Jens J. Gillings
Jens Justice came into this world on March 30, 1996, confident, beautiful and full of life. He was ready to change the world. He was born in Saginaw, MI to a proud Mom, Susan Pavlik Gillings, who would never leave his side. Just after celebrating his 24th birthday, Jens Justice left this earth, far too early, and went to his heavenly home on April 1, 2020, leaving a hole that can NEVER be filled! Anyone who REALLY knew Jens, knew he would give the shirt off his back to anyone and never, ever judge you. He took care of those less fortunate than him, even if it was the last dollar he had in his pocket. His infectious smile, warm demeanor, and passion for being a great son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend, along with anything he set out to try, made him always strive to be a better person! When he hugged you, you could feel it to your core. For those he loved, he made sure that you knew it. He always took care of his people and let them know how he felt about them. Because of how he loved people, you always knew he had your back! Jens believed in speaking the truth and never understood why bad things happened to good people. But despite this lack of understanding, he continued to be true to his character: loving, faithful and kind hearted! He was an amazing human being!
Jens loved music and aspired to share his emotions and story through writing and recording his own music. During many long, heartfelt conversations, he would tell his Mom he used his music as a medium to share his story, both the good times and the struggles, with the world. She always told him that through his music, he would save someone’s life. Jens’ dream was to make it big, saying he wanted to be rich just so he could share it all with people who were down on their luck, or just needed a little extra to get by. He wanted to give his money to the family and friends that stood by him always and never questioned the truth! If you ask his REAL friends, they will tell you this wasn’t just lip service. He walked the talk, everyday!
Jens leaves to cherish his memory, his Momma, Susan, whom he loved more than life itself, and his big brother, Derek (Lauryn Springsteen) Gillings, and his new niece, Gracelyn. His grandparents, John and Jean Pavlik (Prescott) whom he loved and respected, especially his Grandma. He leaves several aunts and uncles, but had a few special ones that he most admired and loved: Maria McAlpin (Bath, MI), Diane Sharich and Wayne Grieve (Howell, MI), Julius and Josephine Banks (Fredericksburg, VA) and his “adopted aunt” Amy Bishop (Bay City, MI). He leaves many cousins, but his absolute favorites were the ones that were also his friends-his “Mate” Sami McAlpin (Bath, MI) and Andrew Sharich (Howell, MI). He also leaves some very special friends (more like brothers), who will miss him dearly-Connor, Brian, Bakr, Mohammed, and his special girl, Atenea.
A memorial service to celebrate Jens’ life will be scheduled at a later date. In true Jens fashion, he was an organ donor through the Gift of Life program. Through his contributions, hopefully someone’s life will be saved. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to help celebrate Jens’ life, memorial contributions can be made to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing or Holy Cross Services of Lansing. Jens was known for carrying money in the console of his car to give to people he met who were down on their luck and feeding his elderly neighbors when he was cooking for his crew. He gave his new winter coat to a homeless man “because he needed it more than I did” and gave his new basketball shoes to a kid who needed them, just because. These acts of kindness were what made Jens so special! He will be missed so very much!! Gone far too early, but will NEVER NEVER be forgotten!!
58 Messages to “Jens J. Gillings”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Oscar Almeida
April 3, 2020 at 1:33 pmHe holds a special place in my heart, it still feels unreal to me. Id appreciate an update on the memorial to pay my respects to him.
Libbyann Parker
April 3, 2020 at 3:29 pmI will carry your memory with every step I take. Although our time together was short, it felt like a lifetime and you taught me so much about life, love, and true happiness. You were an angel on earth and I will always love you, I will always think about you.
Josephine Banks
April 3, 2020 at 5:11 pmMy God, my God! Jens, we love you nephew!! Miss you!!
Brenda and Jason Liddell and family
April 3, 2020 at 8:56 pmOur sincere condolences to all the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Patti Kopkau
April 4, 2020 at 10:05 amMy heart goes out to Jens’s family and friends. I will always remember him with smiles and laughter.
Julius E. Banks
April 4, 2020 at 10:45 am“Too Soon,” Jens, I miss you and wish we had more time together. Your love was infectious and you will be missed in this world but, I look forward to seeing you again!
