Princeton community members filled Ren Matthews Auditorium on Aug. 8, to say goodbye to Justin Randle, the Princeton Community Middle School paraprofessional and coach who died suddenly on July 16 after severe health conditions that included the loss of his eyesight.

The tribute, reported by Fox 19, was filled with laughter as much as tears. Speakers remembered Randle as a barber, a photographer, a father and a man who kept showing up for students even as his vision failed.

"He taught the students values and character and resilience and perseverance, and they truly, truly respected him," Superintendent Dr. Mari Phillips said at the event.

Princeton City Schools had worked to keep Randle in the classroom as his eyesight deteriorated. His family honored that support by presenting a disability inclusion award in his name during the tribute.

Randle also left a surprise financial gift to the classroom of a fellow teacher he was close to. The recipient's name and the dollar amount were not disclosed.

Elliot Holmes, a friend of Randle's, told the crowd that Randle would give anyone the shirt off his back. His sister, Staici Logan, said his health battles never stopped him, describing him as someone who refused to let anything hold him back.

Phillips spoke personally about Randle's influence, saying she would carry the traits he modeled as a teacher, father, husband and friend for the rest of her life.

The district announced Randle's death on July 17, calling his impact one that went "well beyond the classroom" through compassion, encouragement and mentorship. As we reported July 20, Princeton Community Middle School partnered with Talbert House and MindPeace to offer free grief counseling July 21–23. Whether additional counseling will be available when students return has not been confirmed by the district.

Students head back to Princeton Community Middle School starting Thursday, Aug. 13, for the first time without Randle. Sixth-graders start that day alongside grades 1–5 and 9; grades 7, 8 and 10–12 follow Friday, Aug. 14.