Obituary
Franklin Hilliard Just
March 5th, 1933 - March 24th, 2025
Franklin Hilliard Just, 92, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, daughters, and grandson.
Born on March 5, 1933, to Dora Permelia Hilliard and Alvin Dubois Just, Frank grew up in Firth, Idaho, and attended Firth High School. In 1957, he married his lifelong love, Sheryl Crookston, embarking on a beautiful journey together.
Frank pursued his passion for engineering, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Utah State University and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Idaho. Over a career spanning more than 35 years with General Electric (GE), Phillips Petroleum Company and Argonne at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Frank tirelessly championed the promise of nuclear energy, particularly the potential of the Experimental Breeder Reactor II.
A lifelong learner, Frank published numerous articles and papers and held a patent for Solid State Snow Machine Ignitions. He was a key advocate for education in his community, playing an instrumental role in establishing Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC), which opened its doors in 1969. Frank remained an active member of the college’s Advisory Board, dedicated to fostering local education and opportunity.
Frank’s commitment to service extended across a variety of organizations, including Bonneville County Planning and Zoning, Community Guardians, United Way, the ISU Reactor Safety Committee, and the Idaho Falls School District 91 Strategic Planning Committee. He also shared his expertise by teaching at the University of Idaho in Idaho Falls and Idaho State University in Pocatello.
One of Frank’s greatest points of pride was his time as a smokejumper in McCall, Idaho, a legacy he cherished and shared with his family. He attended reunions with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, even passing on his knowledge of the “smokejumper roll” to some of his grandchildren.
Frank’s remarkable achievements were supported by the unwavering love of his wife, Sheryl Crookston Just. Together, they built a family that was central to his life. Frank is survived by Sheryl; his daughters, Cynthia (Cindy) Dora Just (Stephen Isley), Daryl Snyder (Michael W. Snyder), and Lisa Just; seven grandchildren—Cori Masters, Lacee Michelle Sheffer Moll, Kayla Emily Rupp, Mason Frank Just, Jack Isaac Snyder, Mallory Just, and Mei Just; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He also adored his nieces and nephews, treating them as his own.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Clayton (Kay) Alvin Just, Charles (Charlie) James Just, and Gary Bennett Just.
An Albert Einstein quote reflects Frank’s enduring spirit: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at a later date for family and friends.
To honor Frank, donations can be made to the Presto Preservation Association https://www.prestopreservation.com/giving.html or the National Smoke Jumper Association https://smokejumpers.com/about/donate/.
You may also choose to plant a pine cone or simply do what Frank always did best—show an act of kindness.
