Julio Jose Lopez

October 18, 1984 - September 28, 2021

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Obituary For Julio Jose Lopez

Julio Jose Lopez, 36, of Camp Lejeune, NC died Tuesday, September 28, 2021. From the battlefields of Iraq to a battle closer to home, Julio lost his battle with mental health. A great husband, father, son, uncle, and Marine, he, like many other veterans and active duty members, sacrifice their lives everyday for their families, for this country. He displayed courage and strength during difficult times, but is now at rest, peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

Julio was born on October 18, 1984 in Queens, NY to his parents, Jose and Teresa Lopez. He is the middle child, sibling to Venecia and Wendy Lopez. He graduated from LaGuardia International High School in Queens, and upon graduation, dedicated his life to this great nation, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He completed recruit training in Parris Island, SC in 2003, to later be stationed in Cherry Point, NC as a Motor Transport operator. During this time, he deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, enduring a year away from family and loved ones. After his time in Cherry Point, Julio was sent to Quantico, Virginia, working for Base Motors. He would later make a return to Parris Island as a Drill Instructor in 2008. After completion of Drill Instructor school and five years of dating, he married his wife, Michelle Lopez, who saw Julio delight in the joy of being a Drill Instructor. He was fulfilled by serving this country by making Marines, and he flourished in the role. Other duty assignments included working with CLR-2, 8th Marine Regiment, and 2nd LAR in Camp Lejeune, NC, and working as an Assistant Marine Officer Instructor in Atlanta, GA, serving Georgia Tech and Morehouse College. He found meaning in serving his country, driven by impacting many Marines along the way. He served with pride. He served with passion. He served his country well.

In his life outside of his uniform, he dedicated his time to his family. Together with Michelle, he created a family that any man would be proud of. One filled with love, patience, understanding, and happiness. He was an exceptional husband- he pitched in with chores, enjoyed making breakfast on the weekends, and spoiled his wife whenever he could. His calm demeanor was his trademark and filled his home with peace.

He was an amazing father to Adriel and Easton. He had an immense love for his children. He coached his son in sports, attended games, school functions, and was present for every special occasion. He gave his sons his kind, gentle heart, along with countless memories of bike rides on trails; kayaking on waterways; family vacations to Hilton Head, Hawaii, and Disney; picnics at the park; building with Legos, playing basketball or soccer in alleys; backyard barbeques; family games nights of UNO and movie nights snuggled on the couch. He gave his family a beautiful life.

He touched many lives. He left an everlasting impact on countless people. He worked hard to provide for his family. He left the world a better place through his dedication to serving his country and serving others. He loved the Marine Corps. He loved his children. He loved his family. He lived passionately. A strong man, with the ability affect those around him positively. He will be profoundly missed, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of many.

On Saturday, October 16, we will celebrate Julio’s beautiful life. His funeral service will begin at 4pm at Johnson Funeral home in Jacksonville, NC. Visitation is open to the public, and will be from 1-4pm, at the funeral home. The family asks that everyone wear a mask. Condolences to the family may be left by clicking the "Condolence" tab above.

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Condolences

  • December 28, 2021

    Tres meses hoy de tú partida, Nunca dejaré de llorar por ti , cada segundo de mi vida te extrañaré, se me fue la vida contigo porque saliste de mi, de mi ser, Te amo hijo mío.

  • November 07, 2021

    Gunny, we will all miss you. You played a key role in the development of my son Chris when he was a Midshipman at Georgia Tech. I had the opportunity to get to know you not only as a parent but as fellow Marine. Your kindness and respect you showed me was humbling. My brother I will remember you always...to your beautiful family my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Semper Fi...rest peacemaker for I know you are with GOD.

  • November 02, 2021

    Amadisimo Hijo Mío: No hay palabras escritas ni en la tierra , ni en el cielo para expresar Cuanto Te amamos y te extrañamos. Eres mi hijo, mi amigo, mi cómplice y muchas veces mi confidente, porqué contigo podía hablar de todo y con mucha confianza, sé que para muchos eso fuiste y contigo se fueron muchos secretos., una de tus más excelentes virtudes era eso....sabias guardar secretos. Esto No es una despedida.... Es hasta la vista ... Nos volveremos a ver allá a donde te fuiste, Te me fuiste adelante pero te alcanzaré y nunca más nos separaremos! Gracias por haber sido tan Bueno y Obediente. Gracias a Dios por haberme concedido el Privilegio de Ser Tú Madre! Te Amo con Todo mi corazón ♥️ Descansa en Paz mi Julito.

  • November 02, 2021

    Miss you brother...those talks, the plans you had for yourself, your family, miss witnessing the 2nd chapter of your life, life after retirement. We will ensure to carry on your legacy, to keep your spirit alive. The brightest smile, the warmest heart...rest easy brother knowing Chella and the boys are and with be taken care of. Love you...

