Casino attire creator dies

At one time, Jean Julius outfitted most of the uniformed employees on the Strip through her enterprise, The Dealers Room on Maryland Parkway.

Corporate ownership took over the casino industry in the 1990s, but the large uniform providers who serviced the casinos still contracted with Julius because she had the capability to handle custom work.

"The only thing that changed was her comps," Julius' daughter Laurie Chrispen recalled Tuesday. "Mom knew everybody."

Julius, 74, died last week after battling cancer for more than two years. Chrispen said the family closed The Dealers Room on July 25 after her mother completed several last-minute specialty orders for some casinos.

"She loved the business and loved working with the casinos," Chrispen said. "So many people depended upon her for their working attire and she loved what she did."

Julius opened The Dealers Room with her late husband, Jack, in 1982. The operation grew from one store on Maryland Parkway to stores on West Flamingo Road, near Nellis Air Force Base and in Bullhead City, Ariz., across the Colorado River from Laughlin.

At one point, The Dealers Room had a complete manufacturing division.

Chrispen said her mom's specialty was providing customized outfits for casino dealers and other personnel in the resorts.

Despite cancer and the subsequent treatment, Julius continued to operate The Dealers Room.

"We couldn't get her to come down here," said Chrispen, who lives in Southern California. "She loved Las Vegas."

Services are planned for Sunday after visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Palm Mortuary at 7600 S. Eastern.

Julius is survived by a sister, Doreen; daughters Laurie and Lynne; son Bryan, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871.