Our Deep Dive into James Justin’s Life Journey: Fueled by His Dad

Many footballers dedicate their milestones to a special person or cause, and James Justin is no different. For the English right-back, it’s not about religious devotion but about honouring his beloved father. Our article delves into the journey of James Justin, a player driven by an extraordinary desire to make his Dad proud.

Justin patiently waited for his chance to shine at right-back. When an opportunity finally arose due to a competitor’s misfortune, he seized it and proved his worth in a Leicester City shirt.

His story is one of passion and commitment, with surprising insights—like his preference for the Premier League over the Champions League and his admiration for Captain Wes Morgan, who led Leicester to their 2016 Premier League triumph, rather than the celebrated Captain America.

This article explores the inspiring journey of James Justin, a footballer whose beginnings in Luton have significantly influenced his rise to prominence. Born to Mike and Carol Justin, James’s story is marked by dedication, strong family values, and the aspiration to play at the highest level.

This article goes beyond the stats and accolades to delve into James’s life off the pitch—highlighting the importance of his Caribbean heritage and the unwavering support from his girlfriend, Laurel Sheppard.

Preamble:

Our version of James Justin’s biography delves deeper than what you might find on YouTube. We explore the key events of his childhood and early life, shedding light on his father’s influence during his upbringing and early career. We also trace his journey from Luton Town to becoming a successful footballer.

To give you a taste of how engaging James Justin’s story is, we’ve included a gallery showcasing his life journey—from childhood to his rise to fame. This visual narrative brings his story to life and highlights the significant milestones along the way.

Before Gareth Southgate called him up to represent England, James Justin was known for his tireless work rate and versatility as a defender. Brendan Rodgers once felt like he had made two new signings with Justin’s arrival, highlighting his impact on the team.

Despite facing injuries and personal setbacks that threatened his career, Justin persevered. We’ve noticed that there isn’t a comprehensive biography available about this English footballer. So, we’ve prepared an in-depth look at his story. Let’s dive in.

James Justin’s Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, JJ is the footballer’s nickname. And his real names are James Michael Justin. The English professional footballer was born on the 23rd day of February 1998 to his Mother, Carol Justin and Father, Mike Justin, in Luton, England.

James Justin came to the world as one among two children born to the blissful marital union between his Dad and Mum. Now, let’s introduce you to one of James Justin’s parents. His lovely, ever-jovial Late Dad once had a contagious smile, a man who gave him the spirit of reverence.

Growing-Up:

For James Justin, spending childhood with his best friend (Frankie Musonda) was truly an unforgettable time – full of touching stories. You see these two?… They (since their childhood days) have never allowed each other to wander in the dark alone.

Research has shown that the English Footballer wasn’t the only child of his parents, Mike and Carol. In fact, James grew up alongside a female sibling, making his family four members. Information regarding James Justin’s sister is yet to be available in the public domain.

James Justin’s Early Life:

The childhood life of the Three Lions Defender was all about his Dad’s support and sacrifice. Mike, the foresighted late father of Justin, saw a future in his son and decided to harness it. That future began by preparing the foundation for him to become a professional footballer.

James Justin Family Background:

To start with, the Defender hails from a sporting household. Research has shown that one of James Justin’s parents (his late dad, Mike) was a former footballer. Mick was a decent sportsperson who once played football and successfully transferred the virus to his son.

Unfortunately, this ever-jovial man (Mike Justin) is no more. James Justin’s Father passed away in April 2021 after a tough battle with cancer. Sadly, he made lots of sacrifices for his son but never got the chance to see him play for Gareth Southgate’s England team.

James Justin Family Origin:

Yes, it is common knowledge to describe Michael (his middle name) as someone of British nationality. However, there is more to where James Justin’s family comes from.

While James Justin’s Mother (Carol Justin) is British, his late Dad’s ancestry isn’t British.

James Justin’s family – from his late father’s side – is from Saint Lucia. This means that his grandparents (paternal) are pure natives of Saint Lucia with African family roots.

As seen from the map gallery, JJ comes from a tiny Eastern Caribbean island country.

Saint Lucia, which is James Justin’s origin, is home to volcanic beaches, luxury resorts and fishing villages, etc.

Whenever you think of exploring nature’s beauty (tour of landmarks), romance and adventure, then Saint Lucia is waiting for you, your partner and your family.

Aside from one of James Justin’s parents (his Dad), there is a retired England player of Saint Lucia descent you might not know about.

