Julian Gonzales

On January 13, 2025, we lost one of the greats. Julian Joshua Gonzales, also known as "Big Jay," to those close to him, ceased sketching his creative and colorful life at the age of 41. Julian was a man of many shades, and not just because he was a renowned tattoo artist and owner of his own shops. He was known for his generous spirit, funny antics, and a loving heart that was as big as Texas itself. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Julian got started early, immersing himself in the world of ink and skin at the tender age of 13, and he kept pushing the envelope until his very last day.
Born in Galveston, Texas on April 19, 1983, Julian spent most of his life in the Lone Star State, except for the times he was traveling the world, spreading his infectious laughter and unique artistry. He was an accomplished cook, a generous philanthropist, and the founder of Scratcher style Brand. Big Jay was a man of many talents, but his greatest accomplishment was his children. He was a loving father to Makayla Hernandez and Joshua and Jacob Gonzales, and a loving grandpa Jay to Douglas IV. Julian's love for his children and his Miklo was as intricate and enduring as the tattoos he etched onto the skin of his loyal clientele.
He is preceded in death by his son Joshua Gonzales, his father Julian Gonzales, and his grandmothers Irene Hernandez and Theresa Martinez.
Julian is survived by his daughter Makayla Hernandez, his son Jacob Gonzales, his grandson Douglas IV, his mother, Patricia Zargar, his sisters Lydia Gonzales, and Rachel. His brother Stacy. His nieces Christa Fowler, Cali Fowler, Cassidy Fowler, Madi, Ryann and his nephews Remi, Trey, Ashton, and Preston. He had many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews that he was loved by. Aunts Carmen and Velma and many others. Family that he created over the years, Vickie Guerrero-Dobson, Crystal Figueroa, Jenn Mata, Tony Figueroa, Christian Ovalle, Abraham Bertrand, Isaac Rodriguez, Melo Salazar, Taco, and Ryan Taylor. His nephew Gabe Vega, and Jesse Bertrand His Best Friend Jenn Nicole Cisneros.
As we remember Julian, we are reminded of the words of Jay: "We are only here for tacos and memories." Julian lived his life to these words. He was always the life of the party, and always down to doing HOODRAT shit with his friends, and he will be greatly missed.
Para siempre
Public visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Carnes Funeral Home - CTC, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas, at 3:00 pm CST. A celebration of life memorial will follow at 4:00 pm CST at the same location.
We invite you to share your fondest memories and photos of Julian "Big Jay" Gonzales on the memorial page. May his life continue to inspire us all to live with creativity, generosity, humor, and love.