Phillip Eugene Justus, Jr.

April 23, 1925 ~ December 21, 2012
December 23, 2012
Phillip Eugene Justus, Jr., 87, passed away suddenly on December 21, 2012, at Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 28, at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry, with interment following in the Mountain View Mennonite Cemetery.

Phillip was born to Phillip and Eugenia (Brockly) Justus on April 23, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois.

He moved to Bonners Ferry together with his family when he was nine years old. Growing up on the family farm, he enjoyed the hard work and also found time for hiking and fishing together with his brother, Eddie.

He answered the call of God, received forgiveness of sins and found peace in his heart. Uncle Phil was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, at the age of 21 years, and remained faithful to the end.

The family has fond memories of his whistling. Often he could be heard imitating birds or whistling hymns. His prayers were impressive to us, warming our hearts in their simplicity.

He lived at home with his parents, helping his mother in their restaurant at Eastport and later at the Just-Us Motel. He also worked for many area farmers, willing to do whatever was asked.

After his parents passed away, he continued living in the family home, and then moved to town for the last 18 years of his life. In his retirement he spent many days hiking the North Idaho mountain trails to fish the high lakes, often inviting others along for companionship.

Those left with fond memories are his nephews and nieces: Carol Isaac, Big Prairie, Ohio, Richard and Sandra Justus, Bonners Ferry, Beth and Walt Giesbrecht and Charlie and Karen Justus, Barbara and John Unruh, all of Othello, Washington, David Justus of Soldotna, Alaska, Marjorie Justus of Dumas, Arkansas, Roger and Jane Unruh of Honey Grove, Texas, Gale and June Unruh, of Fountain Run, Kentucky, Diane and Stanton Redger, of Lakin, Kansas, and Denise and Wayne Faircloth of Albertville, Alabama, one cousin Robert and Drexel Love, Moyie Springs, many great nephews and nieces and also special friends Stan and Lillian Mastre and Denton and Carolyn Wedel.

Those preceding him in death are his father, mother brother two sisters-in-law, one nephew and one great, great niece.

Family and friends are invited to sign Phillip’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.