This man is the United Legend, and his name is Rio Ferdinand. Unlike Rio’s Irish Mother, Janice Lavender, Julian Ferdinand (his Dad) is from Saint Lucia.

James Justin Ethnicity:

Have you heard of the British African-Caribbean cultural group in the United Kingdom? James Justin ties his ethnicity to this group.

Describing his family roots, James Justin is a British citizen of Caribbean descent whose paternal ancestry originated in Africa.

Education and Career Buildup:

When he approached the schooling age (at five), Mike and Carol Justin enrolled James at a school in Bedfordshire, England.

From that early schooling age, James Justin’s parents made plans to see him start a soccer career at any good local academy where the family lived.

After some search within their neighbourhood, Mike Justin found Crawley Green FC. This is a small academy established in 1989 after a merger of three Sunday league football clubs – Stopsley Harriers and The Wyvern Ramridge Rangers. That (and not Luton Town FC) was James Justin’s first club.

James Justin Biography – Football Story:

At an early age, the youngster, through the help of his late father, was able to combine both schooling and playing for Crawley Green FC.

When James Justin’s Dad enrolled him at the academy, he noticed the academy’s away fixtures were against surrounding villages and towns.

Mick Justin (just like Bruno Guimarães‘ Dad, whom we have written a Biography about) was a good driver. The hardworking father did the needful in driving his son to every one of his away matches.

Mick Justin, before his death, vowed not to stop driving his son until he was 17, a time he approved James to own and drive his own car.

James Justin Luton Story:

At the age of seven, James Justin’s parents agreed to have their son change clubs. Luton, where the family lived, was home to Luton Town Football Club.

Young James Justin (in the year 2005) enrolled on the academy’s football roster after he had a successful trial.

The Luton-born Justin began his career there as a defensive midfielder. However, he was also capable of playing at the right-back position.

In his early years at Luton Town, James Justin and his childhood buddy (Frankie Musonda) were practically inseparable – even while at Luton.

Did you know?… the senior team of Luton Town FC suffered numerous setbacks at the time James Justin joined their academy.

One of those setbacks was the pain of being relegated to non-League football. It kept Luton at a disadvantageous position, putting their academy under severe threats of being closed down.

Road to Fame Story:

Despite the challenges of Luton Town Football Club, the son of Mike and Carol stood firm on his dreams. James Justin excelled through the club’s academy system in flying colours.

Did you know?… He was part of Luton’s under-11 team that beat Bayern Munich’s under-11 by 3–2. With that unforgettable win, James Justin’s parents and entire family were proud to see him lift the 2009 Aarau Masters trophy. Now, here is a photo of Luton Town U11s after being crowned Aarau Masters champions in 2009. Yes, we can!… but can you spot James Justin and Frankie, his best friend?

By beating a mighty Bayern Munich youth, James Justin and his academy teammates turned into national celebrities.

Did you know?… Jamal Lewis of Newcastle United and Max Aarons, the Norwich City right back, were among those 2009 winners of the Aarau Masters.

Did you know?… winning an international tournament, which was viewed as a Children’s Champions League final, made headlines across the UK and Germany.

James Justin Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

After winning the Aarau Masters, the two childhood friends kept soaring higher. Both Lads successfully graduated from Luton Town Academy in 2015. In just a year of graduation, James and Frankie (of Zambian family origin) celebrated their first post-academy trophy.

As a senior player, James Justin wasted no time in achieving a meteoric rise with the club. He became Luton Town’s young player of the season for two consecutive years (2016 and 2018–19).

More importantly, James helped the club rise again to win the EFL League One trophy.

After achieving three honours (EFL Young Player of November 2018, member of EFL Team of the Season and PFA Team of the Year), top England clubs began studying JJ. To the joy of James Justin’s parents, the youngster signed for Leicester City on the 28th of June 2019.

Leicester City, after the mega sales of Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire, decided to invest in youngsters like James Justin. The Luton native, alongside Youri Tielemans (CM), Ayoze Pérez and Dennis Praet, became Brendan Rogers’s first signing upon his arrival in Leicester City.

The Foxes Rise:

Playing as a second right back behind Ricardo Pereira, Justin remained patient as he waited for his moment to shine.

Surprisingly, that moment came against his former club, Luton Town, at an EFL Cup. Justin scored this goal on his debut against the club that raised him.

