June 3, 2024 began like any other ordinary day. Julian and his mom, Margot, spent the morning playing with toy cars in his room—his older brother at school, his baby sister asleep nearby. After playing with cars Margot and Julian got ready to go to the store to grab items for dinner that night. Just before they walked out the door, Julian stopped Margot to make sure she got a picture of him striking a silly pose in his Yoshi t-shirt. That’s something Julian loved to do, take silly pictures. After his picture they got on the road to the grocery store. Once they arrived Margot got a cart and put Julian in. As they approached the store, they saw flowers hanging outside - Julian helped his mom choose four hanging baskets to take home that day.
juju's story
When they got in the store Julian immediately spotted the candy and picked some out to take home. Now that candy was secured and selected, they ventured through the store to get their items for dinner. They made their way to checkout, where Julian once more spotted the candy and picked some out to take home for his big brother. Margot, still pushing Julian in the cart, began making her way to the car. Without her knowledge a stranger, with whom Margot and Julian had no interaction with, began to follow them outside with a large knife she had just stolen from a neighboring store.
Margot opened the trunk of her car to put the groceries away and without any warning or provocation the woman attacked Julian and Margot. Within seconds strangers in the parking lot who witnessed the attack came to Julian and Margot’s aid. Medical and emergency services just moments behind them, as the police station is just across the parking lot. Julian and Margot were immediately rushed to St. John Hospital, but Julian’s injuries were far too extensive, and he did not make it.
Julian “JuJu” Myles Wood was small in years but
in heart.
enormous
Dinosaurs were his greatest love (besides his family)—so much so that “dinosaur” was one of his first big words, and his costume of choice year after year, no matter the season or size. He announced himself with joyful, thundering footsteps each morning and filled rooms with laughter wherever he went. He loved school and adventure. Julian had an instinct for kindness; he knew when someone needed comfort, play, or simply to feel less alone. He showed love differently to everyone—roughhousing with his dad, deep snuggles and baking with his mom, quiet companionship or wrestling with his brother, and constant closeness with his grandmother. He was curious, funny, had the cheesiest smile, and a personality that filled every room. He was eager to help, always slipping on his shoes to join errands or offering directions to McDonald’s in hopes of getting french fries. Above all, Julian was a protector in the making—especially of his baby sister, whom he adored from the moment he met her, always wanting to be near her, get her a bottle, help with bath time, or simply help in any way he could.
Though his time in the physical world was far too short, Julian gave this world laughter, warmth, and a reminder of how powerful unconditional love can be. His kindness remains, carried forward by the love he left behind. He was curious, rambunctious, affectionate, and endlessly full of life. JuJu lived boldly—and we are committed to carrying that spirit forward.