Justus Christie of Vian, better known by his nickname “Tuffy” is a busy man.
At age 34, he’s in the process of obtaining his Masters degree, running a mowing business, being a father, and closing on the sale of his first home so he can construct another. When he’s not working, he said he enjoys hunting and fishing, spending time with his family and daughter, and coaching youth baseball.
Christie graduated from Vian High School in 2007, where he was a member of the Vian Wolverine baseball team. He said he always had a love for the game and that love spilled over to adulthood.
“I have been coaching youth baseball for the past 13 to 14 years now,” Christie said. “It has always been one of my favorite things to do. I think it’s a great activity for all ages and something the family can enjoy as a whole.”
He went on to attend Northeastern State University and has worked for Carl Albert State College State Assessment Services for the past 13 years, where he says he utilizes assessments in order to match up clients with appropriate Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
Christie also has his own business, Christie’s Lawn Service, where he mows, sprays and takes care of yards and other outdoor needs, for both residential and commercial customers.
“When I first started my business, I was mowing all over Sequoyah County,” he said. “But since I’ve been trying to finish my Masters of Education in Psychometry from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, I’ve had to reduce my client intake. I just mow in the Vian and Tenkiller areas now because it’s close to home.”
Christie said Psychometry is the assessment side of Psychology.
“I’ll give those assessments to determine learning disabilities and behavioral problems,” he said.
Christie said he purchased his first home 10 years ago at an early age.
“My house is located on what they call “Old Mail Route Road,” just south of Moonshine Highway, north of Vian,” he said. “I just sold it and the closing date is fast approaching, but I’ll still be living there for the next few weeks.”
Christie said he owns land not far from where the house is located and hopes to construct a new residence for himself and his daughter, Parker, who is three.
“I plan to build a house on my property soon, but most likely it will be next summer,” he said.
Christie said he also enjoys fishing, and hunting both deer and turkey.
“I’m more addicted to hunting these days,” he said. “But my favorite thing to do is just spend time with my little girl and my family.”