Since after his Leicester debut, fans began to see James Justin as this versatile defender, in fact, someone who felt like two new signings.

JJ’s off-the-ball movement became one of his key assets until injury struck. Sadly, a damaged anterior cruciate ligament kept Justin away from football for a year.

The year 2021 was a terrible period for Leicester Defence. Jonny Evans suffered from a broken leg and dislocated ankle.

Later on, both Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne (Leicester’s new signings after the sale of Ben Chilwell) faced lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Before these later injuries plagued Leicester, the club had luckily gone all the way to win their first-ever FA Cup – beating Frank Lampard‘s Chelsea side by 1–0.

Justin, who was injured, wasn’t part of the Leicester team that won the 2021 FA Cup. However, Mike and Carol’s sons had their own share of lifting the trophy from the oldest football competition in the world.

The England Call:

James Justin’s journey to join the Three Lions began on the 1st day of June 2017, after he got his long-awaited call-up to the England U-19 team.

Thanks to his progress at the club level, he further received call-ups to join the England under-20 and under-21 teams.

A return from his long-term injury saw JJ pulling the strings again with Leicester. The ultimate reward for that came on the 24th day of May 2022.

The joy of James Justin’s family knew no bounds as he, alongside West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, gladly received their first calls to the England senior team.

With his England call, the country now has five fantastic right-backs. For a starting right-back place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, JJ would definitely NOT BACK DOWN.

Back down in putting up a fight against the likes of Chelsea’s Reece James, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold, Man City’s Kyle Walker, and Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier.

The rest of James Justin’s Biography, as we say, is now history. Having told you JJ’s career story, we’ll use the next section of his Bio to reveal facts about Laurel Sheppard, the love of his life. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Love Life with Laurel Sheppard:

First thing first, she goes by the name Laurel Sheppard. From the look on James Justin’s face, you can tell he is deeply in love with her. Laurel became James Justin’s girlfriend during his Luton playing days. They started as best of friends and turned into lovers.

Based on research, Laurel Sheppard is a super girlfriend with a selfless personality. At the most difficult time of Justin’s life (injury days and moments of family grief over his Dad’s death), she has stood by him. Jame Justin’s girlfriend was also there to celebrate his wins.

Personal Life:

Away from what he does on the football pitch, who is James Justin?

First, he is a very straightforward guy who seems very true in the choices he makes. Check out why JJ prefers Dani Alves rather than Cafu or Philipp Lahm. For a hobby, why he dislikes Golf and loves Boxing. Why does JJ prefer The Undertaker over Rock or Stone Cold?

Regarding his personality, James Justin is a perfect gentleman with a cool smile. The England right-back is someone who speaks very little of himself and loves the casual dress code – as seen in this photograph.

Again, Justin can also become the kind of person who, despite his good manners, can confuse his people with his serious looks. This happens when it is time for him to play a football match. According to JJ, this looks is a “Game Face” facial expression.

Lifestyle:

When the Baller goes with Laurel Sheppard (his girlfriend) on holidays, he maintains that casual dress code. Like many players, JJ loves to explore the beauty of nature at the seaside. It is a perfect place for James and Laurel to profess their undying love for each other.

James Justin Car:

The Bedfordshire native, as of 2022, is yet to give fans a clue on what he drives. However, James Justin’s Leicester salary of €64,000 per week is sure capable of buying him the most expensive cars. Even at that, JJ’s humble lifestyle could see him and Laurel stick to bicycles.

James Justin House:

The England right-back revealed what looked like the interior of his home on the 4th of November, 2017. This was the day James Justin’s girlfriend (Laurel Sheppard) celebrated her birthday. Wow, this brings up a fact that James and Laurel have dated for over three years.

James Justin Family Life:

The members of his household mean everything to JJ, and every other thing (including his football) comes second. This section of his James Justin Biography tells more facts about his family. Let’s start with Mick, his late Dad.

About James Justin’s Father:

Before his untimely death, Mick was a great example of how a Dad can guide his son from being a boy to transitioning into a man.

The Defender still talks about Dad in the present tense – with a voice that often cracks and bravery written all over his face.

For many Leicester City fans who knew Mike Justin, it was sad not to see him among the parents of other footballers – during Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup celebration.

Mike Justin’s untimely death happened in April 2021, a month before Leicester City won their first-ever FA Cup.

Now playing for England, James Justin now has this extra drive. This drive is no other than honouring the memory of his late father, a man who gave him everything he ever wished from a parent.

