Justiss, Jacob, was born May 2, 1919, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. At the age of 14 he was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church and upon graduation from high school he was inducted into the National Scholarship Society. He graduated with honors from Emmanuel Missionary College and received his M.A. degree from the Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University. During his ministry of 36 years he held every position within the power of the church to bestow. He was widely published in denominational magazines and was the author of the book Angels in Ebony. He was pastor of the Dupont Park church when it was built, and was involved in the organization of the International Brotherhood church. In June, 1946, he married Mae Smith, now deceased, and to this union two children were born.

He departed this life April 23 at Washington Adventist Hospital. He leaves to mourn two children, Mrs. Joan Tynes, a school teacher, and Jacob Justiss III, a student at Andrews University; one grandchild; three sisters, Mrs. J. Hill, Ms. M. Justiss, and Dr. Valerie Vance; many relatives and a host of wonderful friends who warmed his heart.

-North American Informant, July-August 1978