"Dear parents of Justin, You are in my heart especially today. I wish for you that something comes out of Justin?s passing that is as beautiful as he was. We were certainly blessed to have him here at all. Please take all the love and support you receive and deserve for the incredible boy that you created. Sending love and strength your way. Love in Christ, Renee Allen "
In loving memory of
Justin Charles Shilling
April 18, 2004 - December 1, 2021
Justin Charles Shilling was born in St John's Hospital Macomb to parents Jill Soave and Craig Shilling on April 18, 2004. Justin passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at McLaren Oakland Hospital.
Justin and his family lived in Marine City for his first 6 years where he was a big fan of the beach and attended Bell River Elementary School. A move to Ortonville in 2010 brought Justin to the Oxford School District community where he attended Daniel Axford Elementary School, Oxford Elementary School, Oxford Middle School and finally Oxford High School. Justin was always an avid student who received excellent grades and was a Joy to have in the classroom. He ran and served on the student council in middle school and made a bid for student council president in his freshmen year of high school. He was a Baccalaureate and a Web leader who served as a mentor to the freshman students starting high school this year.
Justin loved the Village of Oxford and all things Detroit, walking the Polly Ann trail and picking up subway or frosty boy. He would ride his bike to his first job at the local Thai restaurant where he started to develop his palate. Justin gained experience while he worked the register, manned the phones, taking orders, making Hors D' oeuvres and serving customers and all of this at the tender age of thirteen. The next lucky group to partake of Justin's glowing presence and agreeable nature was Independence Village, a senior living facility located within the Waterstone Community. This is where he honed his skills of patience, kindness and being present, caring for the seniors either delivering their meals to their rooms or serving them in the dining hall, engaging them in conversation and making many friends. To say Justin made an impression would be vastly understating his role as friend and companion to the seniors and staff. Justin then briefly worked at Victoria's Wine and Dine of downtown Oxford before moving on again to Lelli's of Pontiac, an upscale steakhouse with a rich history in our community. From there he added Anita's Kitchen of Lake Orion to his job list, for a taste of the middle east, and the iconic Redd Knapp's Dairy Bar of Rochester because he truly covered all his bases, and no palate is complete without dessert.
From an early age Justin was a lover of all sports, organized and pickup. A natural athlete, he played Baseball throughout his elementary and middle school years where his coaches and teammates have known him as the heart of the team, cheering them on with a kinetic energy and enthusiasm only Justin could bring. He bowled and golfed with his middle and high school teams as well as being a "Wicked Spike Baller" as described by his older brother and his friends. Justin not only played sports but supported his teams vigorously. He loved going to school football games, making it to most games especially this, his senior year, and cheering the wildcats on every chance he got. He was an avid fan of U of M football and followed his favorite team with great, great pride in its wins and tremendous disappointment in its losses, his passion for competition was impressive.
Family was the foundation that made Justin a superstar, he always made time for his family. In an age where family's get very complicated Justin somehow made every member of his extremely vast immediate and extended family members know they were very special to him, from his birth Grandparents all the way to his youngest step cousins. Justin's capacity for family love was so huge that he made "family" out of his best friends and their families, perpetuating such a sense of love and togetherness that we are all humbled by it. Justin shared a very meaningful relationship with a longtime girlfriend showering her with attention and basking in the experience of young love. Justin was always very proud of his family's background in military, police, and firefighting. He loved and admired his older brother and competed with him fiercely, Nathan always set the bar very high. Justin was a doting big brother who was always looking out for his younger brother helping him to navigate the difficult first year of high school, encouraging him and being an example of selflessness and support. Although both Nathan and Clay will suffer dearly for the loss of their brother they share the same strength, bright light and energy and they will carry his torch eternally.
Justin loved music, all music from Sinatra to Cash and Eminem to Tupac. His favorite TV show was "The Office", he was a marvel movie buff and an avid video game enthusiast. He loved his aquarium and enjoyed adding fish to it, planning someday to have one on every wall of his room. He was a snappy dresser with an affinity for unique socks and really cool shoes. Justin was a classy guy who loved to go out on the town to shows with his mom and also go out to the woods hunting and fishing with his dad. Spending time outdoors was very important to him, one of their favorite and most frequented spots was Lakeport State Park on Lake Huron searching for Petosky stones. He would commonly go out to the woods to lie in a hammock, commune with nature and appreciate its beauty. He dreamed about someday owning a Mustang GT, flipping houses with his friends, and getting the college experience. Justin simply can't be described here adequately as there isn't enough room on this page.
