"Justin was a great and longtime friend. We met on Jan. 2nd 1979 in the parking lot of Lake Washington VoTech on the first day of pre-employment training, the 30 days of which needed to be completed to be considered for hiring at Boeing. I commented at the time that he looked familiar to me and asked if we knew each other and he immediately said maybe you know my brother Cyrus Smith and I said yes! Cy and I went to Lincoln High School together. We were both hired in Feb. 1979 and our first work area was in Body Structures in the 747 41 Section. at the Everett plant. We shared many things over the years, drinks, music, work experiences, outings with wives and friends. The friendship was deep and lasting and I'll miss the pleasure of just hanging out and sharing as we who survive move forward. Peace be with you my friend. "
In loving memory of
Justin Smith
October 6, 1958 - January 8, 2025
On January 8th, a great husband, friend, brother and Uncle passed away from a heart attack. He was playing his favorite sport, pickleball and was surrounded by a loving group of friends.
He was born in Seattle and raised in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. He attended West Woodland Elementary School, Hamillton Middle School and graduated from Lincoln High School. Justin started his career at Boeing in 1979, first as a mechanic and then progressing to inspector at Propulsion Systems Division. He retired as a quality manager in the same division in 2013. Retiring at age 55 was his goal, and he achieved it.
Once doing so, he never looked back. His wife of 37 years, Barbara (Brammer) was worried he'd be a couch potato. However, they started playing pickleball, and Justin found his new love (besides Barb, that is). He brought years of experience playing tennis and table tennis and was addicted to playing. Mostly it was 3 times a week, sometimes 5. He found so many new friends and loved coaching or helping new and experienced players.
Justin loved to cook and as he said was a good sous chef. He and Barb created many memorable meals, including ones he'd photograph on vacations. While Justin was shy and reserved, he was friendly and loved to laugh and joke around. He was great at fixing things and would help others in the neighborhood repairing doors, cabinets, handrails, etc. He also created a window box for his first cat, Ruby, then went on to make 2 more for a neighbor. This is all the more special, since he was allergic to cats and had 4 years of allergy shots so that he could tolerate becoming a "fur dad".
Justin had a long way of explaining things-what could be said in a few words would be drawn out to paragraphs. This was a family trait. He loved to listen to music, going on walks, serious and not-so-serious movies.
Justin's garage was organized, something he picked up at Boeing. He managed to get 3 cars into a 2-car garage. He loved Karmann Ghias-starting with an orange 1969 in high school, then getting a neon yellow 1974 convertible.
Justin met Barb when he was 24. She chased him, and as he said-"I tripped". They were married 5 years later. It was to be a long and loving, happy marriage.
Justin is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his 4 older brothers: Gene, Lloyd, Cyrus and Byron, and 10 nieces and nephews.
Barb is forever grateful for the players who were with him during his heart attack at the Woodinville Sports Club. Your caring and quick response speaks volumes of who you all are.
His memorial service will be held on April 26th, at 2pm at Alderwood Community church in Lynnwood.
Tributes
"Justin was a longtime co-worker, friend and pickleball partner. Together we won tournaments in three states. We were equally matched on the pickleball court, but his table tennis skills were superior. Justin was friendly, kind, and a good sport. We will miss him."
"Justin loved Barb, cars, and paddle sports. He took the many skills from his years as a high school varsity tennis player, mixed in his years of serious ping pong, and when he retired and took up pickleball, the pickleball world rejoiced. He would and could play with anyone, offer great tips to the newbies and others trying to improve their own games. His advice, just like his game, was solid. Yeah, he's a pickleball guru I'd hoped would be around for a couple of decades more, just so we eventually got to hear all his jokes. Justin, you're going to be missed for a long time to come. And I hope that during your time on earth, you felt the love and respect we of the pickleball community held for you. Lux aeterna."
"A great man who will forever be missed! "