Dallas, TX- Justin Lee Kinnunen, age 35 of Dallas, Texas and former Negaunee resident passed away Friday August 12, 2016 in Atlantic Beach, FL as a result of a pedestrian-vehicle accident.

Justin was born July 26, 1981 in Ishpeming to Ronald & Barbara (Hietala) Kinnunen. He lived in Negaunee growing up as a child and graduated from Negaunee High School, class of 1999. He attended Northern Michigan University where he played hockey for the Wildcats for 4 years, receiving a bachelor's degree in 2004. Justin was currently a pilot, flying the Embraer ERJ-145 for American Eagle (Envoy) based out of Dallas, Texas. He had been a pilot since 2011.

Justin had a love for the game of hockey; he played locally for the Marquette Electricians, the Soo Indians and for N.M.U. Following his hockey career at N.M.U. he played in various Pro leagues in the United States and also played for teams in France and Finland. His other joys in life were golfing & traveling, as he traveled to various parts of the World.

Justin is survived by his parents Ron & Barb Kinnunen of Ishpeming, 2 brothers, Jason (Erika) Kinnunen of Milwaukee, WI and Jared (Amy) Kinnunen of Neptune Beach, FL, a niece Riley Oliva Kinnunen, his grandmother, Minerva Hietala of Hancock, MI, aunts & uncles, Roger (Patty) Kinnunen, Susan Kinnunen, Dennis (Janet) Hietala, Kathleen (David) Setula, Jerry (Kathy) Hietala, Joyce (Dave) Dehne, Paul (Jane) Hietala, Brian (Sue) Hietala, Kristine Hietala, a great Aunt Judy Schuster, along with numerous cousins. Lastly, special in Justin's life, the first love of his life Antonia Spiteri of Los Angles, CA, and the last love of his life Teslin Ward of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents Waino & Norma Kinnunen, George Hietala, and a cousin Jennifer Diechelbor.

Justin's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday August 19, 2016 from 11:00am-1:00pm at the Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church 121 Sunset Drive, Negaunee where funeral services will be held at 1:00pm, with Pastor D. Michael Carriere and Pastor Dale Niskanen officiating.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Burial will take place in the Elo Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jason & Jared Kinnunen, Matt Matulewicz, Brad Sullivan, Rob Lehtinen, Andy Contois, & Chad Theuer.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .

Justin's obituary can be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com