Justin “Church” Douglas Linscott
Lance Corporal U.S. Marine Corps
| Justin was born in Alamogordo, NM-October 23, 1990. He spent his childhood in Pennsylvania and San Antonio Texas. He lived in Las Vegas for the last 5 years until he joined the Marine Corps in February 2008. He left for boot camp May 2, 2008 and graduated August 1, 2008. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Platoon, Golf Company at Camp Pendleton, California. |
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Justin was one of those rare people you meet in life that touched your soul with his presence and personality. He loved life and lived his life doing what he truly wanted.
On March 16, 2009, he was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in a severe brain injury. He was life flighted to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he spent 5 weeks in a coma. On March 20th, the doctors were going to pronounce him brain dead, because he was not responding and his pupils were fixed and dilated. By the next day he was responding somewhat and his brain swelling kept decreasing each day. The neurosurgeon called us and said; "Every time I tell you something about him, he proves me wrong!"
April 21st he was transported to Kindred Hospital in Las Vegas where he was slowly emerging from his coma. June 15th he was transferred to Care Meridian (a rehab facility) where he was making remarkable progress. He would follow anyone with his eyes when they came into the room, give "high fives" when you asked, took off his glasses or adjust them. He gave wonderful hugs! You knew he was there when you would visit him and spend time talking to him. He spoke 3 words that unfortunately I didn't get to hear but he said, "I want Momma."
Justin was promoted to Lance Corporal on July 1st and his 1st LT came to Las Vegas all the way from Camp Pendleton to "pin" him. We had a small ceremony with family and the staff at the facility. The staff was very moved by the ceremony and would always say Justin would be ok. They really loved him. He actually saluted the Lieutenant! That was truly amazing. He passed away on July 11, 2009.
He was a "hard-core" gamer, (those are his words) and loved to play Rock Band and Guitar Hero. When he first starting playing he would practice for hours and got extremely good at it; playing at Expert level. He & I would often play together and we both enjoyed those times together. He was a lover of music, mainly the older classic rock and always had his IPOD in his ear. He would also play Halo which is where his nickname Church came from.
Our family; (Justin has 3 sisters and 3 brothers) took a trip to Arizona and New Mexico last Christmas (2008) and I found a sign that Justin actually ended up buying because he loved the saying. "If at first you don't succeed, do it like your Mother told you." He laughed and said "how right that was". He liked to play football with his friends, although he didn't participate in sports in school.
"You were the one person I knew that always kept my ass out of trouble, & that we had our own little world in the back yard with Tucker & JD. I really miss having someone to talk to when times are rough. It's Christmas time once again, I just wanted to wish you a badass one. Just don't forget about playing halo, & eating grapes. Hah. I miss you so much. I hope you never forget me, as well I as I will never forget you. Rest in peace 'cuz. Love ya.
Sierra dean (Las Vegas, NV)
You are my greatest role model. You looked out for me all the time. I'm glad to have met you and have grown so close with you. You are my hero and inspiration. I love you Justin.
Tayonie Hodge (Las Vegas, NV)
It seems like only yesterday when you were just a little boy. You were always so full of life and yet you were all grown up and serving our country before anyone knew it. Only the Lord knows what is in store for us, and as much as your missed here on earth and no one knows what your mother goes through everyday there is not greater thing than to walk along the side of Jesus. You were such a role model here on earth and now in Heaven. There isn’t a day that goes by that are not thought of; you are greatly missed by so many people. You will always be in our hearts. Toby Gail
Toby Gail Pruett (Tularosa, NM)
I can’t believe the other day was 2months...I wish this was all a big dream...but I’m proud that we all have a guardian angel as strong as you were looking out for us and keeping us strong and safe...Justin I love you and miss you dearly...alot of people still hurt till this day. It tore people’s hearts in half when we found out about you...but you touched everyone and made them stronger...we all thank you for that and we will meet up again...
