Justin L. Dennis

At just 24 years old, Justin left this world far to soon, leaving behind a legacy of love and presence that could never be replicated nor replaced

For all those left behind, time will stand still without measure, hearts will remain shattered and our souls deeply tormented by the emptiness that fills our lives where Justin once lived.

Justin entered into this world on April 23, 2002 at 9 p.m. by Dr. Andrew Bokor, MD. Located at Grant Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.

Justin grew up on the westside of Columbus with his parents Jeremy and Christina Dennis alongside his beloved sister Jenna Lynne Dennis.

To his mother and sister he was “Buddy” and “Bubby”, named filled with a lifetime of love, laughter, tears, and a memoir that included an unbreakable bond.

Justin could never be described with words.

Words spoken would only account for “space holders” in time. Justin walked with humility, compassion, and grace. Everywhere he went and to everyone he encountered, he commanded respect and dignity.

The most accurate and descriptive way to describe Justin would be “Gorilla Glue”.

Despite Justin being physically fit, muscular, and not to mention, “easy on the eyes”, Justin carried an immense amount of weight on his mind, heart, and shoulders.

Justin utilized himself as the bond that held everything and everyone together. Most of the time, Justin forgot himself. Justin always put others wants and needs above his own.

Justin made it known his life purpose was to utilize his instinctive nature to protect his family. Justin was extremely close thus ultimately obsessively protective over his momma and sister. He made it one of his missions in life to honor and shelter them from the trials and hardships in life. Justin violently and aggressively despised and would not tolerate conflict, fighting or deceptive people. Often times he would keep those people at arm's length and at a distance. If the need would arise, he would command truth while crushing negative or derogatory the actions and/or behavior.

Throughout his life, Justin faced the difficult reality of mental health struggles and PTSD. These were battles he fought from childhood and into adulthood. Though this is an important part of his story, it is NOT the whole story.

Justin was not defined by his struggles. He was the voice people turn to. He was the person who carried the weight of the world because he loved the people in his world so deeply.

Justin spent his life giving pieces of himself to others. His humor, strength, wisdom, protection, compassion, and love remain behind to those who knew him.

People held the utmost respect and admiration for Justin. They carefully listen to his words of wisdom because they knew he spoke from a place of genuine care.

At the end of a difficult conversation or situation, Justin was known for using his charm and humor.

He loved jokes, cutting up, carrying on, and always being a life of the party. It didn't matter where he was or what was going on Justin could find a way to make a moment memorable.

One of his mama's favorites memories captures who he was.

It didn't matter what food was available, his momma would make him a plate with everything he loved on it, and Justin would still come over, sit on her lap, and eat off her plate, because according to Justin “it always tasted better off momma's plate”. The same rule apparently applied to drinks.

That was Bubby. His playful spirit was present from childhood.

In elementary school, Justin participated in STEM classes, t-ball, karate, chess club, and played trumpet.

In middle school, Justin participated in band, STEM classes, art club, math club, robotics, and bowling. Justin also played football for the Westland cougars as guard and tackle on the D-line.

Perhaps because he was already so compassionate at heart, he had a hard time tackling this one small player at one of his games. During their game, his momma finally stood up in the middle of the grandstands and hollered into the field “this is how you got a hit, Bubby like this”. His momma proceeded to demonstrate, right there in the stands, exactly how he was supposed to tackle his opponent.

After the next play, Justin stood up, looked toward the grandstands, and called out: “Is that what you wanted me to do, momma?” His momma gave him a thumbs up. And that story became a family legend - one they laughed about for the rest of his life.

Justin grew into a man who was just as determined in life as he was on the football field. He became a champion bodybuilder and champion powerlifter and a proud member of Metal Militia. Justin pushed himself, challenged himself and took pride in seeing what he was capable of.

Justin loved history and culture. He loved learning about science, scientific events and theories. He was fascinated by things that made him think and wanted to understand the world around him.

He loved hard rock music groups such as Black Veil Brides, Motionless in White, Skillet, Mushroom, and Slipknot.

He also loved being a gamer. He loved his Xbox and Playstation, along with Pokemon games and cards, and collecting Pokemon memorabilia.

Justin could appreciate the strength of a powerlifting competition and the quiet fascination of sitting down to learn something new.

Professionally, Justin dedicated himself to helping others. He worked as a Reg. PT coord. Organ procurator with Lifeline of Ohio, a role that reflected his compassion and his desire to make a difference in the lives of other people and their families. He was also pursuing his dream of becoming a NP at Clark State University.

Justin Carried many dreams. He carried many responsibilities and he carried more than most people ever knew about.

His family, longtime friends, colleagues and classmates specifically his father, Jeremy Dennis, mother, Christina Dennis, sister, Jenna Dennis, “his boys” Damien Houston, Hunter Roush, Ethan Fenner, Nathan Uk, Justin Powell, Zachariah and Dawson Wells, Josh at Supzilla, Shelby and Michael from Lifeline of Ohio, the first, longest and only true love of his life and the one that got away, Katherine “Kati” Boyer.

Justin also cared deeply for his cousin, Jason H. Dennis, Jr and his daughter Havyn.

Justin was always on the go keeping himself busy so he did not have to cope with life.

We will all carry on his memory in 1000 ways, a conversation, meal or a moment of calm and wisdom, that only Justin could provide.

There will always be a place at the table for Buddy and/or Bubby, and there will always be laughter mixed with tears. That is how Justin would want to be remembered, not simply for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived.

To Justin:

You carried enough! You do not have to carry the world anymore. Rest peacefully Buddy and/or Bubby. We will love you for all our days and for everyone whose life you touched.

Thank you for letting us love you and be a part of your (life) world.

Most of all, THANK YOU for being our “Gorilla Glue”.

Visitation will be held at Schoedinger Grove City, 4242 Hoover Road, Grove City, OH 43123, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A procession will follow to Franklin Hills Memory Gardens, 5802 Elder Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 for a 1:00 pm. graveside service with Marine military honors.

Contributions in Justin’s memory may be made to Lifeline of Ohio (https://lifelineofohio-bloom.kindful.com/).

Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.