Col. John P. Joyce

Col. Joyce, a retiree of the U.S. Air Force led a life dedicated to the defense and security of United States. He was a tireless supporter of veterans, law enforcement and emergency personnel. He also was a loving and active uncle to eight nieces and two nephews. In addition, he was a pillar of the Corpus Christi and Padre Island business and philanthropic communities.

He was born in Washoe, Montana on March 13, 1925 to Joseph Joyce and Mabel “Bobo” Kane Joyce. He was a graduate of the Montana School of Mines, and of numerous advanced military programs.

The Colonel’s wife of 61 years, Helen (Naylon) Joyce, was his partner and best friend. He and Helen were one of the earliest owners at the Island House Condominiums on Padre Island and were long-time members of the St. Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was active in civic groups on Padre Island and Corpus Christi, president of the Island House Homeowners Association for many years and a passionate supporter of numerous children’s aid organizations and non-profit support agencies.

His illustrious career began in World War II in the Navy with a passion for military security and radar operations. After World War II he joined the Air Force and served posts ranging from Arabia, Vietnam, Korea, Hawaii and Germany. In the U.S., the Colonel’s work ranged from Alaska to Washington, D.C. to Texas.

In the course of his career, Col. Joyce worked with diplomats like Henry Kissinger, represented the U.S. in international diplomatic talks in Berlin, loved every child he ever met and petted every animal he could. His personal philosophy was “The person who wants to do something will find a way; the other kind will find an excuse.”

He had a grand sense of humor and rarely spoke at a meeting that he didn’t leave the audience laughing. He will be missed by many in Corpus Christi and elsewhere.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors. Funeral Services will follow at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors at 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 4, 2016. Interment will be held at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.cagemillsfuneraldirectors.com

Arrangements under the direction of Cage-Mills Funeral Directors, Corpus Christi, TX.