Justin Rich Eccles

1928 - 2025

Justin Rich Eccles

Husband, Father, Leader and Friend

Ogden, Utah-Rumor has it Justin Rich Eccles broke a record for loved ones coming to receive him at the pearly gates when he passed away on the morning of December 14, 2025. He was 97 years old.

Justin was born December 8, 1928 in Ogden, Utah to Royal and Cleone Rich Eccles, the youngest of their six children. After graduating from Ogden High School, he became the youngest missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 18 years old and served the people of France from 1947-1950. He spoke beautiful French and dusted it off any chance he could.

Justin's greatest achievement was meeting and marrying his sweetheart, Shauna Smith, on December 22, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were deliriously in love for 63 years. Together they raised three children: Justine Eccles Hazen (Craig), Royal S. Eccles (Jill) and Richard R. Eccles (Stephanie). JR had 11 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren who adoringly called him "Poppy."

He entered the United States Air Force Pilot training in 1952 before serving in the 191st Fighter Squadron of the Utah Air National Guard from 1954-1956, flying the F-86.

Justin attended the University of Utah before graduating from Brigham Young University and later attained his M.B.A from the University of Southern California. He worked for four multi-national corporations and started his own business in 1967.

Justin eagerly served his church and community. He was a bishop three times, was stake president, and served as President of the Brussels, Belgium mission with Shauna from 1994-1997. Together they oversaw 438 missionaries during their three years in Belgium and thought of them all as bonus children they would do anything for.

JR could remember the make, model, paint color, and interior of the many, many cars he brought home, loved shopping and a good pair of "wizzy" argyle socks, had an enduring appreciation for planes and always looked forward to the Oshkosh show with his sons, and spent many happy summers at the North Fork cabins.

Justin had a remarkable way of making everyone he met feel like the most important person in the world. He rarely met a person he didn't think was "first class." He loved and was loved by so many.

JR was interred at the Ogden Cemetery next to Shauna on December 15. A celebration of life will be held at 1 PM on December 27 at 5855 Skyline Drive in Ogden.