Love Uncle
Colleen Pringle
April 4, 2020 at 10:46 amMy condolences to Susan and Jens family and friends. I’m pretty sure all of those endearing traits came from his awesome mom! Hugs, love and prayers! Loved his smile! We WILL see you again Jens!
Denny, Liz and Kassandra Dahne
April 4, 2020 at 11:36 amI can only immagine the heartache and pain. Our sincere love goes out to the rest of the family. My God bless and guide you through this.
Brandi Lorencen
April 4, 2020 at 11:48 amOur thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the rest of Jens’ family. I remember him being such a beautiful and vibrant kid. His light shined bright. May the Lord hold you in his arms at this time.
Love,
The Lorencens
Peggy Mashke
April 4, 2020 at 11:56 amMy heart is broken for Sue and Derek. Jens will always hold a special place in my heart as one of my first daycare children after moving to Prescott 25 years ago. Always willing to help even at a very young age. His smile was contagious. You just couldn’t help but smile back. Much love to the entire Gillings /Pavlick family. My heart breaks for his close friends.
Vicki Barnes
April 4, 2020 at 12:04 pmSue and Derek and all family members, I’m so very sorry. May you always remember the good and smile knowing you will be together again. Sending love and prayers.
Angie wilson
April 4, 2020 at 12:11 pmOh jens, you was such a kindhearted person, you had a beautiful smile, great personality and a wonderful soul, you are gonna be missed so much, until we meet again, watch over your family and friends.
Jan and Phil Hupcik
April 4, 2020 at 12:14 pmWhat a beautiful tribute to Jens . Our hearts are absolutely crushed for you Sue and your family. May God hold you close.
Joyce Swartz
April 4, 2020 at 12:30 pmI am so very saddened for the family and friends of Jens. I taught first grade at Whittemore-Prescott Elementary and Jens was my student. Even after all these years, I remember Jens as an exceptional boy. Jens had an inner glow and spirit that still remains vivid in my mind. He was a beautiful boy inside and out, smart, friendly, and polite. He was a teacher’s dream student! I feel so fortunate to have known Jens. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Sheryl and John Gielda
April 4, 2020 at 12:38 pmOur thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you all. So very sorry for your loss.
Shauna Arndt
April 4, 2020 at 12:52 pmMy heart absolutely breaks for Jens family and friends. I’m so very sorry. I got to know Jens through my kids. They all grew up together. They all played sports, hung out together, school dances, birthday parties, and sleep overs. The good old days. Jens was extremely funny and talented! One of my favorite memories was car pooling for Whittemore Prescott to Standish for our young boys to play football for the Standish Lions. They were so young. But the boys had the best time singing in the car on the way to Practice. I can still see Jens singing “You are so Beautiful “ he would sing and dance . He new every word to every song as the top 10 played on the radio. After practice we would swing by Taco Bell or something and Jens taught the boys the cool pick up lines how to pick up the girls.. lol. Jens brought so much laughter to our lives!
He was smooth, laid back, kind, funny, and talented. It was alway enjoying to go to my kids game and watch Jens play too. He contributed so much to the team. Football and Baseball. He made the sport look easy. He was never cocky or hot headed! He was a joy to be around. We have so many great childhood memories. I can’t even begin to share them all. But my heart goes out to not only his family but his friends who grew up with him. I think all of us should keep a few dollars in our consul to pass out to people in need to honor Jens! I know I will. And every time I hand someone a few dollars I will say.. “this is from Jens”
Nicki Janish
April 4, 2020 at 1:52 pmSue and all of the Pavlik family, my heart breaks for you all. Sending hugs and many prayers.
Libby Prescott
April 4, 2020 at 1:57 pmNo words can express the heartache. Jens had a personality and spirit like no other, The laughter that he would cause in the car, restaurant, or anywhere else we happened to be was always out of control fun. I would drive Jens and my boys to school everyday, we’d talk, pray, spit out the crabbys, and tell each other to learn lots. Sue and Derek I pray that you find comfort in knowing that Jens was loved by many and will always have a place in my heart.
Edward Jacobs
April 4, 2020 at 2:03 pmSue my Heart is Breaking for you. My God be with you during these difficult times.
Grace
April 4, 2020 at 2:08 pmJens will definitely be missed. I didn’t know him as well as others but he was nice to me when no one else was. I just wish he didn’t have to go so soon. But I will make sure to tell my son how to be a great man like jens was. RIP jens.
