Julien Jancu

Julien Jancu, known to his friends and family as Jules, passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, 1:45am, April 1st, 2012. Something said time and again over the past months of Jules' illness and suffering is that "Jules is a good man". So what does that translate to? It is this..... He was what his kids referred to as "anal retentive," particular in his wishes to a point of hilarity. However, his attention to detail and pride in his home provided a loving environment for his kids and a welcoming place for friends to visit. Jules could not make a purchase with his hard earned money without first researching the item for quality and best price and only after strenuous review could any item find a place in his home. Matthew now shares that quality, following his father's example of researching thoroughly to buy the best quality item. No vacation place could be visited without the help of his friend "Fromer" and extensive maps from "AAA". He always knew exactly what was best to spend our time on when he planned a trip. But it was all worth it because he loved to travel. He often reminisced about his numerous trips to Europe, Costa Rica, and Mexico, and the kids loved hearing the stories and funny anecdotes about the predicaments that Jules never failed to get himself into. Jules was a wealth of knowledge, always extending himself to family and friends whenever they found themselves in need of him. Although begrudgingly at first, he eventually embraced his role as the "butt of all jokes".... but was not a buffoon. He answered calls about minor health questions, as his career as a workers' compensation investigator as well as working through his own health issues, gave him much experience. Everyone knew that if they had a question about anything, they could call Jules. The quality and value of his character, however, was never shown more than with his fatherhood. He always put his kids first and foremost, loving them unconditionally and doing everything he could to encourage them, support them, and raise them with strong values and ideals. His iron hand shrouded with love and tenderness. His need for quality was a legacy for his children. When he and Angie divorced and he found himself having to take on responsibilities in his home normally covered by Angie or Silvia, Jules wore the hat of both mom and dad, taking on the responsibilities of working to support his family and taking care of the household needs. Jules learned how to cook so that he could provide Amanda and Matt with home cooked meals. At first, they enjoyed such "delicacies" as turkey burgers, tacos, and spaghetti with meatballs. However, as time went on, he began experimenting with more complicated dishes and eventually proved to be very skilled in the kitchen. Amanda and Matt learned to cook from him, and Matthew, inspired by him, is pursuing a career in the restaurant industry as a chef. And, of course, let’s not forget Amanda, who his love, pride, appreciation and trust shone, and still shines, so brightly as she works to make his wishes met during this difficult time. Let’s not forget that he fought hard, and with no regret, to be there when she graduated from law school, passed the bar, got sworn in and watched her pursuing a compassionate career, aiding low income people who find themselves in desperate situations. She was his anchor and confidant, the person on whom he relied most, caring for him while he fought his disease, as well as caring for the well being of his home and the rest of us he is leaving behind. The influence that Jules had, and will continue to have, on his children and all of us, is endless. He raised Amanda and Matt to be ambitious, caring, generous, and of strong character, and he will continue to live through them. In his final hours, Jules expressed sorrow and apology to his children for having to leave them, but said he was able to leave peacefully because he knew he was leaving them with people who love them and will always care for them just as they have years past. And, he did depart this world peacefully. Services will be held in Jules’ memory on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Douglass and Zook Chapel of Remembrance in Monrovia. In accordance with Jules’ wishes and general nature, please do not feel an obligation to any type of gift. However, if in your heart you feel you need to give something to honor him, in lieu of sending flowers, plants, etc., please make a donation to benefit research for the cure and treatment of pancreatic cancer. As all or many of you know, Jules participated in the program at the Rogosin Institute in New York City, and was honored in his belief that his participation would help future victims of pancreatic cancer. So, Rogosin would be our favorite choice. However, equally acceptable, below are some suggested programs that benefit those fighting this illness that you might want to consider. The Rogosin Institute Attn: Susan Spiegel Director of Development 505 East 70th Street, Suite 230 New York, NY 10021 Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Ralph H. Hruban, M.D. 401 North Broadway, Weinberg 2242 Baltimore, MD 21231-2410 https://jhweb.dev.jhu.edu/eforms/form.do?formId=12704 City of Hope Annual Giving 1055 Wilshire Blvd. #1200 Los Angeles, CA 90017 https://secure3.convio.net/coh/site/Donation2?df_id=1800&1800.donation=form1