  • October 25, 2021

    Querida familia de Julio- lamentó mucho la perdida y espero que Dios les provea todas las fuerzas necesaria para poder sobrepasar estos momentos tan difíciles. Conocí a Julio cuando estudiamos juntos en High school y siempre era una joven muy amable, alegre, amigable y noble. Sunosrtida fue muy temprano pero se que el está en un mejor lugar. Su impacto y legado en esta vida nunca será olvidado. Dios los bendiga a todos pero especialmente a sus hijitos. Con muchas compasion, -Rosmery

  • October 20, 2021

    Gunnery Sergeant, you were the best example of an SNCO I have ever known. You mentored me through so many difficulties in my life as a young adult and I don't know if you ever realized how much help you were providing for the Midshipmen at the NROTC unit. You always knew how to keep us disciplined while still making the whole experience good fun. As a Marine now, I will always hold your lasting light to future members of our Corps. I hope and prat that I can honor your outstanding life and memory in my daily actions. May God bless you and your family.

  • October 20, 2021

    My deepest condolences to the family. Gunny Lopez was my first experience of the Marine Corps and I owe a lot of who I am today to him. He showed the midshipmen of the Atlanta Region NROTC units what right looked like at all times. I can only imagine the number of lives that had the ability to touch. I'll truly miss the care and compassion that he showed me. Semper Fidelis, 2ndLt Malik Jones

  • October 18, 2021

    I did not know Julio. I only heard of his passing in the paper. I am so sorry for your loss. A young man with so many promising years ahead of him. I am a stranger to you, but know that I hurt for you and your family.

  • October 15, 2021

    We are at a loss to find the words that adequately express our sorrow. The entire Lopez family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Nina and Steve

  • October 14, 2021

    Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about this, my heart is hurting for you and those two sweet babies. I pray that God will give you comfort and peace. My love and prayers for you and your families. Shirley Miller

  • October 14, 2021

    Brother it was an honor to serve with you. My fondest and funniest memory is pugil sticks one. Me being the new hat gets volunteered or told to demonstrate for the recruits and you just so happen to be the other demonstrator. Brother you did not pull any punches. Even through the protective covering I felt every blow 😂. You were always setting the example for everyone to emulate. Treating everyone with respect. Rest easy brother knowing that those that served with you now have the watch.

  • October 14, 2021

    My heart has been very heavy since learning of my friend and pass co-worker's passing. My prayers of comfort, strength and peace go out to the family. Julio was one of a kind and left a great impression on me with his pleasant and always helpful demeanor. May God continue to hold his family close.

  • October 14, 2021

    I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gaetana

  • October 14, 2021

    Que en paz descanse, hermano Julio. I was Drill Instructor with this man and he was an inspiration to watch work. My deepest condolences to his family.

  • October 14, 2021

    My heartfelt condolences go out to Michelle, the boys, and family of Julio. Heaven has gained another Marine to guard the gates. Sending prayers of strength and encouragement during this difficult time. - Serenity Button

  • October 14, 2021

    Julio, We met you at BHB and shared so many laughs with you and your beautiful family. We always looked forward to seeing you and joking around with you. I clearly remember when you told us you were moving away. We were crushed. I always imagined the day you two would call us and ask to meet up one more time. That day will never come, but we will celebrate all the times we spent with you and we will continue to talk about you at BHB. Descansa en paz. Deanna y Ricardo

  • October 13, 2021

    My prayers are with the Lopez family. I had the privilege of working with Julio at NROTC Morehouse College. He was one of the most outstanding Marines, I have worked with in the military and as a civilian. He was a very caring person and loved helping others. Fair winds and following seas🇺🇸.

  • October 13, 2021

    My lovely cousin, I am so deeply saddened to know you are no longer with us. Growing up together you were more than my cousin, you were and still are my brother. You always had a smile on your face, always laughing, and always the most pleasant person in the room to be around. I will miss you dearly. Until we meet again my love. Rest In Peace

  • October 13, 2021

    Dear primo, thank you for the impact you had in my life. Being a loving family member, always smiling and full of joy. Being around you was always fun and full of laughs. You have left this world too soon, but we will always have you in our hearts.

  • October 13, 2021

    My lovely brother, mi Manito you gave me happy mail days from México to New York in the hardest days of my life, your words in the cards were always encouraging and comforting. You are a shining light that will live inside my heart forever. I love you with all my heart. Your sister, tu manita. Mecha ❤

  • October 13, 2021

    Thank you for being my mentor and always making me look at situation from different angles

  • October 13, 2021

    I'm extending my thoughts, prayers and compassion to the Lopez family. It was an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege to work with Julio for the time we shared at NROTC Atlanta. His kindness, warmth, and his smile will forever be etched in my memory. Thank you for all of the graceful effort you poured in to every student, staff member, and project you managed. You are truly one of a kind. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate.

  • October 13, 2021

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • October 13, 2021

    Our prayers are with the Lopez Family. May the Lord bring comfort and peace into your hearts and keep our brother's soul at rest. From: Jerezbrea Family

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