Augusta, Georgia, USA
U.S. Army
Sergeant
07/29/2011, Augusta, Georgia
Sergeant Charles Justin Shinn was a loving, dedicated man who devoted his life to his family and his country. He was only 29 years old when he was killed in an accident near his active station of Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia on July 29, 2011. He would have celebrated his 30th birthday just a few weeks later.
Sergeant Shinn was known to friends and family as Justin. He was born August 25, 1981, in Topeka, Kansas, to Daryle and Donna Shinn. His early childhood was fraught with medical worries; he went through nine surgeries for cancer between the ages of two and seven, and seizures often accompanied a fever. Despite these obstacles, he maintained a bright outlook on life and grew close to his family, particularly his brother Michael.
Justin attended and graduated from Labette Community College. He joined the United States Army in 2003, and maintained friendships from elementary school all through college. He had a kind, helpful heart, and loved making people laugh. He loved shoes, sports, and cars, and was in the process of restoring a 1976 Impala.
Justin had been deployed twice and was scheduled for another tour in October 2011. He had planned to serve in the Army for twenty years, and wanted to raise a family. Justin put his faith in God, and attended church as often as he could. He went through a difficult divorce, but always had hope that he could settle down again. In fact, he had met a girl and was planning to introduce her to his parents that August.
Justin’s mother often affectionately called him her “Baby Boy,” and he always responded, “Momma, I’m six foot six!” He was a beloved, caring son and a deeply loving brother. Justin is survived by his parents, Daryle and Donna; brothers, David B. Shinn (wife Donna) of Kansas City, KS and Derrick B. Shinn (wife Ding) of Fountain, CO; sisters, Rochelle S. Canady (husband Terry) of Topeka, KS and Raedell J. Shinn of Texas; and step-daughter Danielle Sanders; as well as many other friends and relatives.