March 21, 1979 - May 20, 2021
Dustin Matthew Jussila was born March 21, 1979 to Matthew and Cindy Jussila in Midland, Michigan. He departed this life May 20, 2021 at the age of 42.
He graduated from Merrill High School in 1997. Dustin attended Central Michigan University where he studied, performed, toured, and recorded with master percussionist Robert Hohner and his ensemble. Dustin earned his bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Oklahoma City University in 2009. On June 1, 2020, Dustin Jussila and Julian White were united in marriage.
Dustin previously taught band at Saginaw, Michigan, Blanchard, Oklahoma, and Mustang, Oklahoma, before moving to take the Middle School Band position in Cushing, OK. Dustin performed with the Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Enid Symphony, and the Midland Symphony Orchestra. Dustin was a very active percussion teacher, performer, and adjudicator throughout Oklahoma and Michigan, and was in demand as a wind and percussion arranger/ composer for many schools and colleges throughout the United States. His passion was music which he enjoyed sharing with his students. He enjoyed fi shing, playing golf, and exploring the culinary arts.
He is survived by his wife, Julian Jussila; mother, Cindy Ayotte (David Sleeper) of Sanford, MI; father, Matthew Jussila of Midland, MI; brother, Ryan Jussila (Christie) of St. Charles, MI; step sister Kim Gough (Harry); stepbrother, Kevin Ayotte; uncle Gary (Marilyn) Orlich of St. Paul, MN; nephews, Andrew and Cash Jussila, and Brandon Ayotte; nieces, Amanda Gough and Melissa Ayotte; grandmother, Ruth Jussila. In-laws include Danny, Danna, and Kellen White of Cushing, OK; Richard and Jennifer White of Cushing, OK; Daniel and Earlene Payne of Duncan, OK; and Jason, LeAnn, Dominic, and Nate Rhodes of Broussard, LA. Dustin was preceded in death by his step father, Raymond Ayotte; grandfather, Matthew Jussila; grandparents, George and Blanche Orlich; and niece, Erica Gough.
In lieu of fl owers, donations will be accepted for the Dustin M. Jussila Memorial Scholarship Fund to be administered by the Cushing Band Boosters, 1700 E Walnut, Cushing OK 74023.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 4, at 2:00pm, at the First Baptist Church, 2238 W Main St, Cushing OK 74023. A memorial service in Michigan will be announced at a later time. Condolences can be left at www.matherlydavisfuneralhome.com . Services are under the direction of Matherly Davis Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma.