It could be said that Justin burned brighter and exuded more energy than the average person, fitting a vast amount of love and experiences into his short life. He touched so many people, from family to neighbors, classmates and friends and has left his mark eternally in all of our souls.
Justin was the loving son of Jill Soave and Craig (Lynda Rusu) Shilling. Beloved brother of Nathan Shilling, Clay Shilling, Derek Rusu, and Amber Rusu. Dear grandson of Michael (Donna) Soave, Judy Kay (Jeff) Otto, Chuck and Kathy Shilling, and Chuck and Connie Boudreau. Cherished nephew of Tracy (James) Barkatt, Jennifer McGuffie, Jeremy (Alyssa) Otto, Kevin (Tamara) Shilling, Kimberly Shilling, Curt Shilling, and Janet Stevens. Dearest great-nephew of Anthony (Kathy) Kierzkowski, Lawrence (Linda) Kierzkowski, Thomas Kierzkowski, Cheryl Soave, Patricia (Charles) Notoriano, Kathy (Nelson) Terburgh, Myrna (Tom) Okronley, Patricia (the late James) Baldes, and the late Mike Murphy. Adoring cousin of Jack Skierski, Brenden Skierski, Zoe McGuffie, Logan McGuffie, Arica Dancy, Madeline Shilling, Eleanor Shilling, Ryan Wheeler, Casey Wheeler, David Kierzkowski, James Kierzkowski, Lisa Kierzkowski, James (Angela) Osborn, Joseph (Teresa) Kierzkowski, Steven (Marley) Kierzkowski, Alexis Malyska, Nicholas (Jewel) Notoriano, Natalie Notoriano, Nelso Terburgh, Ann Solovey, Bill Okronley, Bob Okronley, Suzie Gato, James Baldes, and Jackie Merlone.
Visitation for Justin will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 12 noon until the time of his Funeral Service at 7pm at Boulder Pointe Golf Club & Banquet Center, 1 Champions Circle, Oxford, MI 48317. Visitation will also take place Friday, December 10, 2021, from 12 noon to 8pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 43300 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. A private burial will take place at The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford Township, MI.
In keeping with Justin's legacy of being a hero as he donated his organs to Gift of Life saving a vast amount of people, we ask that if you have been exposed to COVID or are feeling ill, to please stay home. In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Justin's funeral on Thursday evening will be live-streamed on all local Detroit media outlets at ClickOnDetroit.com, WXYZ.com/live3, and the WXYZ Detroit Facebook page Fox2detroit.com to protect the safety of our communities.
Please share your memories of Justin at Verheyden.org
Tributes
"Mr. & Mrs Shilling, I did not personally have the privilege of knowing Justin. However after reading his obituary I feel like I do. What a handsome, smart, talented, loving and brave son! I cannot imagine your pain and my condolences will do little to comfort you. I will always remember your sons face, name and his final act of heroism protecting another boy. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"He is not forgotten"
"Rest In Peace Angel. I never knew Justin but he should have been able to go home that day?"
"I did not know Justin, but I heard about the terrible tragedy on the news. I wish to send my prayers and sympathies to his family and close friends during this difficult time of grief and loss.The shooting deaths of the four Michigan high school students, Justin being one of them, struck a chord with me. At fifteen years old I became a victim of incapacitating emotional abuse while being ambushed in a gang attack. The result of such an attack was that it triggered off a psychosis and led to a nervous breakdown and PTSD trauma that is still with me today. So I became more attentive than usual to these tragic events at Oxford High at the end of November. since the students were roughly the same age as I was at the time of my attack,when they were attacked.Nevertheless I wish and pray for the well being of Justin's family and close friends during this time of loss. And may God be with you presently and at all times."
"Dearest Jill, Craig, Lynda, Nathan, Clay, Derek, Amber, and All Family, While words fail to capture the pain of losing your dear Justin, I am saddened and feel pained for your tragic loss, and send my heartfelt love, condolences, and sympathy to you. Please know Justin will be remembered by all who loved him. He will be remembered for his kindnesses to people of all ages, his energetic spirit, and his patience. He cherished his family and friends. Please continue to cherish your good memories and may they provide some comfort for you. May prayers strengthen you and cherished memories comfort you. I can?t understand exactly how you feel, but God does, and He will keep lifting you up because He is close to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit. He will give you the courage, strength, and peace to cope. May he sustain you at this time of such great loss and comfort your broken hearts. Psalm 34:18 and 23rd Psalm "
"Thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss ?? he was an amazing young man"
"Sorry for your loss "
"Dear Shilling family, Thank you for sharing Justin with the rest of us. I have been inspired by Justin in the way he lived his life and his kindness toward others. His example is far reaching. He?s made me want to be a better person in these trying and uncertain times. My guess is if I am feeling his impact then others are feeling it too. It?s really remarkable how one solitarily life, has touched so many in such a deep and positive way. May he Rest In Peace in Christs love. Blessing to you all, Renee A."