Before his battle with cancer and untimely death, Mick once struggled to keep his emotions in check.

It happened on September 24th 2019, the day his son scored his first Leicester goal. Lutton, the opponent, is a family club, and members of James Justins’ family enjoyed a good reception. 

About James Justin’s Mother:

Carol Justin is an example of a strong woman who has shown a mental resolute to deal with the pains of losing her husband.

Witnessing Mike Justin’s death at such a young age was terrible. It denied them the chance to both see their son progress in his career.

Alongside her late husband, Carol Justin is extremely popular at Luton. Back in the day, James Justin’s parents both hardly missed a game he played – from youth childhood level all the way to the first team.

About James Justin’s Sister:

Although no documentation exists about her, one thing is, however, sure. The fact that she is one of James’ biggest fans.

Life without Mick (her Dad) standing next to her and Carol on the sidelines would surely be a hard pill to swallow. We wish Justin’s sister a full recovery.

Untold Facts:

In this concluding section of James Justin’s Bio, we’ll discuss more about JJ. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.

Cause of James Justin’s Father’s death – a similar case to Brendan Rogers’ Dad and Mum:

Did you know?… The Northern Irish manager lost both his parents to cancer in 2010 and 2011.

Because of that, Brendan Rogers has once climbed Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania) to raise money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care.

You see this simple and kind manager?… he played a huge role in helping Justin deal with the pains of losing a parent.

James Justin Salary:

Making £2,840,964 per annum (as of 2022) with Leicester surely makes JJ a millionaire footballer. To calculate how much the Athlete is worth, we’ll take his Leicester contract bonuses, salary, and endorsement deals into consideration. So, as of 2022, We place James Justin’s Net Worth at approximately 6.5 million pounds.

Comparing James Justin’s Salary to the Average British Citizen:

The average UK citizen who makes £38,600 a year would need almost a lifetime (86 years) to make Justin’s yearly salary with Leicester City FC.

James Justin’s Profile:

Have you noticed that JJ (at the age of 23) is highly underrated in FIFA? Truth be told, he deserves more blessings on his FIFA potential, just like other popular right-backs. For example, the likes of Aaron Wan Bissaka, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, French’s Benjamin Pavard, and the Spanish Dani Carvajal, etc.

James Justin’s Religion:

The England right-back bears a popular biblical first and middle name (James and Michael). This gives a likelihood that James Justin is a Christian. However, the England right-back is not open to displaying matters of his religion, like Trevoh Chalobah, on social media.

EndNote:

James Michael Justin (nicknamed JJ) was born on the 23rd day of February 1999 to his Mother, Carol Justin and Father, Mike Justin, in Luton, England.

He spent his childhood days in Luton, a town in Bedfordshire, alongside a sibling who happens to be JJ’s sister.

The right-back has British nationality with Caribbean family roots. Regarding James Justin’s family origin, he (through his Dad) has Saint Lucia ancestry.

Also, regarding James Justin’s ethnicity, he identifies with the British African Caribbean cultural groups of the UK people.

James Justin’s Dad (Mike), who died of cancer in 2021, was instrumental in his Early Life and career upbringing. As a former footballer, Mike played the supportive role of driving his son to away matches while he was at Crawley Green FC. He did other great things for JJ.

Young Justin joined Luton Town in 2007. At the club, he bonded with his childhood best friend Frankie Musonda, who also became a professional.

Both Lads were instrumental in helping his club defeat Bayern Munich win (3 – 1) to win the 2009 Aarau Masters trophy.

As a senior player, Justin achieved a meteoric rise with Luton town, collecting honours and helping Luton win trophies. Accepting the need to further on, he became one of the first signings of Brendan Rogers’ Leicester city. Justin had a great early start with the Foxes.

Although his Leicester progress was held by injuries and his father’s death, JJ fought his way back.

Thanks to his Leicester meteoric rise, Gareth Southgate decided to reward him. To the joy of James Justin’s family, he was called up to the Three Lions in May 2022.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of James Justin’s biography. We care about fairness and accuracy in our daily quest to deliver your stories about British Footballers. More importantly, it will tell the biography of England’s players. Please reach out to us (through your comment) if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in James Justin’s Bio.

Don’t forget to read other English football stories, like that of Rico Lewis and Nat Phillips. On a final note, please tell us what you think about James Justin, the story of his life, and his career progress so far.