heart broken and will always feel the way he lit up every room he was in- the finest man I know!... 

I was lucky to know and live with JJ for two years. No matter what he had going on, he always flashed his huge smile and tried to make everyone around him happier. His conviction and passion really shined during our house’s stupid debates on stupid topics, his confidence in himself always rose above everyone’s. JJ had a kindness and a joyful disposition to him that was truly admirable and one that I will never forget. He unconditionally treated everyone around him with compassion and love. He really is an example to all of us. Thank you for raising such an incredible and beautiful person. I will never forget his beautiful laugh and smile. 

JJ for our first Thanksgiving in the US, we had the pleasure to meet you and share with you and family. We sincerely took you as a son as you are born the same year as my oldest son. As him I bet you like to be young, wild and free. Knowing you was too short, but intense. I can only imagine how you're gonna be missed by the ones who spent a lifetime with you.
Rest in peace, de know where you are.
"Don't sit there crying at my grave I'm not there, I'm... 
I am the wind blowing in the trees I'm the sparkle of the diamond on the snow I am the sunlight on the ripe grain I am the soft autumn rain ... When you wake up in the morning calm I am the flight of these silent birds Whirling in the sky ... So don't stay there lamenting In front of my grave I'm not there, I'm not dead! Why would I be out of your life just because I'm out of your sight? Death you know, it's nothing at all. I just went to the other side. I am me and you are you. Whatever we were One for the other before, We always will be. To talk about me, use the first name With whom you have always called me. Just talk about me like you always did. Don't change your tone Don't look serious and sad. Laugh like before jokes That together we appreciate so much. Play, smile, think of me Live for me and with me. Let my first name be the comforting song It has always been. Speak it with simplicity and naturalness, Without any sign of regret. Life means everything it has always meant. Everything is always the same, it continues, The thread is not broken. What is death if not a passage? Relativise and let flow All the aggressions of life, Always think and talk about me Around you and you will see, everything will be fine. You know, I hear you, I'm not far I'm here, just on the other side..."

JJ and I lived together our sophomore and junior year and we roomed together during fall quarter last year. JJ and I bonded over our interests in film and media. He knew everything about every show. We would debate theories on Star Wars and Game of Thrones for hours. Some of my most memorable moments with JJ came on football Sundays, he would be in his robe on the far side of the couch constantly chirping me as I rooted for the chargers.  While living in the same room, JJ lived on a bunk to the side of me. One night he fell about 4 feet off his bunk as he was trying to get down, It was hilarious. I will always cherish the time I spent with JJ, whether it was driving to in n out, playing soccer/basketball, or fifa, we always had fun, and JJ always had a smile on his face. 

Words alone can not express how very sorry we are to hear about the loss of your wonderful son JJ. Our prayers are with you. With our deepest condolences,
Gavin, Sherry, Cameron, Corbin Kennedy

Dear Jeanne, Shaka, Wasai, and family, 
We only have very fond memories of JJ, his smile, his genuine care for others, and how he was a big brother that was highly looked up to.  He was a very special person who always genuinely expressed loving kindness to those around him.  He truly lives on in our hearts and as heartbreaking as this loss is, we are grateful for having had him in our lives and having known him.  
Much love from,
Tunde, Janet, Megan and Dele Giwa

We’re sorry for your loss. We’re thinking of you and your  family . Love Kris and Jeff

Jj was a sweet boy. I remember watching how fast he was on the soccer field.  He and Jason were on the same team. I would have Wessie on my lap and we would cheer them on. He was a good friend to Jamie and Jason in middle school.  We are so very sorry for your loss. 
Risa & Jeff Leonsrd

I'm so sorry about the loss of JJ.  I remember him fondly from his days at Chaminade, and pray that his friendly, fun-loving, generous soul will Rest in Peace.  God bless his family as you mourn his loss.

Dearest Jeanne and Guido,
I am so sorry about the lose of your sweet boy. I remember JJ around three years old. He was such a beautiful little boy with a smile that light up the room. I remember his sweet hugs. I remember his welcoming energy with so much love in his eyes. 
Please know that his beautiful spirit will live forever. My family and I are  praying for peace and comfort  for your family during this difficult time. I pray that Jesus Christ, our Savior, welcomes your sweet boy in His kingdom. May JJ Rest in God's loving arms. Love you.

