Justin Allan Jeffery, 77, of Benson, MN, passed away from lung cancer January 6, 2014, with his daughters at his side. 

He was born to the late Paul and Lena (Alfrey) Jeffery, August 3, 1936, in Benson, MN. Justin graduated from Benson High School in 1954 and began working for the Soil Conservation Service (now Natural Resources Conservation Service) immediately following graduation. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD and continued his career with the NRCS as a Civil Engineer until retirement in June 2001. He served in the National Guard, including assignment in Alaska protecting the pipeline project there in the 1980s.  

He married the late Judie (Hohn) Jeffery in 1964, and they lived in Benson, St. Cloud, and Brooklyn Park, before divorcing in 1990. He was married to Sheila Jeffery from February 1991 to November 1992; they resided in Maple Grove. He returned to his hometown of Benson after retiring. He shared the last eight years of his life with Brenda Norris and their three beloved dogs.

Justin credited Alcoholics Anonymous and Prince of Peace Lutheran church for supporting his sobriety and spiritual growth, which he saw as intertwined. He was proud of being 25+ years sober. He approached the end of his life with courage, faith, and astonishing peace; it seemed he did not pass away so much as he stepped forward into grace, ready to accept whatever waited around the next bend in his journey. 

Justin is survived by three daughters: Jackie Jeffery of St. Michael, MN; Joette Johnson Rispalje (Mike Johnson) of Golden Valley, MN; and Juline Diers (Joe) of Hudson, WI; and by ten grandchildren: Rachael, Tascha, Brannon, Logan, Jameson, Jolia, Elana, Jackson, Wyatt, and Sydney.  

Words alone cannot express the meaning, gifts, and memories of his time on earth. A Celebration of Justin’s Life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, May 16, 2014 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 7217 West Broadway, Brooklyn Park, MN.  An informal luncheon will follow.