Virginia and Fred Hasty and family
April 4, 2020 at 2:32 pmSue. We are so sorry for your loss may God comfort you and all your family no one wants to have to face losing a child prayers and hugs.
Ulyses J
April 4, 2020 at 2:44 pmMy prayers goes to Jens and all his family and friends. I remember a lot from Jens , we met at Chickfila and got close . I learned a lot from him . I wish he was still here and I’d tell him how much I appreciated him and good person that he was . He wanted big things in life. I’ll see you soon brother.
The MacDonalds
April 4, 2020 at 2:57 pmThinking and praying for the entire family of Jens.
Nancy Hinkelman
April 4, 2020 at 3:01 pmI am so sadden to hear of Jenns passing He was a very special young man. He was always kind, caring and gracious. When he entered a room his beautiful smile & face would light it right up! He will always hold a warm place in my heart. God Bless you Jenns
My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family and friends
Sally Bamberger
April 4, 2020 at 3:11 pmMy heart goes out to your whole family. I was blessed to be able to call him “one of my kids” for a short time. Those are memories I’ll cherish.
Caryn Schutte
April 4, 2020 at 3:12 pmMy prayers and positive vibes go to you Sue, Jean and Buck and the rest of the family with lots of love behind them.
Travis Macdonald
April 4, 2020 at 3:14 pmLong Live The forgotten King!
I’ve never felt this way! Cant get things out of my head seeing you like that hurt so much! you went through hell and back! Being with you everyday trying to make you happy brought me happiness! When I got you to smile I smiled! I’ve never had someone who connected to me the same way you did! My soul mate man we could talk without saying words! You never know what someone has went through until it’s to late! I seen his struggles I was there when he had very little to no one! So many people did my man dirty in his life and this man did nothing to anyone! I seen him give homeless people clothes off his back money out of his pocket! Even tho he didn’t have money himself! He is in a heavenly place now away from his pain and anger! He is in peace and that’s all he ever wanted! I wish I could have saved you I had you in my arms and now you are forever in my heart! With every breath I breathe it’s for you and me both! I love you so much and I’ll see you again one day! for now you just watch over me in my dark times so I can find my way to you!!!!!
Helen Loomis
April 4, 2020 at 3:50 pmI have so many fond memories of Jens and yes he always had that infectious smile and kind, loving demeanor with a little humor mixed in. I enjoyed him in class, at our home for team dinners and get togethers with my son and others. He was such a joy to watch play any sport and such a team leader. My prayers go out to all family members and his many friends. Rest In Peace Jens!
The Lauria's
April 4, 2020 at 4:01 pmOur thoughts and prayers go out to Jens family and friends.
We have a lot of memories with Jens as do many others, may those memories always bring a smile to your face and warmth in your heart.
Harry Caraway
April 4, 2020 at 4:15 pmSue, I am so very sorry to hear about Jens passing. Even though I never got to meet him, from all the memories posted here, it sounds like he was a fine young man. I can only imagine the pain and whole his passing has left. Praying for peace , strength and comfort for you and the family in this time of great sorrow. May he Rest In Peace and his memory live on forever.
Love ya cuz.
Sincerely,
Harry Caraway and Family
Annette Rivet
April 4, 2020 at 4:24 pmSue,
Jens was put in Connor’s life for a reason and through that I was able to welcome him into our home. I can see his charm & smile and feel his warm hugs. How blessed we are that he will always be in our lives. He has important work to do from where he is. He will never leave you.
Blessings & love,
Annette Rivet
Caleb Engster
April 4, 2020 at 5:05 pmI’ll always cherish the times we shared together. You always brought me happiness when we were together. I’ll miss your positive energy in my life. There’s a hole in my heart that I’ll never get right. Thank you for always keeping it real. My prayers are with you, your family, and your friends during this time.
With Love,
– Caleb Engster
Jasmine
April 4, 2020 at 5:05 pmRest In Peace Sweet boy. You will never be forgotten,I will carry your memory with me forever.
LaKeisha Purifoy
April 4, 2020 at 5:26 pmJens was such an inspiration and light to many including our son Brian. Jens’s names became a staple in our home just like the other 3 kids he was/is family! We are grateful to have met him and witness the genuine person he truly was! Every word spoken in the obituary I have witness to be true! There’s a hole in our hearts as we grieve the missing piece, that is now looking down on us! Jens is truly missed especially by his little brother Brian (Pablo). You made a difference in his life and he will carry the torch that you started the flame to the end! We love you! Gone but never forgotten.