Love you Church
Justin dean (lass Vegas)
I can't believe that tomorrow is going to be 2 months already. The pain still feels like its yesterday. And it doesn't ever seem to fade or subside. A piece of me was lost when you passed, Justin. Every day is a continued struggle for me. I have started to realize all the wonderful and small things that I have taken for granted. I was driving home last night listening to your cds and some of the songs made me laugh but most of them made me cry. I just can't imagine what the rest of my life is going to be like. You are my little brother; you were supposed to outlive me. I never wanted to lose you or experience this pain I feel. I never really realized how many people in the world you have touched. Even people you didn't even know. It made me so sad the other day, we were visiting you and Brandon was practicing his drill. It’s not supposed to be this way. You are suppose to be teaching him his drill. I see so much of you in him Justin. You are going to be so much more proud of him. He does it in your honor. It’s just not fair. It’s not fair it had to be you. The most amazing, wonderful and happy person I know. You have the biggest heart and you’re so intelligent. This place surely isn't the same without you. I just keep thinking to myself, that you are just in California and you will be coming home on the weekend. That I am going to see your wonderful smile again. I will see you on the other side, one day, Justin. I miss you more than anyone can ever understand. I am sorry for not being there as much as I should have been. I am sorry for not being the best older sister. I just hope you knew that I love you beyond the stars and the sky. Keep me strong, Justin.
Charity Barber (Las Vegas, NV)
Wow....what do I say...... about the greatest best friend anyone could ask for....He was one of those people that you would be lucky to meet in life...Man I knew Church since 7th grade.....Wow me and this guy been through some crazy stuff... He's the brains and I’m the Bronze... Yeah I couldn't go a month without going to see him and his family... well there my family to... that’s another thing... I wouldn't have met the great people called the Dean/Linscott Family. Gosh I love those people....they took me in as one of their own...I don’t know when I would be able to fully thank them enough for all that they have done for me.... I could never thank Justin enough for all the times he stood up for me and looked out for me and was just there when I needed to talk....I guess what I’m tryin to say is that I would not be the person I am today without my best friend and loving brother Justin....through all the crap we went through together, I would gladly go through a million times worse and back just to bring you back.......I love you man.... And I love you too Family......Sidney
Sidney Dagons (Las Vegas, NV)
Hey Church...
I just wanted to say I miss you bro.
It’s barely been a month *to this day* since your passing and life is still hard without you.
Here man.
I remember... I remember when you first went to our bus stop and all I could think was who's the new kid? Who knew, it was my best friend...my brother. I just didn't know it yet, as did no one else that's ever met you.
You gave so much when we never asked for you to give anything but that was 1 thing that makes you such a great person.because you cared about those you loved and would do anything for them. I remember those thanksgiving dinners *leftovers*. Mom, you are right, those thanksgiving dinners are his favorite *and mine* especially the stuffing! Ha ha Church... LCpl Justin Douglas Linscott I love you Bro. I know your looking down on us right now...because you are a good guy. I remember all those conversations *back in the day* we use to have talking about the problems in the world, all the bad things and how we wanted to fix it... and we always tried to find solutions, and 1 solution to some problems was joining the armed forces... The Few, The Proud, The Marines. OOH-RAH!
It’s hard because I wanted to wait for you to get out of the hospital and then tell you the good news that I was going to the place where I sign up to become a Marine. Just like my big brother *you*but I wanted to wait for you to get better.
You inspired me to become a better person. We were both a bit of trouble makers ha ha.
I know your keeping everyone's hands full up there trying to keep an eye on you, wondering what cloud you'll make rain on us next ha ha. Still the same old Church I knew back in the day, enjoying life, and the moments, making the best out of what you have, because it’s all you got...in ways we were complete opposites in appearance..but in other ways, you were the only 1 I could relate things to, the only 1 I could really talk to and know no matter what we're still family.. And I still know if there was a life before this, then in that life time we were brothers back then too.
We still are brothers...until the end. But for every ending is new beginnings...
you will always be a brother to me Church...
you will always be a brother to me Justin...
you will always be family to me no matter what.
I want you to know, I love you, I love your family and look up to them like the family I always wanted...
your parents have always accepted me; even that 1 time we came in at 3 am, I remember your mom was just sitting on the couch reading, she just smiled and said hi, and I *being a smart ass* said good morning.
I've never had what you and your family gave me… a place and a family I could feel comfortable and welcome to.Justin, you and your family made me feel more welcome then my own family ever did. (Not to sound rude, but it’s true.) like I'm more comfortable talking to them about things I could never talk to my parents about without causing a fight or an argument...you and your family have given me a place where I can release the stress and finally be myself again.. It’s hard to be lost when you have nowhere to go, but you all gave me a place to go to.thank you.
Justin, you will never be forgotten, you will be missed but you will always be remembered. Your memory will live on in all of us.forever.
You weren't just a neighbor...
You weren't just a friend...
You weren't just family...
You were my brother...and that is something that will never change.
Everyone who reads this… do Justin a favor…for him...hold out your hand...and throw up the A.
Semper Fidelis
LCPL Justin Douglas Linscott
xKoAx Church!
