Justin James McCall

Justin James McCall passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 22, 2024 one day after his 40th birthday. Justin was born at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City the first of Jerry & Laura (Owens) McCall’s three children.

By the time he could talk, Justin had already discovered his love of sports, with baseball at the top of the list. Starting with T-ball and then Little League, he continued playing all the way through his graduation from Sparta High School. He also played football and basketball (never soccer), but as a gifted pitcher and strong batter, he topped off his high school career by hitting three home runs in a single game during his senior year.

Justin went on to major in Sports Management at Aquinas College until he felt the call to serve his country and joined the Army Reserves, immediately deploying to Iraq. He proudly served alongside his brother Michael during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After his honorable discharge, Justin began his career in the family business, Stikwood. His energetic nature and sharp mind helped him rise to the position of VP of Operations. Over his 15 years with the company, he took on every imaginable role, becoming a trusted confidant to his father, Jerry, as they ran the business together.

In 2008, Justin met Jessica, the love of his life, and they were married on June 26, 2010. Together, they raised their children, Brooklyn and Nolan. A devoted husband and father, Justin passed down his love of baseball to Nolan, first by naming him after the legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan, and then by spending countless hours teaching him the game and sharing his passion for the sport.

A lifelong sports fanatic, Justin was a diehard Atlanta Braves fan, passionately following the team through every season, win or lose. He rarely missed a game and could often be found cheering on his favorite players. His love for the Braves ran deep, a constant in his life from childhood into adulthood.

Equally devoted to Michigan football, Justin planned his Saturdays around Wolverines games. Whether it was a heated rivalry or a routine matchup, he was fully invested, cheering loudly and analyzing every play. The thrill of a Michigan victory always made his day.

Despite Justin's diehard support for Michigan, his son Nolan somehow became a Michigan State fan, sparking a fun and friendly rivalry between them. They loved teasing each other about their teams, making game days extra special. Justin also embraced Jessica's love for the Detroit Tigers and Lions, happily watching games with her—unless the Braves were playing.

Justin loved golf and played with so much passion and intensity that it was often funny to watch. He took every shot seriously, sometimes so seriously it was hilarious when things didn’t go as planned. He was obsessed with improving, always looking for ways to perfect his game. Even with that focus, he kept things fun with jokes and sh*t talk, especially while spending time with friends. For Justin, golf wasn’t just a game—it was a way to relax, be outdoors, challenge himself, enjoy time with friends, and have a good laugh.

A fiercely private person, Justin found his greatest outlets in music and comedy. He loved all genres of music, but artists like Pink Floyd, Tool, Tyler Childers, and Sturgill Simpson held a special place for him. Their lyrics spoke to his emotions and often provided deeper meaning. His sharp sense of humor drew him to comedians who pushed boundaries, not just for the laughs but for the boundaries they crossed. Music and comedy were his ways of expressing himself and connecting to the world around him.

Justin will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and his approach to life, marked by passion and laughter. In just 40 years, he packed in a lifetime of experiences, fully embracing his love of sports, music, and comedy. He shared a special bond with his son Nolan through their mutual love of baseball, passing down his enthusiasm for the game and creating countless memories. Justin also had lasting connections with his friends, always bringing laughter and meaning into their lives. Whether cheering on his favorite teams, finding meaning in the music of Pink Floyd and Tool, or laughing at comedians who pushed boundaries, Justin lived with intensity and laughter. His ability to find humor and connection, even in the smallest moments, is a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Jessica; his children: Brooklyn & Nolan McCall; his parents Jerry & Laura; his brother Mike (Jenny) McCall; his sister Ashley (Derek) Drye; his grandparents: Linda Hiller, Billy Owens and Alice McCall; his great-grandfather Emmit McCormick; his mother-in-law Laurie Harm; his brother-in-law Tim Sobleskey; his sisters-in-law: Nicole (Cory) Newman and Brenna Harm; his nieces and nephews: Brandon, Skylar, Emma, Hannah, Jace, Colt, Caleb, Ethan, Elijah as well as many other family and friends.

Justin was preceded in death by his grandfather Gerald McCall and his great-grandparents Iona McCormick and Bill Owens Sr.

Visitation for Justin will be held on Thursday September 26, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Friday September 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at City Church in Rockford where the family will also receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be at Blythefield Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations in memory of Justin may be made to Young Life, a program that Nolan is directly involved in that allows him the opportunity to explore and grow in his faith.

https://rockfordmi.younglife.org/