What shall we say about Justin?  Hmmm…  We all have our stories.  We all have our special memories.  We all had our own separate and unique relationship with him.  Some of us had known him for a few months, and some of us had known him his entire life.  Justin had so many great qualities and character traits that he himself couldn’t always see.  We had prayed that one day his eyes would be open to the gifts that God had given him. 

Justin was very talented, handsome and would intensely focus on what mattered most to him any given day.  He was kind, loving and had a huge heart. He had the most contagious smile that brought joy to many and sense of humor that would make everyone laugh until it hurt. A man of great strength, a fighter and full of potential.

Justin enjoyed the outdoors; he was often found hunting, fishing and camping. He enjoyed animals, movies, playing video games, music, working out and getting tattoos. He was very creative and handy; whether it was making something out of wood or tinkering with electronics.  Justin loved working hard. He also loved to play jokes and pick on people he loved, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Justin attended Belle Plaine schools. In 2005 he attended Mobile Dynamics in Canada and became a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional. On January 2, 2015 Justin married Melinda Gillis in Mt. Pleasant, IA. The couple recently moved to West Des Moines to be close to church and family.

Justin was a man who loved God, family and friends. He was in a very good place, he loved his new home, church and job.  He was taking good care of himself by eating healthier and working out.  He and his wife had a formal wedding planned to take place in April.  Many of the invitations were still in the mail awaiting arrival. Unfortunately, this will be a memory of a time that will not take place. This doesn't mean that it will be forgotten. 

Justin battled with mental illness; a sickness that many didn't understand. He was a warrior, a husband, father, son, grandson, uncle, brother and a friend. Words cannot comprehend how much he will be missed. Even though he is no longer here with us, his love will never go unfelt. 

Justin is survived by his wife, Melinda Ray of West Des Moines; parents, Christian and Missy Ray of Oskaloosa, Russ and Melissa Spading of Belle Plaine; children, Anyah and two sons; siblings, Ashley (Eric), Maria (Matt), Dre, Zach (Victoria), Mitch, Levi (Jen), Andrew, Jacob, and Hannah; grandparents, Karen Ray, Kathy Woodman, Ed and Mary Rozenboom, and many more loving family and friends.

Justin has gone to meet Jesus, he left too soon.  We may not understand why he left the way he did, but we know he is being held in the arms of Jesus. 

Never take the ones you love for granted.  Always say, "I love you.”  Always let them know you care, you are there for them and you have their back. You may not know if it could be the last time you see them.  But when they part, if you know in your heart of hearts that you both loved each other, you will be at peace! 

Justin is a part of the Iowa Donor Network and will be able to give life to many others.  It is hard to ask for something, but Justin gave to others when he could and asked for very little in return.

These funds will go towards covering the remaining cost of the funeral and burial (set at a later date).  Nothing will be taken for granted.  Anything you are able to give, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!