James Just, 74, born on July 31, 1951, in East St. Louis, IL, United States, passed away at home on July 15, 2026. He was the seventh of 12 children born to Roland Phillip Just and Marcella Margaret Just nee Arnold. He attended St. Patrick's Catholic school and E St Louis High School. Jim briefly worked at the American Steel Foundry in E St. Louis as a molder. In 1970 he joined the US Army and served until 1976 with the 851st Army Security Agency stationed at Fort Jackson, Fort Devens, Fort Dix, the Presidio of Monterey, California, and the Harvey Barracks in Kitzingen, Germany. On January 31, 1971 Jim married Monica Kay Kantosky of Washington Park, Illinois. After the military Jim worked 45 years as an aerospace machinist for LA Gauge in Sun Valley, California retiring in 2021. LA Gauge manufactured critical parts for the Space Shuttle program in the 1980's and 1990's and a host of aircraft and DOD satellite and missile projects during his career. Jim and Monica have been members of the Summit Christian Church (formerly Church of the Open Bible) in Tujunga, California since 1980. Jim enjoyed philanthropy and construction trips to several Latin countries with the church's missionary outreach program. Jim also enjoyed studying theology, golf, fine cigars, and travelling with Monica. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and four sisters. He is survived by one sister; Rosemary Waugh of Surrey, England, his wife Monica of 55 years, two sons; James (Jessica) of Aliso Viejo, Jason (Melissa) of Simi Valley, a daughter; Karen Williams (Canyoun) of Palmdale - all of California, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. A viewing will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills on August 29 from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Old North Church with a funeral service and Army Honor Guard and interment graveside immediately following.