Tim & LaKeisha
Parents of Brian (Pablo)
Michelle Lennox White
April 4, 2020 at 6:48 pmSue, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and Derek, and the rest of his family and friends. I didn’t have the opportunity to know Jens well, however, it is obvious to me what kind of man he was…reading all of the truly wonderful emotions that others felt for him. You are all in my prayers. Rest easy, Jens.
Diane
April 4, 2020 at 8:20 pmTrue friends will be there for you when needed – because they never left your side to begin with. Always always always here NO MATTER WHAT!
Tammie Wilson Castanon
April 4, 2020 at 8:28 pmI am so very sorry Sue. Praying for you and your family at this incredibly difficult time.
Deann
April 4, 2020 at 8:40 pmMy thoughts and prayers to you all. May Jens be at peace and in the Lords embrace.. Much love sent to all my family at this time.
Dorothy Lehman
April 4, 2020 at 9:59 pmSue and family. Jens is now in God’s hands. He was one of a kind. I remember the first time I saw him, it was at the Whittemore Memorial Day Parade. Rest in Peace Jens.
Sami
April 4, 2020 at 10:28 pmForever my best friend
Oh my mate you were the greatest person I had ever known. You were kind, loving, giving, and just an all and all beautiful person. I love you with my whole heart and I always will. You never deserved the shit that you got. You were a beautiful person in an ugly world and anyone who knew you knew that too. Your smile was infectious along with your energy. You taught everyone around you the true meaning of love and giving. I will never forget you and I promise you that I will do all I said I would in those talks we had. I will do my best to spread the love you always gave and let your memory live on forever. Fly high mate, I know you’re not hurting anymore. You will forever live on in my heart and through my actions.
I will forever be on your team without a question and without a doubt! I will always stand for the truth no matter what! Until we meet again mate keep your deck sealed, and your cork out of the bottle.
Maria
April 4, 2020 at 10:29 pmTHE BEST PERSON I KNOW
You will always be in my heart and I in your circle.
I will forever wear mismatched socks and stand up for the truth.
Proud to be on Team Jens, 110%. ALWAYS AND FOREVER
We will meet again on Angel’s Landing.
Rick and Vickie Durfee
April 4, 2020 at 10:35 pmNo words can express the feelings we send at this most challenging time! To Sue, Derek and all of the surrounding family; our love, thoughts and prayers are sent to each of you.
Whetstone Family
April 4, 2020 at 10:39 pmSue, Derek, Jean, and Buck, we are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Jens. May the Lord guide you in coping with your unbearable loss.
Erica Jo
April 4, 2020 at 10:43 pmMy heart brakes knowing ill never see another snap from jensjustice….
We talked alot after I moved away. Always checking on one another off and on for years…
Life being so short….
Rest in Peace
Heaven is so lucky to have you…
This is so unreal…
Gone but never forgotten…
-Erica
Haley McAlpin
April 4, 2020 at 11:07 pmTo the best man i’ve ever known,
I was out driving today and the sunset was beautiful. And I know that my Grandma Diz is up in heaven giving you painting lessons so you can paint us all pictures in the sky. Wow, Jens, you were the most amazing man. You were kind, honest, loving, understanding, hilarious and genuine. You were the best of the best. No one could ever come close to how amazing you were. You were always the first person to give the shirt off your back to someone who needed it. You always gave the last of your money to someone just because they needed it more than you. You were not only family, but you were my savior. You saved me without even knowing it. But I hope you know that i’m sober today because of you. You told me to call my mom. You told me to call my dad. You told me the drugs weren’t worth it and all you ever wanted was for me to be safe. I just celebrated 2 years and 3 months sober on the anniversary of your passing. You loved me. You always saw my potential. You always believed in me and you NEVER doubted me. You were able to speak to me when no one else was able to get through. I vow that everyday, I will wear mismatched socks in memory of you. I will go to goodwill and get every jacket there is just to give them to someone in need. I will continuously believe in myself, because that’s all you ever wanted. I promise that your memory will never fade. I’ll never forget the sound of your voice or the view of your fabulous smile. Your memory will forever live.
