Julian Paris Nix, also known as “Jules,” was filled with joy and never let his health challenges get the best of him.

He died Feb. 16, 2012. He was 12.

Nix was born Sept. 10, 1998, in Montgomery, Pa., to Julian Nix and Reneè Schurr.

As a young child, Nix was very fun and loving. Those that knew him loved his bright blue eyes, looking at his big angelic smile and listening to his infectious laugh.

He was extremely personable and always found a way to make someone else smile. Nix lived a full and enjoyable life. He spent his spare time swimming in his grandfather’s pool, riding his scooter, playing video games and being with family. He was also taking piano lessons and learning to speak Spanish.

Nix loved spending time with his family, dancing and listening to music. His favorite artists were Phil Collins, The Police and Sade.

He loved his sisters very much and was often heard talking about them. Being the youngest child and only boy, Nix soaked up being the center of attention. He especially looked forward to his special outings with his big sister, Alexus.

He had a very special relationship with his father, especially since he began solely raising him at the age of one. Nix shared an unbreakable bond with his father and took pride in being in his shadow. He adored him and loved spending time with him, especially at the pool hall.

Nix attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg with his grandmother, Barbara Nix. He looked forward to attending church and would often be seen walking around greeting the other attendees.

Early on, Nix had dreams of being a chef and owning his restaurant where the only thing on the menu would be pancakes and bacon. However, he recently talked about becoming a teacher. This could have much to do with his love for school.

Nix was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. In order to ensure a quality education, his parents sent him to Elwyn Davidson School in Elwyn. Nix loved going to school. He loved his teachers, classmates and all those who were responsible for his care. Nix made sure he was on time for school every day with help of his trusted alarm clock.

He recently began to take extra time with his grooming, spending long periods of time perfecting his appearance. Nix was a true teenager. He was starting to develop stronger friendships with his classmates and moving strongly towards his independence.

Nix’s father was his sole care provider until the age of six. In December 2004, Julian met Maggie and they formed an immediate bond. Maggie began to care for Nix as her very own shortly after their meeting.

Nix and Maggie bonded while attending MOCA (Mothers of Children With Autism) meetings. They spent time together and she taught him manners, respect and how to be the best person he could be. Nix was also blessed with another sister and brother, Maggie’s daughter, Brianna, and son, Emanuel.

In 2004, Maggie and Julian, along with Manny, Alexus, Brianna, Savanna, Brianna and Jules joined together and became one big, happy, blended family.

Nix is survived by his father, Julian; stepmother, Maggie; mother, Reneè; sisters, Alexus, Brianna and Savanna; stepsister, Brianna; paternal grandparents, Barbara and Elwood Nix; aunts, Angelita (Michael), Pierrette (Darren), Brittany and Jen (Rob); uncle, Jamie; cousins, Delilah, Andrew, Darren and Paris; special caregiver, Rebecca; and other relatives and friends.

Services were held Feb. 24 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg, 8101 Erdrick St.