James "Joe" Joseph's Obituary
Preface: Joe composed his own obituary. The following is what is written in his own words;
I would like my son Andrew to read my pre-written thoughts, memories and wishes to you all. I know that I have had a beautiful life on this earth the past years and that I will have no regrets when the good Lord calls me home.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone- friends, acquaintances, and above all, family-for coming to my departure from this earth and for giving me such a wonderful life. I am asking everyone here and those that know me not to mourn my passing and to remember me for what I did in my short stay here on earth.
I had a good time on this earth and was blessed with an outstanding wife for the past years. I would like to especially acknowledge her for the great life she has provided me over the long years and for giving me four wonderful children- Andrew, James Jr, Shirley and Linda. Although Mickey would get mad at me for eating or drinking anything with salt or sugar in it, I think that was her desire that I live forever. I want to thank her for taking the best care of our children. Her world revolved around the children and me and this attitude carried over to her grandchildren. I was blessed to have a marvelous life with a beautiful wife who was an outstanding cook, excellent housekeeper, caring mother and great friend.
Growing up in Clymer, Pennsylvania, the son of a coal miner and in a family of six kids was a little rough, but I still have no regrets that when I turned 17 on July 10, 1949, I joined the Army the next day. Being in the Army with only an eighth grade education wasn’t easy, so I immediately got my GED, pulled a hitch in Korea, and then was assigned to Sendai, Japan where I met my loving wife in June 1953 and married in November 1955. Life has been good to me – Andrew was born in Sendai, then James and Shirley were born in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. After that I went to Munich, Germany for five years, where Linda was born. I have had other tours between and after those listed.
Through it all, I want to say that I’ve had a glorious life on this earth and I have no regret for the things I’ve done and if I had to do it over again , I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, maybe I would have bought a Volkswagen bus instead of a Volkswagen bug when I left Germany with four children and 14 pieces of luggage!
I’ve had an amazing trip on this Earth, but when the Lord holds roll call and he calls your name, there is no saying how about next week or tomorrow. Each of us will answer the day for roll call when it comes, so please don’t shed any tears for me, just thank the Lord and be happy for me as I will be in a better place waiting for my family.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?