Xavier John Randolph

Xavier Randolph of Ann Arbor passed away on July 8, 2025 at the age of 18 as a result of a drowning accident on Lake Michigan. He was the fifth of seven children in a loving Catholic family. He is survived by his parents Jeff and Amy, siblings Dcn. Peter, Mary Hope, Joey, Annie, Matteo and Chiara; grandparents, Chris and Mary Graulich, and Dcn. Larry and Susan Randolph and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was born on November 8, 2006 in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he lived fully his 18 years of life. Xavier was homeschooled by his loving mom from K – 12 and also attended a local Christian co-op, Home School Connection (HSC), where he had many friends and was beloved by so many of its teachers. He was an exceptional student and was enrolled to attend Ave Maria University in the fall, where he planned to study nursing. Xavier, which means “bright”, radiated the life and love that God gave him. He loved people and being around them; he was always ready to do the next thing and have “FUN”, a word he learned to spell at a very young age!

He loved each of his six siblings and was the hub of activity in and outside of the house. In addition to loving people, he was an avid reader and an ardent athlete. He was very attentive to the needs of those around him and loved to provide generously for those in his life; he was known for his classic gift-giving. Yet, it was Xavier’s Catholic faith and sensitive heart that defined him and his life. He was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He was heavily involved in the A1:8 high school youth group, served on the FUEL Team, and ushered with his dad.

Xavier was a superb athlete, and while he was certainly gifted, it was his determination and hard work that propelled him in so many of his athletic endeavors. From his early years of Ypsi American Little League to Christ the King Jaguars athletics, he was a competitor in the truest sense and loved to win. Yet, it was his sportsmanship and quiet leadership that distinguished him. He learned early to lead by example. In addition to two years of high school baseball, his participation, leadership and love for the Washtenaw Saints homeschool football team helped to form his leadership skills. His junior and senior year, he took up running track with the CTK Jaguars and also running half-marathons. His love for people extended to the stage as he participated in HSC Drama throughout his high school years.

As previously noted, Xavier was a dedicated friend and leader. These attributes were honed in a particular way through his involvement in Pine Hills Boys Camp and Forged / Leadership Co., where he was mentored by godly men and eventually helped to lead younger members of the community. He loved these opportunities to be called on and challenged by other men, and to in turn strengthen his brothers. Xavier worked on the Domino’s Farms ground crew for several summers before spending the last few years working for John’s Pack and Ship, which was never just a job to him, but a family. We are grateful for the incredible community of believers and friends that helped to shape Xavier into the man that he was.

From an earthly perspective, Xavier’s death seems incredibly premature, as his plans and aspirations seemed boundless. Yet, we know his life was a victory: he loved and was loved deeply. His life was not incomplete; rather, he finished the race appointed to him and finished well. Immediately upon hearing of the news of his accident, his family experienced an overwhelming sense that God would be glorified through Xavier’s life and his death. They know this was the goal of Xavier’s life: to glorify God. They are grateful for the time they had with him. They pray that all who knew him would not only remember the love that Xavier radiated, but more importantly, that they would be pointed to the One who Xavier loved, his Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.