John Christopher Julian, M.D., “Chris”, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, physician, and follower of Christ, went home to be with our Father in Heaven at the age of 60 in Clovis, CA on Saturday, June 21st, 2025.
Chris lived a life marked by compassion, excellence, and a deep love for his family, God, and his patients. He was born on May 12, 1965 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. From a young age he pursued his passion for healing with dedication. Chris attended Bullard High School in Fresno, CA. After high school, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with his M.D. from Georgetown University. Chris then completed his residency and internship in Urology at Stanford University, where he was also a popular guest lecturer in the Department of Physiology and completed an advanced fellowship in Transrectal Ultrasonography.
For over 28 years, Dr. Julian served the Fresno community as a respected and beloved Urologist. Known for his gentle spirit, exceptional clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to his patients. His patients filled his cup. Each one a professional friendship. He was honored in 2008 by Fresno Magazine as the area's Best Urologist voted by his fellow physician colleagues. He also served as Chief of Surgery at Saint Agnes Medical Center during his career. Since 2014, Chris has served as Urology Associates of Central California Surgical Center Medical Director, where his leadership and care left a lasting impact.
Chris was a member of numerous organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Urological Association (AUA), University of California Alumni, Stanford University Alumni, Fresno-Madera Medical Society, California Medical Association, the United States Golf Association (USGA), and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Despite these honors, he remained humble—his life grounded in his faith and his love for his family.
Chris’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He shared an extraordinary and loving marriage with his wife, Julie. Their bond was rare—marked by true partnership, unwavering support, and true love. A once in a lifetime kind of love. They created a beautiful life filled with joy and God-given inner peace; they could take on any challenge together. Together, they raised their daughter, Eva, whom Chris adored beyond words. His relationship with his daughter was beautiful - they shared faith, ideas, and the simple joys of life. He was her greatest teacher and her rock. He was a present, loving, and wise father who filled their lives with laughter, music, adventure, and the kind of memories that will last a lifetime.
He was a man of many simple passions. Outside of his practice, he found joy and stillness on the golf course. A natural athlete, he only got around to golf once in a blue moon, but he was talented. In the winters, he would share his love of skiing with his daughter. Music spoke to his soul—it filled his home, accompanied family dinners, and was often the backdrop to his quiet moments. He loved to cook, not just to prepare meals, but to create experiences—pouring love into every dish he made. He found the therapeutic gift of gardening in the past 10 years — he truly had a green thumb, something he loved to share and create with his wife. Maui held a special place in his heart; it was his haven, a place where he and his family created some of their most treasured memories. And above all, he had a lifelong love of learning—whether exploring the latest medical journals, diving into history, or reading late into the night about his God whom loved him-so, his curiosity never faded. These passions reflected the essence of who he was: thoughtful, joyful, generous, and always fully present in the moment.
Chris lived with quiet strength, humility, and purpose. His Christian faith guided every step of his life, shaping him into a man who loved generously, served selflessly, and led with integrity. His presence was a gift to all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Julie Julian; daughter, Eva Julian; father, Dr. Robert Julian “Bob”; sister, Karen and brother-in-law Brian Arax; brother, Dr. Robert and sister-in-law Dr. Nooshin Julian; sister, Jenny and brother-in-law Tom Gibson; brother-in-law, Greg and sister-in-law, Renee Antognoli, sister-in-law, Kristen Antognoli; and his cherished mother-in-law, Angie Antognoli “Dede”; and 9 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ann Julian, whom he honored and cherished throughout his life.
Chris Julian leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and excellence—a life fully lived, and a man deeply missed.
A Graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 10:00 am at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706. All who knew and loved Chris are welcome to attend and honor a life so beautifully lived.
If you feel drawn to make a donation to honor Chris, the family kindly encourages donations be made in Chris’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse or the Fresno Rescue Mission—two organizations close to his heart and dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and support to those in need. Contributions may be made online at www.samaritanspurse.org and www.fresnorm.org.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.17.0