Paul Francis Justus
October 1, 1950 - January 20, 2021
Salem, Oregon - Paul Francis Justus, 70, of Salem, OR, and a former long-time resident of Northwest Arkansas, died suddenly on January 20, 2021, of natural causes while on a walk in his neighborhood.
Paul was an author and strong advocate of progressive economic policy to combat our nation's growing inequality and promote the common good.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dr. Andrea Radwell, a noted stream ecologist and his parents Dr. John Bahan Justus and Mary Grogan Justus. He is survived by his stepson Brent Livingwell and four step-grandchildren (Sasha, Noah, Aliyah and A.J.) of Boulder, CO, his five siblings John Justus Jr. (Tia) of Santa Fe, NM, Susan Justus Weinstein (Robert) of Gainesville, FL Janet Justus (Andrea) of Leawood, KS, Robert Justus of Kansas City, KS, Margaret Justus of Austin, TX and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul was deeply loved by his family and friends. He served in the Peace Corps in the island nation of Tonga and retired as a regional planner for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, an Eagle Scout and served on the boards of several public service non-profit organizations including, the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, the Ozark Regional Land Trust and Common Ground USA. He also published a children's book about Georgist economic policy, Young George and the Dragon: An Economic Fairy Tale.
Paul was born in Kansas City MO and graduated from Bishop Miege High School where he ran cross country and participated in theater productions. He earned a BA in Economics from Saint Louis University and an MA in Urban Design from the University of Kansas School of Architecture.
Paul enjoyed spending time with his countless friends in Salem and Eureka Springs Arkansas, playing his guitar, practicing Spanish, singing in choirs, spending time in nature and advocating for progressive solutions to fight climate change.
Services will be announced once the family has determined a date. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Paul to Ozark Regional Land Trust.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Justus

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

29 Entries

Lani O'Callaghan

January 22, 2025

The Red Door Community had a tree planted in Bush Park to honor our friend Paul. It has a label and is located at the back of Bush Barn about 20' from the street.

Nadine Stoner

January 22, 2025

You are still remembered, Paul, for a life well lived. Rest in peace.

Kay Kuhlmann

January 22, 2025

I didn't learn of Paul's death until several months later, when I looked for him online because I was surprised not to have heard from him after sending him a Christmas letter. So I am appreciative of today's anniversary reminder because, like Paul, I'm a bit of a non-rational romantic about anniversary dates of all manner of things.
Glad to take this occasion to link today's anniversary to my recent move back to Douglas County, Kansas, where we shared co-op housing and Unity membership and hours of friendship activities. To me, because it's where I interacted with him often in the '90s, Paul looms large as a Kansan. Happy to be particularly thinking of him today. (I visited him for several days in 2019-photo of us on this site posted April '21 after I learned of his death. KK

janet justus

January 28, 2024

Vicky--- i was remiss for not thanking you for sharing the photos of Paul and the beautiful lunar lullaby. That song resonates Paul! it is all really special. thank you! Janet j

Janet j

January 28, 2024

Vicky --- thank you for this. Paul spoke fondly of you. i still of course miss him terribly. best to you, Janet Justus

Vicky Veyna

January 27, 2024

Vicky Veyna

January 27, 2024

Vicky Veyna

January 27, 2024

Vicky Veyna

January 27, 2024

My husband and I were blessed with Paul´s friendship. We spent countless days sharing cultural traditions and practicing Spanish as a group. We enjoyed his visit to our hometown in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
We had fun at many representative places here in Oregon and abroad.
Paul was a kind, generous and wise man, full of joy and passion for nature´s landscapes. His inner peace and smile is unforgettable. Paul´s friendship will always be part of our most precious memories.

Pat McKelvie

December 8, 2023

Salem Community Chorus was a part of Paul's community of friends here. We are just finishing our winter concert series this week, December 4, 2023. Paul had suggested a song for our choir to sing and we have sung it all this fall in rehearsals and of course in our concerts.The song is Lunar Lullaby by John Narverud, text by Kathleen Nicely. I think of you every time I sing this piece, Paul. Remembering Paul with fondness, Pat McKelvie

Bettina Lehovec

September 29, 2021

He was a kind man. I didn't know him well, but was well blessed by his gentle presence and demeanor when our paths crossed (literally) around town. I will remember his smile and his gentle spirit. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

Janet Justus

September 23, 2021

Thank you all for all your beautiful and loving comments regarding our brother Paul. Paul was truly special and so greatly loved by his siblings and stepson.

Please join us for a Memorial Service and Celebration of Paul's Life -----

Saturday, October 2, 2021
12 Noon
Universal Unitarian Fellowship
17 Elk Street
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632

An outdoor reception will immediately follow
Face coverings, social distancing and vaccines are required

with Love, Paul's family

Sue Walton, Administrator, Council of Georgist Organizations

June 10, 2021

Paul was a long time "conference video guy" for our yearly conferences. This year Paul will be honored as part of our annual Friendship Memorial Event on Sunday, July 18th via zoom. we would like to invite his family & friends to this event. Sue Walton, Council of Georgist Organizations. We miss Paul terribly!