"Sending Justin's dear family and many friends my deepest sympathy. A treasured life with such passion and potential taken needlessly from those who loved him, and whom he dearly loved. May he rest in God's eternal light...."
"Dearest Family of Justin Shilling, Sending my most deepest sympathies. I didn't know Justin or anyone in the family, but my thoughts have been with you and my heart hurts for you. There are no words, especially as a parent I know this is unthinkable. People can see what a beautiful young man you raised inside and out. Also you honored him with an absolutely beautiful memorial. That's commendable in this difficult time. As a mother of 2 and in Troy, not too far away, I am praying for you. The Lord will give everlasting life to Justin. I hope someday in the not so distant future you can find comfort in knowing Justin is safe in the Lord's keeping, and, that He is the healer of the brokenhearted."
"Justin was in both my second and third hours of the school day. He was a major influence in the classroom, he was funny and friendly. It still doesn't feel quite real after I saw him in class like any other day when it happened. Justin was a huge influence in the class, I don't think I could really ever go back to those classes the same now (and I assume it's the same for the other classmates). Even with only meeting them via school, his impact is huge. I couldn't imagine losing such a good kid. I hope the best for the parents. "
"Justin was a hero. He was a beautiful person who will be missed even by people who never met him. Im so sorry for your loss "
"I didn't know your son. I can only imagine the hurt of losing a child. I speak for many friends, family, and citizens of Arkansas our hearts go out to all the families that are impacted by this horrific tragedy, and the entire community. May God bring peace and love to you in this most difficult of time."
"Thoughts and prayer go out to my cousin Judy and the family."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you. Truly it is heartbreaking to lose a child; my heart hurts for you. But we serve a faithful and just God. He will not put more on you than you can bear. God loved Justin too and because of his love for your beautiful son, he chose to end his suffering and his pain. In due season God will transform your tears of sorrow into ??tears of joy?. Hold on, your joy is coming. Love, Renee Matteson. Monroe, MI "
"I babysat Justin and his siblings when I personally attended OHS, when I heard what happened I was completely heartbroken. Justin was such a sweet kid and from what I?ve seen was such a bright light to everyone that he ever met. I have been and will continue to pray for this family. I was just a kid when I knew him but I?m so thankful I did. I will never forget you Justin. Jill, if you read these I?m so sorry for your loss, I haven?t stopped thinking about you. I always thought you were such an amazing mom and now having two kids of my own I see how hard you worked and how much you cared and loved your kids. I?m sending as much love as I possibly can to this entire family. I?m so sorry this happened to you. Rest In Peace Justin ?? "
"I never had the honor of meeting your son or your family, but like the rest of the county, state, country, and world, I pray his memories bring you comfort and am so very sorry this so needlessly happened. It is so, so senseless and heart wrenching. May God bless and hold you. We are all praying for better times ahead. My very deepest condolences. "
"My son Eric Paternoster really develop a great friendship with Justin while working together at independence village even giving him a lift home often. Eric and Justin would often wander down to the class that my daughter taught and just hang out and give her a hard time. Our thoughts and prayers to you during this hard time just know your son has brought a lot of fun and happiness to a lot of people. With love and prayers the Paternoster?s "
"Heartfelt condolences to family and friends of this lovely young man. God bless you all."
"I didn?t know Justin, but with everything I?ve read and heard you must be very proud of your son. May you find peace knowing how many people he?s touched. God Bless ??"
"From the Burton Family RIP. Pontiac, Mi"
"Too all Justin's loved ones,I send my condolences.I didn't have the honor of knowing this young man but sure shows he was a outstanding you man from what I've seen and read.Mom and dad you must be proud ?I pray you find comfort in your loving memories of Justin and know he's in God's arms .Justin's gift of life I'm sure is much appreciated by all the ones he helped survive and thier loved one.Heaven has definitely gained a angel in Justin,fly high young man...... beautiful service tonight.God bless and comfort you all"
"I did not know Justin personally, but I am a mother, grandmother and my heart goes out to his Parents , siblings and entire Oxford community . May God give you peace that surpasses your understanding. I pray God's comfort for you all."
