Julio "Jules" Alejandro Zacks was born on December 1, 1964 in Riverside, California.

Julio graduated from East Lansing High School in 1982. He received his Associate's degree from Lansing Community College in Speech Communication and his Bachelor of Arts' degree from Michigan State University in Telecommunications. He received a Limited Appraiser's License in Real Estate and MHSAA Basketball Referee Certification for Boys 5th-12th grades. As a referee, he presided over city and church leagues, Aim High Academy games, and refereed public and private primary and secondary school youth games and tournaments statewide.

Julio was an entrepreneur from his teen years:  parlaying skills in automotive, small engine, home, bike, mechanical and electrical repairs.  No matter how exotic the vehicle, nothing phased him. Julio spoiled friends, neighbors and strangers with his mechanical gifts, donating his services and skills generously around the clock.

Julio was employed by A&C Enercom, implementing home energy audits regionally for a residential retrofit installation program. He co-founded a commercial and residential plowing and landscaping company, a property management and investment company, and more recently was contracted as a transporter to the General Motors Delta Facility for channeling dealer distribution for domestic and international logistic transport lines to final lot destinations.

Julio's legacy was his sense of humor, his kindness, his ability to keep friends for decades, with ease, depth and sincerity of conversation. Julio loved his hobbies and catching up with friends whenever he could.

Julio is survived by: his sister, Eugenia Zacks-Carney; nephews, Sean (Katie) Carney and Dillon Carney; aunts; uncles; and cousins on three continents; and friends near and far.

A special tribute will be held for Julio at Michigan State University's Intramural West basketball court at 1 pm (parking at Wharton Center ramp). A special pick-up basketball game in Julio's honor is scheduled for Sunday, January 6, 2019 with details to be announced at Saturday's court side tribute.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Village Summit, 119 East Barnes Lansing, MI 48910 or Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, 4315 Pleasant Grove Rd Lansing, MI 48910.