Justin Alejandro Stroup

Justin was born on May 18, 1995, in Panama, to John and Raquel Stroup. Growing up overseas on military bases, where his family helped serve military families, Justin experienced life in many different parts of the world. His childhood took him from Panama to Cuba, and then to Japan, where his family lived in Iwakuni, near Hiroshima, and later at Yokota Air Force Base. He later lived with his Aunt Myra and Uncle Greg in Denver, spent time in North Carolina with his father, and eventually made his home in Fort Collins, Colorado.

From a young age, Justin was a sweet, intelligent, and adventurous boy who deeply loved his mother, father, and older brother, Jason. He had a playful personality, a sensitive heart, and a natural ability to make friends wherever life took him.

Justin loved being active and had a natural gift for athletics. He enjoyed playing soccer, skiing and snowboarding in Japan, fishing and golfing with his dad, and playing volleyball with a group of friends. He excelled at nearly every sport he tried, discovering a particular talent for volleyball.

One of his proudest athletic accomplishments was finally beating his dad at golf—a family milestone his older brother has yet to achieve.

As an adult, Justin discovered another talent: leadership. He was a dedicated and hardworking employee who took tremendous pride in his work as a bank manager and in managing a large automated car wash in Longmont, Colorado. These were demanding positions, but Justin found that he had a real ability to lead employees, manage business operations, and take responsibility for the success of a team. His family loved seeing the confidence and genuine sense of accomplishment these opportunities brought him.

Beyond his accomplishments, Justin will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, compassion, and sensitivity toward those he loved.

When his mother, Raquel, came home exhausted after working through the night, Justin would thoughtfully prepare breakfast for her—eggs cooked just the way she liked them, with yogurt and blueberries. It was a simple gesture, but one that perfectly captured his caring nature and the love he had for his family.

Justin also held a special place in the hearts of his nieces, Ellie and Mia, who knew him as Uncle Justin. His gentle, loving interactions with them were a cherished part of his family’s memories.

Following a football-related head injury, Justin experienced neuropathy, chronic pain, and depression. He also faced a difficult struggle with addiction to oxycodone and, later, alcohol. He worked hard toward recovery, facing challenges that were often painful and overwhelming.

But Justin’s struggles were never the entirety of who he was. He was so much more than his hardest days. He was a loving son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a thoughtful, sensitive person whose life meant so much to those around him.

In a message Justin left behind, he wrote, “Please reach out to others with addiction.”

His family hopes these words encourage greater understanding, compassion, and connection with those experiencing addiction, depression, or other mental health challenges.

As his mother, Raquel, has shared, there is something we can all learn from Justin’s life. So many of us know someone who is struggling, hurting, or feeling alone. A phone call, a thoughtful note, a text message, or simply taking the time to listen can remind someone that they matter and that they are not alone.

His family encourages everyone to reach out to those who may be struggling and to seek connection through family, friends, their church, and the broader community. Faith, church involvement, and supportive relationships can offer a sense of belonging, encouragement, and hope during life’s most difficult moments.

Connection, compassion, and community matter. No one should have to face their struggles alone.

Justin was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. Although his life was far too short, the relationships he built, the kindness he showed, and the memories he created will forever be treasured by those who loved him.

Justin is survived by his loving parents, John and Raquel Stroup, and his older brother, Jason Stroup.

John and Raquel are deeply grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of love, kindness, and support they have received from family, friends, their church, and their community. During this difficult time, they hope everyone will hold their loved ones a little closer, make time for one another, and remember how precious our time together truly is.