Paul Jean Louis

Paul Balthazar Jean-Louis was born on June 16, 1956, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the beloved son of Dr. Roland Jean-Louis and the late Ms. Marthe Balthazar. From the very beginning, Paul’s life was marked by a vibrant spirit, a sharp intellect, and a deep curiosity about the world. While still an adolescent, he immigrated to the United States, where he began laying the foundation for a life filled with service, adventure, and love.

After graduating from Miami Edison Senior High School, Paul felt a deep calling to serve his adopted country and enlisted in the United States Armed Forces in 1976. His decision came despite the initial objections of his father, Dr. Roland Jean-Louis, a former Colonel in the Haitian military who knew well the rigor and risks of military life. Paul’s conviction, however, could not be swayed. He embraced the discipline, honor, and responsibility of service wholeheartedly, rising to the rank of Lieutenant before his honorable discharge from the Army in 1980. His dedication did not end there—he continued to serve with both the U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard until 1982, further cementing his lifelong commitment to duty, sacrifice, and country.

In August of 1982, Paul began his distinguished career with the Miami-Dade Police Department as a Corporal assigned to the Miami International Airport. He later served as a Detective in the Child Abuse Unit, a role that weighed heavily on him given his deep compassion for children and families. Paul’s commitment to justice and his aptitude for complex investigations eventually led him to a specialized role as Detective in the Criminal Intelligence Unit with the Department of Homeland Security. Over the course of three decades, he rose through the ranks, retiring in July 2015 as a Sergeant—respected for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to public safety. His discretion and integrity earned him the privilege of serving on protective details for esteemed local and national leaders, among them President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and others.

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul built a rich personal life anchored in love and family. In 1990, he married the love of his life, Suzette. Together they raised two sons, Paul Jr. and Philippe, instilling in them the same values of faith, perseverance, and joy that guided Paul’s own life. Education was another pillar of his journey; in 2008, Paul earned his MBA in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University, a milestone that reflected his lifelong commitment to growth and excellence.

Paul remained deeply committed to the law enforcement community. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the International Police Association Region #43 (South Florida—Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Greater Miami & The Keys, and Puerto Rico), where he held the position of Vice President. In this capacity, he also served as Events Co-Chair and Visitor Coordinator, roles that reflected his natural gift for bringing people together. Paul was the Founding Member of the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Associate Region Chapter of the International Police Association and later served as Associate Secretary of the U.S. International Police Association. Through these leadership positions, Paul strengthened international bonds of fellowship, mentorship, and collaboration among officers across borders, continuing his lifelong mission of service and connection.

Paul was also a man of culture, community, and celebration. An avid carnival-goer and masquerader, he traveled to participate in carnival festivities in Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Canada, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and brought that joy back to Miami. He founded The Zouk Collective Mas Band/Bann Madigra, a global mas band that debuted in the Miami-Broward Carnival. His vision was to unite Creole-speaking communities with others, creating a space where culture and camaraderie could thrive.

Paul’s vibrant spirit and unmistakable presence even found its way to the big screen. In 2006, he made a cameo appearance in the film Miami Vice, starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Filmed both in Miami and the Dominican Republic, the experience allowed Paul to blend his professional poise with his natural charisma, capturing yet another unique adventure in a life defined by richness, variety, and joy.

In 2016, Paul faced serious health challenges, but with prayer, his own resilience, and the tireless devotion of Suzette, he regained his strength. In 2021, he received a kidney transplant that gave him renewed vitality. He embraced this gift with gratitude, living each day fully, with joy and reverence. A devout Catholic and faithful reader of the Bible, Paul never failed to acknowledge God’s mercies and the blessings of family, friendship, and second chances.

For the last 4 years, Paul and Suzette traveled widely, exploring the beauty of new cultures, savoring cuisines, and building friendships across the globe. Their journeys took them to countless countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, to Australia, Alaska, and Hawaii, experiences that deepened Paul’s love of life and broadened the circle of people fortunate enough to call him friend. When not traveling, he could be found tending to his orchids, downloading music in his makeshift home office, sketching carnival costume designs, or reading quietly.

Paul was also a devoted sports enthusiast, with a passion that spanned baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. A loyal supporter of the Miami Dolphins, he relished the energy of game day at Hard Rock Stadium, and he rarely missed the chance to cheer on the University of Miami Hurricanes during college football season. Baseball held a special place in his heart, and when the Florida Marlins—now the Miami Marlins—captured the World Series titles in 1997 and 2003, Paul was front and center at the celebrations, savoring the triumph as if it were his own. For him, sports were more than just games; they were another way to experience community, excitement, and joy.

On September 3, 2025, while doing what he loved most—traveling with Suzette and dear friends—Paul was called home to be with the Lord. He passed peacefully in Warsaw, Poland, following a trip to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Paul leaves behind to celebrate and cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Suzette; his sons, Paul Jr. and Philippe; his father, Dr. Roland Jean-Louis; his sisters-in-law, Marie Ange Charles and Yolande Jasmin; his grandson, Pierce Jean-Louis; his daughter-in-law, Rebecca Jean-Louis; his nieces and nephews, Cassandra Charles, Natalie Charles, Johanna Sanchez, Yves Charles, Jr., Christina Jasmin, Milan Walker, Genevieve Jean-Louis, Chloe York, Aiden York, Julianna Sanchez, Giuliette Jean-Louis, Jayden Sanchez, Julissa Sanchez, Ayla Charles; a host of cousins and relatives, Dr. Garald Jean-Louis, Dr. Glaphyra Jean-Louis, Gregor Jean-Louis, Dr. Gottfried Jean-Louis, Garvey Jean-Louis, Gabriella Jean-Louis, Shallum Jean-Louis, Norma Dorestant-Gay, Elsie Dorestant, Lana Dorestant, Charles Dorestant, Daniel Dorestant, Sarah Dorestant, Jovani Dorestant, Gregory Balthazar, Kareen Balthazar, the Cadet Family, the Dorestant Family, the Gay Family, the Germain Family, the Jean-Louis Family, the Metellus Family, the St. Germain Family, the Seraphin Family, the Saint Victor Family; and the countless lives he touched with his charm, wisdom, and warmth.

Paul Jean-Louis lived with grace, purpose, and passion. He was a gentleman in every sense—poised, thoughtful, and endlessly curious, with a zest for celebration and connection. His legacy is one of love, resilience, and joy, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished.