Justus Brandt Ashcraft

2007 ~ 2024

Justus Brandt Ashcraft, beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away on August 15, 2024, in Highland, Utah. He was born on June 3, 2007, in Escondido, California, and lived an incredible 17 years of life.

Justus grew up in San Marcos, California, and later in Highland, Utah. He attended American Fork and Lone Peak High Schools, where he was renowned for his remarkable talent and vibrant spirit. He would often be seen singing in the halls as he danced his way to class saying hi to students and faculty along the way.

Justus is survived by his loving parents, Bryce Ashcraft and Jennifer Ashcraft; his siblings, Jayden Ashcraft, Brittley Ashcraft Brown (Skyler, Brother in-law), Brennon Ashcraft, Juliet Ashcraft, Brielle Ashcraft, and Beau Ashcraft, as well as many beloved extended family members. He played a unique role as the middle child of 7 kids, bridging the gap between his older and younger siblings.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Justus exemplified faith, kindness, and service. His testimony reflected a deep love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He held the ordinance of the sacrament in sacred regard, always approaching its preparation and blessing with care. Justus was deeply committed to keeping his covenants, particularly his dedication to regular temple attendance.

He lived and loved big, showing kindness by his comforting hugs, friendly smile, altruistic words, and selfless personality. Anyone who met him, even for the first time, was touched and uplifted by his presence. In life, Justus always looked out for the one, because he wanted others to feel cared for and appreciated. He had a tender heart and always sought to ease the pain of others.

A gifted musician and performer, Justus was a star among his family and friends at Caleb Chapman Sound House and Lone Peak High School Theater. His creativity knew no bounds—he was an achiever of dreams, a gifted dancer, a culinary artist, a Jedi Master, a devoted cosplay fanatic, and an inventive designer-builder. Whether it was Legos, recyclables, textiles, or electronics, he always had a project he was working on.

Justus was a self-taught musician, mastering a variety of instruments including the electric ukulele, drums, piano, and guitar. Yet, it was his voice that truly stood out as his greatest instrument. He had a passion for performing on stage, sharing his talents with bands like Jukebox Antihero and The Inevitables.

Above all, Justus was a true follower of Jesus Christ and a genuine friend to all. His compassion, quickness to forgive, and boundless love left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was known to many by his cherished nicknames, Chief, Murdock (A-Team), JB, DJ-ZILLA, and Goose Juice.

Justus will be forever remembered for the love, humor, creativity, and charity that he brought into the world and the light he shined into the lives of all who knew him.

Funeral services for Justus will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Highland Stake Center Chapel, located at 5335 West 11200 North, Highland, Utah 84003. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church.