Mr. Jackie Wayne Justis, 83, of Coconut Creek, Fla., passed peacefully to his eternal home on June 13, 2023.
Born June 23, 1939, in Lee Mont and raised on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Virginia, Jackie was the son of Brantley and Willye Stephens Justis. Jackie spent his adventurous childhood in Parksley, biking around town, shooting pool, and tearing up the roads with his fast cars. He left his mark in that small town!
Jack was baptized and a member of Grace United Methodist Church. After a lifetime of traveling 49 states, he kept the values of his hometown upbringing yet never found a comparable crab cake or soft shell crab. He graduated from Parksley High School in 1957, lettering in football and basketball.
After one year at the University of Richmond, Jack served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He joined Chris-Craft Corporation in Salisbury, Md., eventually transferring to Pompano Beach, Fla., as customer service manager. His navigational skills as a licensed captain put him at the helm in their manufacturer publications.
In 1966, outside the infamous Elbo Room at the corner of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard, he met the love of his life, Norma ‘Toots’ Lutt. On May 30, 1969, Jack and Toots were married in Ft. Lauderdale and enjoyed a beachside reception at the Yankee Clipper. Last month they celebrated their 54th anniversary.
Together they had two loving, devoted daughters, Jill Magill (William), of Marietta, Ga., and Bobbi Saylor (David), of Jensen Beach, Fla.; and four grandchildren, Jack (namesake) and Gracie Magill, of Georgia, and Bowen and Darren Saylor, of Florida.
Known to his grandchildren as ‘Pop,’ he enjoyed traveling to watch them participate in many activities and loved being a big part of their lives.
After retiring from Chris-Craft in 1977, Jack’s talents as a craftsman emerged. He was a self-taught custom rod builder and major contributor to best selling books on the subject. Jack was well known as a pioneer for his artistry in thread designs. He took home ‘Rod of the Show’ first place awards in both salt and freshwater divisions at the national competition in 1984.
His invention and patent of the Zebco Rhino Rod grip was one of his proudest accomplishments. Together with Toots, he designed and built one-of-a-kind, Justis Billiard Cue Cases — the “Choice of Champions” for over 30 years. Jack was a master of his craft with a keen eye and steady hand. He was respected throughout the world for his quality workmanship and stood behind his products.
A lifelong hobby enthusiast, Jack’s talents included being a photographer, competitive model sailboat racer, and the oldest member of the Bowling Stones. After a 50+ year running poker game with ‘8 Of A Kind,’ on June 13 “Action Jackson” went ALL IN.
An avid fan of classic cars, he restored a 1955 Chevy Bel Air and received over 100 first place trophies, numerous ‘Best of Show’ awards, and the ultimate Antique Automobile Club of America Preservation Award.
He was truly a Jack-of-all-trades who mastered the art of being genuine and kind to all who knew him. Living in South Creek for 52 years, he treasured his neighbors, “businessmen’s lunches,” and loyal friends. Until his last day, Jack remained young at heart and curious as to the mechanics of things large and small. Simply put, he had a tool for every job and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Swinderman. He is survived by wife, Toots; daughters, Jill and Bobbi and favorite sons-in-law, Bill and David, and their families; brothers-in-law, Duane Lutt (Sandie Bennett), Dee (Kathy) Lutt; many nieces and nephews in Nebraska, and favorite cousin, Martha Simpson, from Parksley.
Jack’s wishes were to be cremated. Please celebrate a life well-lived with your family and friends, say a prayer, raise a glass and make a toast to THE LEGEND.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.kraeermargate.com for the Justis family.