"Hi Family, My name is Mischa Johnson and I just want you all to know that I am praying for all of you during this difficult time. Please remember that Jesus said, ?Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted.? He also promises to raise us on the last day. I can only imagine your grief but know that God is withd you all and He will never leave you or abandon you. I have been praying the Holy Rosary for all of the families and I will continue to pray it everyday for you all. It is the most powerful weapon on Earth. Remember Justin is with Jesus now and he is happier than ever. You all will see him again and God?s Kingdom has no end. Peace, Love, and Happiness to all of you xoxo God bless your family and friends ?"
"Our Deepest Prayers and Condolences to the Family so sad May he Continue to R.I.P. ????????"
"I never knew Justin. But by the sounds of everything everyones saying. Hes a great young man whom had a huge future for himself. May yall be in peace & rest with the Angels...fly high...see ya soon!"
"May God bless each and everyone I live in Tennessee and my Heart prayers are with you all didn't know him but he sounds like he was a wonderful child donated his organs and saved other people lives..live on justin..God gained a beautiful Angel"
"I?ve been reading about what a wonderful human being Justin was. All of my love and strength to Justin?s loved ones. Michigan is here for you. "
"From theresa zamora I new Jill but not Justin but I am so so sorry about your lost God bless you and your family it is so sad it breaks my heart"
"I didn't know him, but my heart goes out to his family and anyone else who was close to him"
"I didn't know this young man, but Gid bless his family during this trying time. "
"My sincere condolences for your families loss. I didn't know him personally but Mrs. Barnett is a dear friend of my daughter's Melissa in Big Rapids. Her family and extend family in Michigan is a very big part of me and so I felt I needed to send this. In my thoughts and prayers. Such a young life, gone to soon . Condolences Sandy Woodcock , Ontario Canada "
"Words can not express how you guys fill I am so sorry for your lose my heart really goes out to the family and friends from what I have read and see he was a wonderful young man god bless"
"Sending my thoughts,prayers and love to the Schilling Family. What a beautiful tribute to Justin and what an incredible young man he was. I thank him for donating his organs,what a precious gift he has left here on earth?."
"Such a Beautiful Soul ?? May he rest in God?s glorious kingdom forever!!!!!! "
"I'm so sorry I live in Tennessee I must say God has gained a beautiful angel my heart goes out to his family my prayers are with you all. I am so lost for words.this has touched the whole world
And he has saved lives from his organs may he fly high rest in peace Justin you will never be forgotten
."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. What an amazing young man."
"I didn't know u Justin, but from what I read, u were an amazing person. Your angel in heaven. My heart goes out to your family and friends. God bless u Justin and your family. "
"My heart is so heavy for you and your family. I pray that the memories you provided your family with helps them heal. "
"I didn't know Justin but I feel bad for the families l live in eastpointe but we all feel your pain keep the faith"
"Justin was my son?s WEB leader this year. My son said there wasn?t a day that would go by that Justin didn?t pat him on his head and ask how he was doing. Every single day. Although I never got to meet Justin, I know he left a lasting impression on my son. He will forever be remembered. Rest In Peace. "
"I just want to say your all in out thoughts and prayers...may you rest in peace sweet angel."
"Prayers and Condolences to the family and friends of Justin. Rest In Peace ??"
"Sending prayers to your family. What an amazing legacy he is leaving! I loved reading your beautiful words and I am so sorry that you're going through this difficult time. It's obvious that Justin touched many lives and he will be missed by all. "
"Our family will be keep each of you close in our prayers. Clearly this sweet boy was an absolute gift to those around him. May each of his friends and family remember the joy that he shared with them."
"My deepest, sincere condolences to Justin's family, and all of his friends & community connections."
