John Justin Jr., 84, dies Monday
‘Western icon’ leaves behind Fort Worth, university legacy

By Melissa Christensen
Staff Reporter

Trustee John Justin Jr., 84, the former chairman and CEO of Justin Industries, died Monday at home.

Justin, a 1941 graduate of TCU, had served on the Board of Trustees since 1979. His $3.5 million contribution in 1999 led to the construction of the John Justin Athletic Center.

Athletics Director Eric Hyman said TCU was fortunate in its relationship with Justin.

John Justin Jr. was a lifelong supporter of TCU. 1941: graduated from TCU 1979: named as trustee 1999: donated $3.5 million for the construction of the John Justin Athletic Center

“He had a deep seed of affection for TCU athletics and TCU football,” Hyman said. “He was always at our home games. That was his love.”

Chancellor Michael Ferrari said the Justin Center is only one tangible item of Justin’s commitment to TCU.

“His contributions have been phenomenal,” Ferrari said. “He (thought he) could not do enough for TCU.”

Justin served as chairman and CEO of Justin Industries, which comprises Justin Boot and Acme Brick companies, until his 82nd birthday. John Roach, Board of Trustees chairman, temporarily served in that capacity until the company was sold to Omaha businessman Warren Buffet last year.

“He took pride in those companies and his successes,” Roach said. “He was pleased when Warren Buffet decided to buy Justin Industries because the jobs and the headquarters would remain in Fort Worth.”

Along with his business interests in Fort Worth, Justin served as a city council member and as Cowtown’s mayor from 1961 to 1963.

Fort Worth mayor Kenneth Barr said Justin was a strong supporter of Fort Worth institutions.

“He provided strong leadership during a challenging time for the city,” he said. “He probably deserved the title of Mr. Fort Worth more than anybody else.”

TCU administration said both the university and the city lost a well-respected community member.

“This is a very deep loss for Fort Worth,” Ferrari said. “He served in the ranks of Amon Carter as an extraordinary civic leader and an extraordinary human being.”

Justin was also the chairman of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for over 20 years.

“He was a western heritage icon,” Roach said.

In 1999, he was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Okla.“I never saw him without his boots on in 35 or 40 years,” Barr said.

Roach said Justin’s legacy will endure past his namesakes in the athletic center and the Justin Board Room in the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center.

“He always demonstrated a great love for TCU,” he said. “He was an alum who was committed to pointing the direction of the university.”

Justin died with his wife and daughter at his side.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Greenwood Funeral Home.

The TCU flag will be lowered to half-staff today in his memory. No plans have been made for a campus memorial service.

Melissa Christensen
m.s.christense@student.tcu.edu