Justus James "Jud" Austin Jr.

Justus James Austin, Jr., lovingly known as "Jud," passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 86. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
Born on June 8, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan to Dr. Justus and Rachel Austin, Jud was raised in Tawas City, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and sports. A standout athlete, he played football and basketball at Tawas Area High School, graduating with the Class of 1957.
Jud went on to attend Michigan State University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. After college, he proudly served in the U.S. Army and continued in the reserves for six years.
From 1963 to 1968, Jud worked at J.L. Hudson Company in Detroit, where he met the love of his life, Suzanne. They were married on April 14, 1967, and built a beautiful life together. In August of 1972, they welcomed their son, Justus J. Austin III, followed by their daughter, Christina Suzanne, in July 1976.
Jud had a long and successful career in the printing industry. In 1982, alongside four close friends, he co-founded Total Business Systems (TBS), which began by printing business forms and imprinting materials for industry and government. Under their leadership, TBS grew to become one of the largest single-ticket printing companies in the gaming industry, specializing in lottery ticket production.
A true outdoorsman, Jud was an avid hunter, enjoying memorable trips throughout Michigan, Alaska, and the western United States. Growing up on the water in Tawas, he also had a deep love for boating and water skiing-famously impressing family and friends with his barefoot waterskiing skills
Golf was another of Jud's passions. He was a proud lifetime member of Red Run Golf Club since 1983, where many cherished family events took place, including birthdays and both of his children's weddings.
In 2010, Jud embraced one of the greatest joys of his life-becoming a grandfather. He treasured every moment spent with his grandsons, Lukas Justus and Josef James, born in 2010 and 2013, respectively. Nothing thrilled him more than supporting his grandsons from the sidelines as they played football and baseball.
In his later years, Jud enjoyed splitting his time between the family cottage in East Tawas and his home in Stuart, Florida, where he found peace in nature and time with loved ones.
This past April, Jud and Sue joyfully celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary-a reflection of their enduring love and lifelong partnership.
Jud will be remembered for his generous spirit, adventurous soul, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Events
Visitation
Thursday, October 16, 2025
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Modetz Funeral Home Silverbell Chapel
100 East Silverbell Road
Orion, MI 48360
Funeral Service
Friday, October 17, 2025
11:00AM
Modetz Funeral Home Silverbell Chapel
100 East Silverbell Road
Orion, MI 48360
visitation starting at 10am
Visitation