Kay Kuhlmann

April 17, 2021

I was Paul’s housemate and Unity church mate in Lawrence (KS) of the 1990s. Visited with him for a week in 2019, when we attended this rain-soaked concert at the fairgrounds behind his house. Was saddened to come across online reporting of his death this morning in my efforts to contact him. What a wonderful human being. We who knew him are enriched.

Rita Thomas

April 14, 2021

We miss Paul. Our Red Door Community has had a tree planted in Bush Park here in Salem, Oregon in Paul's name. The tree is a sweet gum and is planted near the back West corner of the Museum store(called the Barn). On April 15(tomorrow) the Red Door Community will gather at 9 am near Paul's tree in Bush Park for coffee in what we call, a "Red Door Coffee". Paul was and will always be a welcomed loved member of our group. Bring your own coffee and a memory of Paul. I suspect this will not be the last picnic coffee in Bush Park near Paul's tree. Eventually the Park will put a bronze plaque next to the tree remembering our dear friend so others will know he was here and loved the Earth and all who live on this planet.

Keith Jones

April 13, 2021

Just now learning of his passing. I worked with him on a rail plan study for Northwest Arkansas, and it was always a treat to meet with him and work on the project. He had a wide range of interests and expertise, and he is gone too soon.

Ted Heisel

February 26, 2021

Paul was one of the most thoughtful and kind people I have come across. We worked together when he was on the board of the Ozark Regional Land Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting forests and open space in Missouri and Arkansas. He was a long-standing board member of that organization.

Lloyd Smith

February 21, 2021

We will miss you, my friend, in our Thursday Spanish conversation group sessions, lately via Zoom, and in our Tuesday night Spanish classes at Jefferson Baptist Church. We will miss your attempts to educate us on the person and philosophy of Henry George, one of your favorite subjects. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_George

We will miss your contagious smile and deferential manner and your ability to connect quickly with all who knew you. We will just miss you.

Salem Red Door Community

February 15, 2021

The Red Door Community is excited to purchase a Green Gable Black Gum Tree in Memoriam of our dear, recently deceased, Paul Justus to be planted in Bush Pasture Park.

Mike Zeleznak

February 13, 2021

Good man, good heart, good friend. Paul, you left this world too soon.
Your caring and kindness is always needed, maybe now more than ever.
Rest in peace old friend. Heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of your family.

Farrell North

February 12, 2021

I knew Paul as a child. Went to elementary and high school with him. From the beginning he was simply kind and good, unpretentious in those graces and steady. Having not seen him since those days, I give thanks that what he was in the beginning, he was all of the way through. My love and condolences to all of his family. We are all better for his presence amongst us. Go in peace, Paul. Everything luminous was made for you.

Steve White

February 12, 2021

I wish Paul’s family my condolences. We shared good times together at Bishop Miege High School.

Dave and Heather Wetzel - London. UK

February 9, 2021

Our thoughts are with Paul's family and close friends. We met Paul at many Georgist Conferences in the USA and treasure many happy memories and serious chats about annual Land Value Tax,

Gilbert Herman

February 9, 2021

I knew Paul through his activities with Georgist organizations. He was an intelligent, thoughtful and gentle soul. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Nadine Stoner

February 8, 2021

My deep sympathy to Paul's family. I have known Paul for more than 20 years through his Georgist organization activities, beginning while he was still in Arkansas.
He will be much missed.

Tom Gihring

February 8, 2021

Paul, we miss you - dear faithful friend and colleage.

Marcia Hoak

February 2, 2021

It was a shock to learn of Paul's death. We had many interesting walks talking about a variety of things, including progressive economic policies, land use, the Spanish language, Oregon, Arkansas & Kansas, where we both were originally from, & always took photos of something beautiful on our walk!

Vicky Veyna

January 31, 2021

I am thankful for such a wonderful friend like Paul. He was a passionate Spanish language learner and a charming beginner student of Salsa music. He loved walking and exploring beautiful sites nearby Salem where he enjoyed to live and spend time taking pictures of beautiful landscapes of flowers, sunrises and sunsets. I will miss our interesting Spanglish talks and afternoon weekend walks. Rest In Peace my dear friend Paul.
My condolences for all his loved ones.

Rita Thomas

January 31, 2021

I am so sad to hear of Paul's death. He was a beloved friend in our Salem Red Door Community. Paul brought so much to our community and his friendships. He contributed to conversations with information that always helped us understand how to move ahead in areas of social and economic justice. We will miss you Paul. And if Cookie Dough, your kitty needs a home, we will make sure she is taken into a home where she will be loved. If someone reading this knows if the kitty has a good home, please let me know. RIP dear Paul. Your friend, Rita

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