"So sorry for your loss. I just met Justin at a Coast Guard Auxiliary Meeting last month. I remember his great smile and outgoing personality. I pray that the Lord?s grace and love surrounds you during your time of grief. "
In loving memory of
Justin Christopher Ginnell
January 28, 1995 - May 19, 2019
Senior Airman Justin Christopher Ginnell, United States Air Force, age 24, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 19, 2019. SrA Ginnell was assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida.
A devoted son, brother, family member and friend, Justin was born in Elgin, Illinois on 1/28/1995 and moved to South Florida in 1999 at the age of four years old. Both as a child and as a young adult, he loved everything Star Wars and particularly enjoyed visits to Disney World and Universal Studios. He was so excited for the opening of the Star Wars Galaxy Edge at Disney World and planned to attend on opening day in August.
From a very young age, Justin dreamed of serving his country in the United States Military. In high school, he became a distinguished member of the JROTC program at Western H.S. where he held the rank of Cadet 1st Lieutenant (C/1LT). While still a senior, he enlisted in the Air Force and began basic military training in Lackland, Texas in November 2014 and graduated in January 2015. He then attended technical training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri through May 2015. Most recently, Justin served at the Air Force Special Operations Command as a member of the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron and the Hurlburt Field Honor Guard. Justin embraced each role with tremendous pride and was determined to execute at the highest level with meticulous attention to detail in pursuit of both integrity and excellence.
Justin was a member of the American Legion for several years and also recently joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was extremely knowledgeable about world history and current news and issues, both in the US and abroad. With his interest in foreign affairs and his passion to affect global change, his mother said he missed his calling as a foreign policy advisor.
Outside of his military pursuits, Justin found great joy in community involvement. He served as part of the Royal Chessman Stage Combat Troupe since 2005 and performed at various Pirate and Medieval Fairs in Florida including Camelot Days where he was well known as the King's Personal Guard. He enjoyed fellowship at Destiny Worship Center and was recently baptized just this last April 28th.
He is survived by his mother Joan Ginnell, brother John Pacetti Ginnell, grandmother Charlotte Ginnell, grandmother Marla Blackmon-Witscher, grandfather Gaylord Brown, aunt Rachel Meyer, and cousins Macy Meyer, Jessie Blackmon, and Sean Blackmon and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved Aunt Verna Merriau and his favorite Uncle Howard
SrA Justin Ginnell will be returned to South Florida at Fort Lauderdale Airport on Delta Airlines Flight DL2393 scheduled to arrive on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at 3:59 pm. There will be a military procession from the Fort Lauderdale airport to Fred Hunter's Hollywood location at 6301 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024. All are welcome to join or view the procession. The family will have a visitation at Fred Hunter's University Drivel Home, 2401 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33324 on May 31, 2019 between 5:00 and 6:00 pm with services beginning at 6:00 pm, reception to follow. A funeral service will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial services will be held at Hurlburt Field in June 2019, date and time to be announced. For more information, please contact Fred Hunter Funeral Home at (954) 989-1550.
In Lieu of flowers, in the spirit of Justin's generous heart, please do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for a friend, family member, or even a stranger in honor of his memory. In this way, his legacy of kindness and compassion will continue. Also, when you look up at the night sky, make a wish upon a star and remember Justin.
Tributes
"In loving memory of Justin C. Ginnell, My sorrow for all those who loved Justin. May his family find peace from God?s grace. My dearly beloved son, how I have loved you and missed you! My heart breaks for the lost time that we missed together and the little time that we had to share. You will always be kept close to me in my heart. Someone so special will not be forgotten. With all the love of a father to a son. "
"You have our deepest sympathy-Justin sounds like an awesome young man!!! Just know you will see him again- We will donate in his memory- our prayers will be lifting your family!! May our Loving God wrap His Arms around You!!!"
"My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son and Airman. I will keep him, and you, close to my heart and will honor him as you have requested. His wonderful spirit will live on in those who loved him. Thank you for your service. Warmest regards from a fellow Wing Mom"
"Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. I'm a fellow WingMom & send my prayers to your family for Gods peace & understanding. Fly high Airman, thank you for your service."
"As a fellow Florida WingMom, my heart breaks for the Ginnell Family. I will keep you all in my prayers and ask God to provide the courage and strength you need going forward. I hope you can feel all the WingMom love, support, hugs, and prayers headed your way. RIP sweet Justin, and we'll make sure your acts of kindness live on through all of us."
"No Words can convey ... bit love in our hearts,, prayers for the family, and remembrance always ... AF Family"
"Very sorry for this happening and prayers for your family. Rest In Peace in heaven. I didn?t know Justin but I bet he was a very sweet kind soldier. Fly high Airman. Prayers for the difficult time that happened. "
"Although I did not know Justin as a Wing mom my heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Tonight as I look at the sky I will say a prayer and salute an Airman that?s life was cut way too short.. Thank you Justin for your service and the impact you have had on so many of us! May you RIP Airman ???????"
"So sorry for the loss of your son. Prayers for comfort and strength in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. "
"Char, Joan and John: Though we did not know Justin well, we stand with you in mourning and compassion. His loss is palpable, for your sakes. The request for memorials in the form of kindnesses touched us beyond words."
"May you rest in peace..."
"Justin was a beautiful soul. I'm honored to have met him. I inprocessed him in when he arrived to AFSOC. He is in my heart. God bless all the family. Sandy"