James Michael Justus, a cornerstone of the Colorado Springs brokerage community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. After courageously battling cancer for over a year, Jim leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence and personal warmth that profoundly touched all who knew him.
Jim launched his real estate career in the mid-70s with the Schuck Corporation and quickly established himself as a premier industrial broker in the Colorado Springs market.
In 1994, Jim Justus, along with Jim DiBiase, John Winsor, Tom Cone, Charley Conrad, and Stan Kensinger, formed Olive Real Estate Group, Inc. Serving as President and Managing Broker until 2023, Jim was instrumental in shaping the company’s ethos and direction, embodying the spirit of Olive with his unwavering guidance and camaraderie.
Jim focused on identifying real estate investment and land development opportunities, in addition to assisting his corporate clients with their ongoing real estate needs and providing needed advisory services. During his remarkable brokerage career, he represented local clients, Fortune 500 companies, and investors, including McGraw-Hill, TRW, Gates Rubber Co., the City of Colorado Springs, Digital Equipment Corporation, NTI, Tranex, Gates Land Co., NCR, Bethesda Associates, Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation, State Bank & Trust, Academy Bank, Colorado Business Bank, The Navigators, U.S. Home Corporation (Now Lennar), Cinemark USA, Harland Clarke, Weidner Apartments, Diocese of Colorado Springs, Richmond American Homes and many, many others.
Jim was committed to the long-term success of the Colorado Springs’ real estate industry. During the real estate downturn in the late 1980’s, Jim represented both the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) as the seller and also the buyer in the largest RTC-owned building sale in El Paso County. He has also assisted the RTC and FDIC with the disposition of numerous properties. In addition, Jim was a member of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance, the Southern Colorado Commercial Brokers, the Industrial Development Research Council, and the Economic Development Council’s Marketing Task Force. Jim was also a member of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and member of its Board of Governors.
Jim’s legacy at Olive extends beyond the buildings and developments he spearheaded; his profound impact on our team and the broader community will be felt for generations to come. We are immensely grateful for the foundation he built, which continues to inspire and guide us.
Here’s to Jim—a visionary leader, a trusted mentor, and a cherished friend. Your legacy will forever be a cornerstone of Olive Real Estate Group.