Dr. Justin Marshall Wakeland, age 86, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 10, 1939, to Maurine Justin Wakeland and J. Eulys Wakeland in Waxahachie, Texas. Justin lived a life marked by dedication to education, faith, family, and service to his community.
A proud graduate of Waxahachie High School, Justin continued his education at the University of Texas before earning both his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas. His lifelong passion for learning and leadership led him to a distinguished career in public education.
Justin devoted his professional life to serving students, families, and educators throughout Texas. Before joining Frisco ISD, he served as a teacher and administrator in both Dallas ISD and Plano ISD. In 1978, he became Superintendent of Frisco Independent School District, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in 1997. During his tenure, Frisco ISD experienced tremendous growth. Justin was widely respected for his wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
His leadership extended beyond Frisco ISD through his service on the UIL Legislative Committee, his involvement with the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of Community Schools, as well as his contributions as one of the founders of the Collin County Community College District. In recognition of his outstanding service, Justin was named Region 10 Superintendent of the Year in 1996 and received the University of North Texas School of Educational Administration Alumni of the Year honor in 1998. His enduring impact on education was further honored when Wakeland High School in Frisco was named in his honor.
While Justin’s professional accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember him most for the warmth and joy he brought to others. He was personable and welcoming, with a gift for making everyone he met feel valued and at ease. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor could brighten any room, and he never missed an opportunity to laugh, dance, or sing along to his favorite Johnny Cash songs. Whether among friends, colleagues, students, or family, Justin had a way of making people feel like they belonged.
On November 22, 1961, Justin married the love of his life, Jacquline Sue Roberts, in Waxahachie, Texas. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community, sharing sixty-four devoted years of marriage until her passing.
Justin is survived by his son, Mark Wakeland and wife Lynne of Aubrey, Texas; daughter, Sherri Wakeland of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Lynsey Pechacek and husband Scott, Luke Wakeland, and Melina Wakeland; sister, Donna Stark; nieces, Susan Tweedy and husband Chris, and Kelly Petanik and husband Chris; along with five cherished great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacquline Sue Wakeland, and by his parents, Maurine Justin Wakeland and J. Eulys Wakeland.
Justin will be remembered for his steady guidance, kind heart, and the lasting impact he made on the many lives he touched throughout his career and personal life. His legacy of love, education, laughter, and service will continue to live on through all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, 3521 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75034, on May 19 beginning at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow. Justin will be laid to rest at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033.To watch the service live, please visit https://gasanctuary.online.church/
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Frisco Education Foundation, P.O. Box 567, Frisco, TX 75034, or donate online at friscoef.org. Please make note that it is in memory of Justin Wakeland.