Jesse Karls

Jesse James Karls, AKA “Booyah” and also known by the name he gave himself, “Cytis 11 Z,” was born on April 17, 1977, in Billings, Montana, to James Karls and Kathyanne Smith. He was the oldest of five siblings—Jason, Jacque, Josh, and Jolene—and from early on he naturally stood out as both a leader and someone who walked his own path.

As a kid, Jesse showed a gifted, creative and playful mind. He was in G.A.T.E., (gifted and talented education); he had a way of thinking differently and often saw possibilities that others didn’t. He approached life less as a straight path and more as an open landscape, valuing freedom above convention. That independence stayed with him throughout his life and shaped how he approached the world, often with ideas bigger than reality. As a computer tech, he was able to trouble shoot with his tech savvy mind and built and fixed computers for family and friends within his generosity.

Music was the most important part of Jesse’s life. He was a self-taught guitarist, pianist and played multiple instruments. He could spend hours lost in music, using it as a way to think, process, and express himself. Much of his music was personal, but it also had an impact on the people around him. Siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends were often inspired by him to pick up instruments and explore their own creativity. He built guitars with his brothers, did repairs on the lowry electric organs that he inspired others to play, taught drum beats to his nephew and piano chords to his niece. He was intentional about sharing his love of music with others whenever he could.

Jesse’s creativity showed up in other ways too. He had a talent for turning ordinary moments into something more interesting. Whether it was his inventing role playing games where the roll of the dice decided your fate in the fantasy realm, coming up with fun competitions having everyone around participating in a game he made up on the spot, creating his “sticker recharger” token system where his siblings could earn prizes, or starting conversations with people he just met and drawing them into long conversations about their very own passions- he was often willing to speak on just about any subject. Whether he knew it well or not, he had a confidence in knowing many things. With his healthcare support staff he was quick to build connections and often worked to make them smile or laugh. He educated himself in diverse topics; while watching Jeopardy with his mother nightly he would shout out answers before contestants. He was drawn to being playful his whole life, often being the one adult found playing with all the kids at family gatherings. 

He was a night owl, solitude on his computer and with music filled much of his time. He balanced a strong need for independence with a quiet reliance on the people closest to him. That combination made him someone who was both deeply connected to others and, at times, difficult to fully know. 

People who knew Jesse remember him in vivid ways. He was loved by many and meant a great deal to those around him.

Jesse passed away on April 13th, 2026 after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He was originally given a prognosis of six months, but he far exceeded that, meeting his illness with determination and resilience. Even through surgeries and treatments, he held onto hope and continued to fight the illness, always believing in the possibility of more time.

He is survived by his mother who was his constant caregiver, his siblings, and many nieces and nephews—Gavin, Emma, Ollie (Beefcake), Grayson (Nacho), Finley (Sharkfin), Thane (Lil’ Mustard), Martha (Mars), Ivy (Ivy-Cat), and Avery—and many aunts and uncles and cousins.

We would like to especially thank Riverstone hospice, the staff at Billings Clinic, Walmart Pharmacy, and family and friends, including special friends Mark and Leann that supported him during this hard time.

A service will be held to honor Jesse on Friday  April 17th,2026 at 2pm, at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave, Billings, MT 59101. The service will be livestreamed at: https://boxcast.tv/view/jesse-karls-service-yvipc7bnczwfs7mtv12d

There will be a Rosary service held at 7:30pm following the service that Jesse's mother would invite all to attend at: https://ccwauk.org/nightly-rosary