JOHN PRINCE JOSEPH
1938-2018
John Prince Joseph left this earth on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the age of 80. He was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, on February 12, 1938, to Lucian Minor Joseph and Martha Lusher Joseph.
He was raised in Ft. Worth and graduated from Paschal High School in 1956. In 1958 John earned the title for the five state men’s slalom water ski championship at the Texoma competition.
John attended Arlington State and later graduated from Texas Tech in 1962. Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity held a very special place in Johnny’s heart as he stayed in touch with many of his brothers these past 60 years.
After two years in the US Army at Pine Bluff Arsenal, John met Mary Jane Callaway on a blind date. One year later, they married on August 7, 1965.
35 years with Shell Oil allowed them to build their forever home in Bentwater on Lake Conroe. He chose the grandfather name of Skipper as it was one of his childhood nicknames; many hours were spent on the lake with his grandkids.
Skipper never met a stranger wherever he went. His friendliness, love for adventure, homemade gift giving, and checking off bucket list items made him legendary for all those who had the pleasure of hanging out with him.
We would like to extend many thanks to all of the wonderful people who cared for Skipper these past years, especially Dr. Wen-Jen Hwu of MD Anderson, Virginia’s Hospice, and our LVN/caregiver and friend Cathie Pina who took care of John for the last year.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary Jane Callaway Joseph, daughter Karen and son-in-law Kent Pope, and grandchildren Grant and Callie Pope. John will be forever remembered by his cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Our family is small, but we make up for it with friends who have become family.
A Celebration of Life Open House will take place on Sunday, August 26th, from 1-3 pm, at Bentwater Yacht Club, 200 Bentwater Harbor Drive, Montgomery, Texas. Please dress casually in purple, Jimmy Buffet style, or nautical style clothing. Skipper wanted it this way.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or to YMCAHouston. org, Conroe location. Supporting youth sports was definitely close to Johnny’s heart.