-Tucker
xKoAx Tucker Dustin Champion Fuller (N. Las Vegas)
Church.... ever since I met you I can remember right from the first day we ever met that we clicked as one. It was like those TV shows that we watched all the time you and I were partners in crime solving everything. We had the craziest imaginations from pretend sword fighting to instance gun battles. We would pretend to shoot each other up...lol it was like something between us knew that we were going to be as brothers. Justin you and I became close friends and have been friends for a longtime and I’ll never forget the first day I came to your house and met your parents for the first time your dog bit my ankle...lol the little ankle biter. I enjoyed every bit of the experience of meeting you and your family, even the little ankle biter. As time went on we all got closer and I was over your house every flippen day. My mom would say to me hey aren’t they tired of you yet? Lol. I sometimes thought so and wonder if they did lol. But come to think of it they really didn't mind. They loved me like I was one of their own. It got good my dear friend, oh not ever a friend no more you were like another brother to me all they way. Oh man I can’t even describe to you how many times I have been out with your family for dinner. I was even out with them when you went over to my house trying to find me when you came home. Oh that is where all of them are...lol. Church sometimes I remember I bought you stuff and you said to me; Jordan I’ll pay you back I promise and I was thinking to myself you already have. Church I was always there for you brother as you were always there for me. All and all brother I just want to say I have so many memories with you to last me a lifetime. So many good memories of joy and laughter. At times we had our ups and downs but we were right back next to each other’s sides to pick up where we were last for that what brothers do!! You will always be in my heart and I’ll never forget you. Your spirit will always be with us where ever you may go. And I would say: hey do you remember when Church did this? Then everyone would be like: oh yes I do. Then like he would say "Damn" That did just happen!!
Jordan Scott Whipple (NLV, NV)
Justin, to a great fine man. You have made me proud in soooo many ways. The pain is gone for u; let the heaven floor keep you planted in the hearts of us all. Sorry I wasn’t able to do more for you on earth. Love and always missed you.
Star
Justin exemplified a Marine...dedicated and caring to the innocent and a fierce warrior to those who would bring harm to innocents. I saw both of these aspects in his recovery as he fought valiantly, and the fact alone that he fought these incredible odds made him the victor. This is the Justin I'll remember. I wish I would have known him longer. Semper Fidelis.
John (Camp Pendleton, CA)
Justin was so much more than a friend and neighbor. To us he was like a brother and another son. In other words he was family. I can remember the late night games and being asked hey mom can Justin spend the night? There was always something going on in our house, either that was Xbox to guitar hero or rock band or playing WoW. Justin was one of those kids that you didn’t have a problem spending the night or when your son tells you hey mom I’m going to Church's cya later. Justin had a way of making you love him right from the start. He was a strong devoted one that had his own beliefs and awesome values. He knew what he wanted and went after it. But also he was very loving to his friends and family. Sometimes he would ask Jordan, hey what’s your mom cooking for dinner? Mine is making this. I want to thank you Justin for you being you, even though you’re not here with us I know you’re seeing us from Heaven. Your gone sweetheart but not forgotten by those who had the greatest pleasure of knowing you. May god bless you and keep you. The Whipple family.
Janine Whipple (North Las Vegas, NV)
Justin was such an amazing guy. He constantly made me and everyone laugh and smile. He was and is someone to look up to. He means the world to me. He changed my life and I’ll never forget him. I love him.
It’s hard to believe that he is gone but now he is in a better place. He will forever be in our hearts and our minds
I love you Justin
Michelle
Justin,
You were not only my best friend you were my big brother. You were always there for me when I needed you and always helped me get back up when I was down on my knees. You helped me find faith in myself and helped me find out who I was. I and so many people will miss you. You’re forever in my Heart. I love you always.
Tayonie Hodge
It has been awhile since I have seen Justin but I remember when you guys lived here in San Antonio and we would spend time with Melissa. I will always remember him that way. You must be so proud of him and just rest assured that he is in God's merciful hands. I am blessed to have met him as well as his wonderful family. Thank you for raising such an amazing man. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Jennifer Silvas (San Antonio, TX)
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
No words will ever take away this pain. He lives in each of us and he is that voice that tells you every day to live long and fight strong. I miss you so much little brother. I am glad that I have you watching over me, but I'd rather have you here with us. There are so many things I wish I could have said to you and wish I could have done for you. Thank you for all that you have given us, you will never know how much we appreciate you. You became such an amazing young man. I just really wish that there were more people like you in my life. Thank you for letting me see the simple things in life are what I need to enjoy and I just need to be happy for me. I love you buddy.
Charity Barber (Las Vegas, NV)