Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
King, Justin

Teacher, chaplain, pastor; born Drummoyne, NSW, 15 June 1937; died Adelaide, 13 February 2017, aged 79.

Justin Ernest King was the only child of Callaghan and Hazel. Callaghan was an active alumnus of St Ignatius' College, Riverview, over many years, so it was not surprising that Justin spent his secondary education at the same college, 1946-54. He entered the Jesuit noviciate at Loyola, Watsonia, 1 February 1955, and after philosophy in the same place, from Campion College, Kew, he studied for the combined degree of Arts and Science, majoring in physics and mathematics, at The University of Melbourne, 1962-66. Regency was split over the years, 1960-61 and 1966, at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, where he initially taught middle school religion and English, as well as assistant sports master and officer of Cadets, and in 1966, when he taught mathematics, science, and physics.

Theology studies was first at Canisius College, 1967-68, and second, when the province moved its theologate from Sydney to Melbourne, at Jesuit Theological College, Parkville, 1969-70. Tertianship followed, September 1971-May 1972 at St Beuno's College, Flintshire, UK, with director Father Paul Kennedy. Before tertianship in 1971, King studied science education in Iowa, USA. He was professed, 5 November 1975.

After a few months teaching senior religion and mathematics at Xavier College, Kew, from September 1972, he was posted to St Aloysius' College, Sydney, teaching religion mathematics and science, as well as involvement with sports and cadets, 1973-78. The years, 1979-81 were at St Leo's University College, Brisbane, where he was vice-rector, prefect of studies and tutored in physics.

The following years, 1982-1990, saw him as chaplain at the diocesan school, Thomas More College, Salisbury, SA, residing in the Para Hills presbytery.

He was then transferred to Canisius College, Pymble until 1995 as socius to the master of novices and worked with the Companions Volunteer Community that lived within the parish of North Sydney.

He returned to the tertiary apostolate at Aquinas College, Adelaide, 1995-2000, as vice-rector and chaplain to the University of Adelaide, involved with at least 22 different groups, participating in Catholic Chaplains Meetings, working with Basic Christian Communities, Catholic Youth Services, the 'Young People and the Future' programme and the 'Shaping the Future' project.

Chaplaincy at the secondary school, Loyola College, Watsonia, followed, 2001-2009, while living in the parish of Hawthorn, Melbourne. Here he was remembered as 'a lovely person, caring of others and a great conversationalist'. His duties included staff prayer, Christian Service Programme, and working with those students with special needs. He said morning Mass for the local community and supported nearby parishes as a supply priest.

His final appointment from 2010 was to Sevenhill, SA, where he worked in the spirituality ministry giving retreats and spiritual direction.

An omnivorous reader, a man of slow and measured style, King exercised great patience in laborious situations. He loved engaging with people, whether it be in schools, universities, parishes or retreat houses, and relished opportunities for spiritual conversation. Many of his retreatants retained fond memories of his wise, patient, and gentle guidance.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)