Jack G. Justus

Jack G. Justus, after 79 years, moved on to be with his Lord on July 31, 2011. He was a loving husband, committed father, endearing grandfather, doting great-grandfather, insightful elder of the Church, motivating Bible teacher, accomplished speaker, friend to farmers and faithful servant of the Lord. Born to Charles and Nancy Justus in Boone County, AR, he was educated at Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas with graduate study at North Carolina State and Colorado State Universities. He worked for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service before joining Arkansas Farm Bureau, serving as both legislative director and eventually Executive Vice-President. In 1998, to honor his 37 years of service to Farm Bureau, the Jack G. Justus Endowment for Teaching Excellence was established at the University of Arkansas to encourage faculty development and innovative research. Progressive Farmer honored him as its “1996 Man of the Year in Service to Agriculture”, and in 1997, he was named the Outstanding Alumnus of the UA Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture. His commitment to the lives of young people was underscored by serving as General Manager of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation and as an advocate for improvements to Camp Couchdale. He was a 1997 inductee to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame and was a member of the inaugural class of the Lead Hill School Foundation Hall of Fame in 2009. For years he served as Chairman of the Arkansas State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities, and he was a member of the Board of Directors for Crowley’s Ridge College, Blue Cross Blue Shield, First Commercial Bank, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and numerous other civic and agricultural organizations. Married for 61 years, he is survived by his wife, Sue Justus of Searcy, AR; two sons, Mike Justus (Elaine) of Searcy, AR and Tom Justus (Leah) of Malvern, AR. His five grandchildren include Andy Justus (Meagan) of Kingsport, TN; Allison Justus of Searcy; Anna Ingle (Andrew) of Rosebud, AR; Sarah Saunders (Scott) and Mary Helen Cox (James) of Jonesboro, AR. Three great-grandchildren include Zachary Saunders, Bonnie Justus and Jack Ingle. Of seven siblings, he is survived by one brother, Robert Justus of Fort Collins, CO. The family will host a memorial celebration Saturday morning, August 6, 2011, at 10:30 at College Church of Christ in Searcy, AR. Visitation with the family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jack G. Justus Endowment for Teaching Excellence c/o Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, E108 AFLS Building, Fayetteville, AR 72701 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.com

Jack G. Justus

October 29, 1931 - July 31, 2011