Rest in Paradise Jens
Marsha Whisman
April 5, 2020 at 1:57 pmBeautiful memories…congratulations on making the choice to be drug free…because Jens touched your life. Go forward and help others in his memory. God bless you.
James Miller
April 4, 2020 at 11:09 pmI new you for such a short time, but loved you. Your time here was much to short. I feel I new you though we didn’t spend much time together. You were always someone that I thought, I would get to know. Love ya bro god bless
Bobby Galbraith
April 5, 2020 at 5:29 amJens I can’t believe your gone. It seems like just yesterday that you, Garrett, and I were hanging out. I will never forget that infectious smile, or your funny off the wall raps you would make up just to make us laugh. You never asked for anything, but always had so much love to give. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in their time of need. Fly high Jenso! Until we meet again
Kevin Frederick
April 5, 2020 at 1:14 pmJens was a tremendous football player and a better person. I had the privilege to coach Jens for 4 years and his play on the field was as awesome as his personality. He inspired his teammates to play their best and always provided leadership through adversity. In 20 years of coaching football he’s one of the best I’ve ever coached, however, my fondest memories of Jens are those outside the lines. He was always polite and respectful around adults, including my family. He was playful and always made time for kids, especially my son, who adored him.
Sue and Derek, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was loved and will be missed.
Coach Frederick
Gary and Brenda Miller (BV colleague and friend)
April 5, 2020 at 2:55 pmOur sincere condolences, prayers, and hugs are being sent to Sue (Banksie) and the rest of Jens family and friends. May he Rest In Peace and shine down on all and protect them with that loving heart he had. I wish I would have known him, because it sounds like he picked up a lot of his Momma’s traits.
Bob and Carin Galbraith
April 5, 2020 at 3:12 pmBob and I will always hold you in our memories. You were always a part of our family through all your years as Garrett’s friend. We loved you as a son and were fortunate to have had you in our lives. I wish we could have stayed connected after high school years. We pray that you are at peace now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Sue and all your family. God Bless.
JoAnne and Terry Hampton
April 5, 2020 at 7:58 pmOur deepest sympathy. Jens was very special young man. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Brianne Galbraith Pyrc
April 5, 2020 at 8:06 pmI am very sorry to hear of Jens passing. I did not know him well but what do know is that he has a great heart, soul and spirit. I know my brother Garrett will forever miss him as well as my parents. I pray that God gives you and your family the strength to get through this. I hope everyone finds peace knowing that they are blessed to have known him and have him in their lives. Sue, Derek and the rest of Jens family, I am so sorry for your loss, so beyond sorry. I’m sending you all my love and prayers. Psalm 34:18 “The lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”
Jean Alltop ( Ken also)
April 7, 2020 at 10:16 amThe Lord is holding you all in His hands. He lost a Son , too. Love never dies.
Reuben and Amy Edwards
April 8, 2020 at 10:12 amOur hearts are broken. Reuben had the privilege of coaching Jens a few years and he was such an amazing kids. He was so good with our kids too and always took the time to play with them at practice. He brought so much life and joy. He was one of the special bonds that I saw Reuben have with some of the kids he coached. Those relationships were why he loves coaching. What a wonderful soul and sweet boy. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep him in our hearts forever. We are praying for your family.
The Bradley Family
April 8, 2020 at 10:17 amWe are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Jens. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
Tony C
April 11, 2020 at 6:55 pmJens was my brother. We met at Chick-fil-A and it was one of the best things ever happened to me. He’s the kind of person who always showed love and affection to people around him, and never the negative parts. Being around him, I felt his affection and also learned how to love someone. It’s beyond blizzard and devastating for him to pass at such a young age. He would have affected more people with his love, affection, and music.
Love you brother.
So long, and I will meet you again in the next life.
Jennifer Gradowski
April 13, 2020 at 10:07 pmSusan – Kevin just let me know about Jens. I am so sorry. What a wonderful young man.
I so enjoyed when your boys visited CMMS, and I know you did, too! You obviously loved them to the moon and back. Remember when I sold him the moped, he got on it, and it wouldn’t start… because it was out of gas! He laughed so hard!
Please take care of yourself. Give Derek and that new granddaughter a big hug for me. Once this dang virus stops causing havoc, I’m driving over to give you the biggest of hugs!
God bless, Jen Gradowski