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It's difficult to truly express in words how amazing JJ was as a person and how much he touched everyone around him. I had the honor of living with him for two years at school, and not only was he well loved but he showed so much love for all those around him. He always knew how to light up a room with that big smile of his, how to change someone's entire day with just a conversation, and constantly showed how great of a friend he was to those around him. Thank you for bringing such a special person in to my life and the lives of so many others, we are all so blessed to have been able to know JJ. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

My deepest condolences to Dr. Sanani  for the sad loss of his son . May the memories and moments you shared with him give you peace and comfort.  May He Rest in Peace 👼
Devinder Kumar MD

Dear JJ,

Unfortunately I never got the chance to meet you and I regret it deeply, however, from the things I’ve heard, you seem to have been a really great person and an amazing friend! May your soul Rest In Peace and may God a comfort to you all in this time.

I am sorry for your loss,  
I remember when I first met JJ. He was so nice, charismatic and easy to talk to. He felt like a big brother, and the way everyone was happy when he was around made me feel like he was genuinely a nice guy. Sometimes God does things that don’t seem fair but it is important to remember that we have a limited understanding and that he is all knowing. JJ will definitely be missed, May he Rest In Peace.

Words fail in such painful times. We know your family from Willow Elementary. JJ and Isabelle were classmates and friends. Something about JJ always stayed with me, even though I didn't see him after he transferred schools. I thought about him so often and would ask Isabelle for updates and have her search his social media so she could tell me how he was doing. I am so very sorry for your loss of your beautiful son. Please know my family is thinking of you.

My deepest condolences to the Sanani family for the sad loss of JJ. May the memories and moments you shared with him give you peace and comfort. Imana ibabe hafi, hamwe n'inshuti n'umuryango. May He Rest in Peace 👼

JJ was an amazing and beautiful soul and I feel lucky to have known him. Guido, Jeanne, Shaka and Uwase I love you all and I am thinking and praying for you during this difficult season. JJ I will always love you and will miss you. Rest in perfect peace my love ❤️❤️ 

I was fortunate to coach JJ for 3 years. He had a passion and heart to want to win. He fought hard and loved the game of football more than anything. His passion was beautiful to see as his coach and even though he was playing up a year in age, his flair, style and innate talent stood out from the skinny little kid who would often toy his seniors. Shock is understatement - but celebrating his life and personality is an honor. I will always remember you JJ for the confidence after scoring a goal - the excited celebration beating in your heart and yet the cool self acknowledgement that “i am me and you just witnessed a Genius at work”. Forever etched in my memories, because of who you are. Always. The golden ball is ready to feel your touch and the net braced to feel the JJ power ripple through the fleeced webbing. And we are all cheering you on - ready for the turn, the smile, the acknowledgement one more time - a Genius at work. Love you. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this heart breaking time.  JJ was a beautiful shining star that was taken from us so soon and will remain in our hearts forever.  He is safe in Gods hands and may the Lord guide you through these dark days.  We love you from the Engelhart family xxxxx

Guido and Jane
I know that there isn't anything I could say to take away the pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this awful time.  'The Lord is near to the brokenhearts and saves the crushed in Spirit"
May his soul rest in peace. 
From Ndamage's Family 

“ Some people come into our lives and quickly go, some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never , ever the same.”

JJ, RIP.

Sending my love and prays to your family. The world has lost an amazing young man who has already made a mark in so many lives. Rest In Peace Lion . 

To the Sanani family,Its avery hard moment,but its my only prayer GOD Him self to do wonders of comfort and rebiulding your Broken Hearts.

Strengths my Dear John Aguma,jj has  been your best frirnd you shared that to me.

Rest In Peace jj.

Rest In Peace JJ. Condolences to the Sanani family.

Ilawole Family
Chaminade ‘16

OBITUARY

JJ Sanani

22 January, 1998 – 13 December, 2019

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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