Julius "King" Azure, age 78, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Quentin Burdick Memorial Hospital, Belcourt, ND.

Julius "King" Azure was born on January 6, 1946 in Belcourt, ND to Fred Azure and Irene (Keplin) Azure. He passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024 at the Belcourt Hospital surrounded by loved ones. King was the fourth oldest out of his seven siblings. He was raised in Belcourt and completed his secondary education there as well. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army. He spent most of his time in the service stationed overseas in Germany as a medic. He was 7th Army 2nd battalion 5th Artillery, which he was very proud of. After he was honorably discharged, he spent some time in California where he worked various jobs.

After leaving California, he returned to Belcourt where he met Mary Ann Delorme, the love of his life. They met in November of 1970 and were united in marriage on February 20th, 1971. They had two sons, John and Jared. One of many great traits he passed down to his sons was to have a great work ethic. He worked with Jerry Azure as a mechanic. King's long career was working as a painter, working alongside his brothers at Azure Brother's Painting. They worked and traveled all over, including South Dakota and Montana. He also worked at the Minot Air Force Base for Hamre Painting. He worked for a short time at BIA Facility Management. He worked with Larry Azure on multiple occasions, and Larry convinced him to start trucking. King enjoyed his time working for Larry until Larry passed. King helped work on the road between Devils Lake and Fort Totten for a couple years. He then drove truck for Rolette County, he would try to retire but would always go back to work. He liked to stay busy. He took very great pride in his work, honestly, he took great pride in anything he did.

King had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that meant the absolute world to him. He was known for giving everyone nicknames. He enjoyed cracking jokes and teasing but he was a guy you could go to if you needed anything. He was a big family man, he liked sitting on his porch and watching his great-grandchildren playing in the yard.

King had a great love for Christ. You would often see him sitting in a pew in church. Everyday he said the Rosary and Chaplet on EWTN, a religious program on TV.  If he was cruising in his truck, he would listen to KEYA at 6 for the Rosary and the Chaplet. He was a dedicated Catholic.

King enjoyed many things. He enjoyed listening to music, especially old country, and fiddle music. He liked watching game shows Wheel of Fortune, Price is Right, and Jeopardy. He loved watching his old tv shows, such as Gunsmoke and the Andy Griffin Show.  He enjoyed family gatherings and being social with everyone. He always made everyone feel special. He was so proud of his service, every year he participated in the Honor Guard going to the graveyards honoring our fallen veterans.

King is survived by his wife Mary Ann Azure of Belcourt, children John (Denise) Azure of Rolette, Jared (Tenesha) Azure of Rugby, Lela Boswell Babenhausen, Germany; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; brothers Lambert (Kateri) Azure of Belcourt, James (Lynette) Azure of Rugby, and Terry (Sandy) Azure of Belcourt, sister Arlene (Benny) Jeannotte; and many nieces and nephews all who he dearly loved.

King was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Irene Azure, sister Josephine Chase, brother Freddie Azure, brother-in-law Bernard Delorme, nieces Shelly Chase, Gwen Azure, and Celine Azure.

Casket Bearers are John Azure, Jared Azure Sr., John Azure Jr., Jared Azure Jr., Loren Azure, Brayden Azure, and Jamie Laducer.  Honorary Bearers are all family, friends, and great grandchildren. Eucharistic Gifts by Margaret Jeanotte, James Azure, and Terry Azure. Readers are Carlene Jeanotte-Murphy and Gabrielle Azure-Wallette. Pall placed by John Jr., Shinay, Stephanie, Samantha, Jared Jr., Khloe, Lyle, Aubrey, and Keon. Music by Lambert Azure and Craig Lunday. Military honors by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion Post #262 of Belcourt, ND and the Military Funeral Honor Guard of Grand Forks, ND.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Thursday, February15, 2024 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM led by Kateri Azure and Melanie Madrid. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with Father David Snow presiding.  Burial will be in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND in the spring. A meal will follow the funeral mass and military honors in the St. Anthony's Catholic Church dining hall.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.