IN JUSTIN'S NAME
Justin Tyler’s Keeper began with a mother and sister determined to ensure that Justin’s light would never fade. Created by his mother, Tracy Jackson, and his sister, Lauren Sawyer, the organization honors the life of Justin Tyler Sawyer, a son, brother, friend, and young man whose presence transformed every room he entered.
Justin was remarkable from the start. He was brilliant, curious, compassionate, and driven. He spent his childhood exploring the world around him, from motorcycles and cup stacking to robotics and Rambo marathons. A gifted scholar, he excelled in every school he attended, ultimately graduating with honors from Rossview High School in Clarksville, Tennessee. With a 30 on his ACT by seventh grade and a near-perfect score as a senior, Justin earned scholarships that could have taken him anywhere. He chose the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, continuing to pursue greatness with humility and heart.
His talents reached far beyond academics. While in school, Justin participated in ROTC, band, robotics, debate, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. Yet his greatest gift was his willingness to help others. He tutored classmates, taught children to read, and offered support without ever expecting anything in return. Family was his foundation, and in his final week, he reminded his mother repeatedly that he planned to take care of her and his sister. He created music, wrote poetry, photographed, and studied life deeply, always sharing his discoveries to help those he loved grow.
On December 17, 2020, Justin left for what should have been another normal day in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was simply doing what he had always done — helping others. Justin ran his own company, "De La Cruz Inc.," offering transportation and other services to anyone who needed a hand. His heart was big, and he didn’t think twice about giving rides to the men who would ultimately betray his kindness.
For 77 long days, his family and community searched, prayed, and held on to hope. On March 2, 2021, Justin's remains were found in a field in Clarksville. His life was taken by gun violence, a tragedy that claimed nearly 20,000 American lives that same year. But statistics can’t capture what his loss meant. Justin wasn’t a number. He was someone who lifted people up and made every day count.
Justin touched countless people during his life, and even in his passing, he continues to move hearts. His story inspired love, unity, and a mission. Justin Tyler’s Keeper was built to honor him, to carry his name forward, and to help others the way he always did. Through our work, we’re turning grief into purpose. One act of kindness and one life changed at a time. Because Justin made every day matter, and we want to keep doing the same in his name.
Justin’s story didn’t end in 2020. Through this organization, through the people he loved, and through the lives we strive to touch, his story lives on.
OUR MISSION
J. Tyler’s Keeper is committed to bringing awareness to gun violence, supporting prevention, and standing with families who have lost loved ones. We honor Justin Tyler Sawyer by giving back to the community he loved and continuing the kindness and compassion he showed in everything he did.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to change lives across the globe through the power of kindness, creating a world where compassion leads, communities heal, and love inspires lasting change.
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CURRENT NEWS AND EVENTS
Stay tuned for information on raffles and events.
