| School: Roosevelt | Graduation Year: 1955 |
Year Inducted: 2019
Sports Played: Football, Track and Field
High School Honors: 2 Football letters.
4 Track & Field letters. 100- and 200-yard dash PIL Champion as Junior and Senior; 880m relay champion all 4 years, 440m Relay champion
3 years. State Champion in 220m and 880m relay as Senior; 3rd in State 100 as Junior. Scored the highest individual points at the State Meet as a Senior. School record holder in the 100-yard dash.
Post High School Career: Worked in the cleaning business for over 30 years in Los Angeles. Coached Youth League Football in Compton for over 10 years, winning numerous titles. Moved back to Portland after retirement. He died in August of 2000 at the age of 64.
Commentary:
Julius had the heart of a champion that came through in his athletics and music. As an athlete and musician, he honed his craft. His hard work and training were his trademarks. He did not settle for less, but believed that one could achieve their dreams with motivation and discipline. His parents Luther Sr. and Opal Strong, and his coaches taught him the value of hard work, faith and teamwork. These values were realized in his athletics, family and career. Not only were his parents an inspiration, but growing up, his two brothers Luther Jr. and Jackie and his sister Gail helped him realize the value of team work and friendly competition. Julius’ memory is cherished by his family and friends. He continues to be a source of inspiration as his legacy of excellence lives on.