We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of our son, husband, brother, Julian A. Lujan (aka Jules) at the age of 36. Jules passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 due to a sudden illness.

Jules was born on August 7, 1989, to Vernon Lujan and Carmen Reyna Lujan. Since birth, Jules was raised in the teachings of his Pueblo traditional culture that he continued to practice throughout his life. He enjoyed his summers with his family in Taos.

Jules was raised in and around the Espanola Valley and attended Santa Clara Pueblo Day School. He graduated from the Santa Fe Indian School, Class of 2007. After high school, he attended the Santa Fe Community College where he went on to pursue his passion in the Culinary Arts Program. This was just the first step into Jules’ illustrious career as a Chef in the culinary industry which spanned over 15 years in numerous restaurants across Northern New Mexico, the California Bay Area, and the Hawaiian island of Maui. Julian most recently served as Executive Chef at The Stakeout in Taos, New Mexico.

Jules’ commitment and passion in the kitchen did not go unnoticed. His work ethic was unmatched and he continued to learn and improve his recipes until his passing. Throughout his career, Jules excelled, earning the respect of his supervisors and colleagues which bloomed into lifelong friendships. Despite his stoic disposition, he was truly a goof-ball at heart.

Jules was an inspiration to all by sharing his vast knowledge of cooking, his vision for creating new menu dishes, and his willingness to teach anyone curious about food.

Jules’ hobbies include doting on his children, listening to music, fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening and anything in the kitchen that could be gently simmered or fired on high heat. He loved to travel and taste his way through every country he visited including Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Croatia, San Sebastián, Spain, The UK and The Netherlands.

Julian is survived by his wife Kelly Lennon Lujan, their two children, Maile and Kekoa Lujan; parents Vernon and Carmen Lujan, sister Audrey Lujan and her son Jacob Flores, Father-in-Law Michael Lennon, along with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his younger sister Hillary Lujan, paternal grandparents Jose Vincente and Beatrice Lujan, and maternal grandparents Mike “Red Shirt” and Reycita Reyna.

A viewing will take place at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Taos on Sunday, April 5th from 6pm to 7pm. A funeral mass will take place on Monday, April 6th 8am at San Geronimo Church in Taos Pueblo, followed by burial at Taos Pueblo Cemetery.