In Remembrance Of
Jim Justus
James Norman “Jim” Justus, 71, of Smithville, MO, passed away on August 2, 2022. He was born January 29, 1951, in Smithville, MO.
Jim graduated from Smithville High School in 1969 and was a career truck driver. He was also a trained Emergency Management Technician. He had a passion for music and was the lead singer for Badlands for many years. His hobbies included building and flying model airplanes, touring the country by motorcycle and RV, watching old westerns and connecting with people across the country—and the world—on his CB and Ham radios (final sign offs have been made for Sharpshooter and N0NZW). Jim also loved gathering with friends and family and will be remembered as a gifted storyteller.
In addition to his parents, Norman Justus and Elnora (Wells) Justus, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Elnora “Nora” Monroe, brother Ralph “Budge” Brenneman and nephew Michael “Mike” Johnson.
Jim is survived by his niece Meredith (Johnson) Ivey, niece-in-law JoBeth Johnson (the late Mike Johnson), nephews Ernest “Ernie” Shikles (Gena) and Aaron Brenneman (Ines), nine great nephews and nieces: Hayden, Nicholas, Ava and Emma Johnson, Christina (Shikles) McCully, Beatrix, Phoenix, Eliza and Circe Brenneman, sister-in-law Zandi Brenneman, as well as numerous family members and friends who loved him dearly.
In lieu of a memorial service, Jim requested that his ashes be spread in the mountains where he and his friends toured over the years admiring the beauty of nature and making priceless memories.
You may share online condolences at https://hkfuneralhome.com.
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Comments & condolences
25 comments
Dannie & Beverly Summers
Where do I start? Thru out school in the ’60’s to the 70’s I remember helping set up those BIG keg parties with all the bands at Millers bridge & later that summer over at Camden Point. Jamming on guitars. Riding our identical tiger gold and white 1972 Triumph T120 Bonneville’s – and Jimmy could ride out a pretty darn good wheelie on his machine, too.. Trucking for FBI hauling a lot of coal & coke and just about anything you could get in a dump trailer. Hang gliding over at a little knob hill just east of Kearney. Flying radio control model airplanes where ever we could find a spot (before there was a present flying field). Swapping the latest jokes. Jimmy & Joyce Crews accompanied by Rick George and his guitar treating Beverly & I by singing at our wedding (believe me — THAT was SPECIAL!!!) Jimmy was ‘kinda like a magnet – he attracted you to him. He was a good man and his loss is a loss for all of us. We miss you Jimmy and may peace always be with you & yours.
Dawn Hadjian
To a great man who was loved by so many. I will miss your smiling face and bear hugs. Ride on, dear friend, on Angel’s Wings!! Love you so much!!
Pat Luce
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
Lisa and John Barber
Jimmy was a good friend and had a great sense of humor.
Loved his music. Our love to his family. May he Rest In Peace. ❤️
Peggy Matthys
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing
He was a very special guy with an amazing voice and kindness
He was a year ahead of me in school at Smithville
Peggy Matthys
Ray Smith
Jim was a good friend to me for 50 years and most everyone who knew him would probably say something similar. Having a wide variety of interests and hobbies and knowledgeable in a lot of areas he had a great memory for details in all of them. Jim was always entertaining whether singing and playing guitar, telling stories or just having a conversation. He was one of those people you want to hang around with and learn from and I will miss him more than I can imagine.
Bill and Carolyn Forsyth
So sorry for your loss, he was a great friend always had a smile for everyone.
Lee Patton Chiles
Rest in Peace, Jim.
Kathy Atkins
We’re very sorry to learn of Jim’s death. We remember him well from high school and after. He was always friendly and pleased to see us. Our condolences to his family. Greg & Kathy Atkins
Ken &Teresa Enderle
We will have forever fond memories of Jim. We all rode so many miles together through some beautiful places. You will be forever missed at our family gatherings with all the stories you would share with laughter. Thanks for all the love and memories.
Carolyn Major
I shall miss my classmate and friend. He was a great guy, humorous and a wonderful storyteller.
Sympathy to his family. He was special!
Marla Heusted
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I have fond memories of the band and many “Jam” nights with good friends. Rest in Peace Jimmy.
Shauna Martinez
We are so very sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing!
He always had a kind smile when I saw him and usually
Shared a story or two! Tony says, “Jimmy was one of a kind and his own man”. Please know that we will have all
Of you in our thoughts! We have shared some very special
Moments in the past with your families and you guys will
Always be in our prayers!♥️
Ron Swaney
Condolences to the family of Jim. He lived a full @ eventful life.
Paul Porter
So sorry to here. I remember riding motorcycles with him and taught him to hang glide. I helped him make his first flight off Lookout Mountain, TN. He was a good friend.
George Lowman
So sorry to hear about jimmy have known him for years and considered a good friend
John Estes
Good bye my friend rest in peace brother I will miss all of our talks
Joe and Jinny Kyle
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Bill and Valerie Becker
We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and strength during this time of loss.
Ruthie Wolkey
Christie, I'm so sorry to hear this news. You have my sympathy and I'll keep you in my prayers.Ruthie
Rick Stevens
Diana and I will miss him in so many ways. Always remember the great time and travels we had.
Karin Widebrook
God Bless you Jim, for always being a grandfather figure to my 2 children, even though they weren't yours. You will be greatly missed and we all have some beautiful memories to look back on. 💜 Karin, Adam and Katie
James Justus
I will miss you Uncle Jim. Love you forever!
Ray, Mary, Nick
Jim lives on in so many ways. For me in particular, it is in the wonderful memories and stories I and my family share.
Joshua Pickard
Uncle Jim is one of the rare men who never had a bad thing to say about anybody. I'll forever be grateful for the times we shared.