You get to know people," Just told the Palisadian-Post in a June interview. "It's a way of life here; this has been a great career, helping to save your fellow man, but it is time to go. I've enjoyed every minute of it," stated Just of his retirement which was to take place a few days after his death.<br />
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James A. Just, 61, died in the line of duty on September 12, 2008. He was just five days shy of retirement when he died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Jim had been employed with the Los Angeles Fire Department for 39 years. He served in the Pacific Palisades District #69 for 23 of those years.<br />
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Just had enrolled in fall classes in finance and writing at UCLA and had completed a book about the Los Angeles Fire Department and his experiences. He served in the Marine Corps, then went to work for the Los Angeles Fire Department, which he considered a dream job. He served as an officer in the paramedics union for five years and worked tirelessly to make changes that would benefit paramedics. He served as park ranger at Lake Piru until his resignation last year.<br />
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Honored 2009 |