"Sending my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Justin such a handsome young man"
"I met Justin through a friend group with his older brother Nathan. The first time I met Justin I loved him, I thought the kid was hilarious. I would see him at Friday night football games. Although I was his older brothers age, I still got super excited every time I saw him and he always made me laugh. Whenever I think of Justin, there?s an automatic association the happy emotions and laughing. I?ll miss Justin, he was a good kid raised super well. "
"Reading about Justin and his amazing young life, makes me feel that I knew him yet sad that I didn't. How wonderful that he positively touched so many people's lives. I pray that God holds Justin's family close to His heart and gives you hope and strength. "
"Rest In Peace. Family and friends, my deepest condolences. "
"LORD COMFORT THIS FAMILY AND ANYONE WHO KNEW HIM. "
"I had Justin as a 7th grade student. I love him like I do my own. Justin cared for me as if he were the adult in our relationship. He was the most amazing young person. During his 7th grade year I had shoulder surgery and came back to work very shortly after with my right arm in a sling and having no use of it. Justin came in every single morning to check on me. He would ask me what I need and made copies, helped me teach and write for me on my white board. He continued to check in on me each year after, even into high school. In 8th grade I was able to be with him for several days in Washington DC he was amazed and took in everything. I love him dearly he will be missed more than I can even express. The world is missing an amazing person who brought the biggest smile to my face and ever other person he came in contact with. "
"I remember this summer during link day at oxford, Justin was really excited to meet freshmen. The theme of the link day was Wild West and Justin had his hat, pants tucked in, pants stretched all the way up, and the smile I?ll never forget. With his braces, he seemed to be the most happiest out of all of us that day. "
"While I don?t know you, and can?t begin to comprehend your grief, I felt compelled to offer my deepest and most sincere sympathy to Justin?s family. In reading this beautifully written tribute to him, I felt as though I knew him personally. As I know you are, I would have been so honored to have Justin as my son. May Justin?s light continue to shine in those that he touched. Sincerely, Paul White Sarasota, FL"
"Justin and the family are in my prayers. Rest in Peace young man."
"To Justin's Family, my heart goes out to you all. Please accept my deepest condolences, this young man life was taken too soon by a senseless act of violence. I can tell by his photos and those who knew him, that he was a delightful young man. Although I didn't know him, I will never forget his Beautiful smile and Caring eyes. May God fill you all with His Perfect Peace and Comfort your Hearts. I am truly sorry for his demise, and the grief that you all are experiencing. To be absent in the body, but in the presence of The Lord. I will continue to pray for you all, and the other families who has either loss their children and those injured."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this wonderful young man. "
"We are here in Lexington, Michigan, our hearts are so saddened by the passing of Justin, We can read about him and know he was a wonderful young man. Even though we did not know him or the family, know you are in are thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all."
"Going into high school I was extremely nervous to make friends with upperclassmen because most of my classes consisted of people from grades above. Justin was the first upper class friend I made, not only was he warm-hearted and welcoming, he was such a goof ball. That kid always had a smile on his face :) We always joked in class & did our projects together, and we kept in touch when the semester ended as well. Very honored that I got to know such a wonderful human being, and was able to call you my friend, ?J dawg? :)"
"Justin was on my baseball team in middle school and I?ll tell ya what, I never wanted to go to those games because I thought it was a waste of time. But Justin?s humor and enthusiasm made me want to go every day. I remember this one time I was batting and I hear Justin pointing out the coaches sweat crack from behind me and I struck out cuz I couldn?t stop laughing.. then I go sit down and finally see the crack and my oh my, it was a sweat crack.. the rest of the day was seized and we lost because of the coaches ass.. but in the end, I had a blast and I?m glad I got to meet Justin and know him as a person.. he brought smiles to everyone?s faces and I?ll never forget that. he went too soon, nobody should be put through what he went through. I respect justin, and hope to see him in the future. god bless??"
"Me and Justin had advisory together and he made everyone laugh with his use of the word Chromies in place of the the word chrome books when talking about them during that class. He was an amazing person and really made everyone feel good."
"Justin and I became close friends freshman year, In math class. Every day we would eat cheezits and goldfish. We would make fun of each other, had goofy nicknames, and we?re always the ones that got yelled at to stop talking. We stayed close throughout high school. When COVID hit we got even closer and would FaceTime all the time. One particular memory that makes me laugh the hardest is when we went to Chipotle together. He has gotten something in a bowl and when he took it out to eat it the bottom of the bowl fell out and it went all onto his lap. He goes ?aww shucks!? And continued to eat the food off of his lap. In his life Justin gave me many smiles and laughs that I am forever grateful for, I miss him so very much. "
"I was in student council with Justin in middle school. We saw each other every day for that hour and i remember him as a funny, sweet, and incredibly smart person. He always wanted to help people, and he always knew how to cheer everyone up and make us laugh. Although we did not talk in high school, i am thankful for the time we did spend together, and will never forget him. "