Joseph Frank Mikulas

Joseph Frank Mikulas, a Jacksonville native, was born on September 15, 1926 and died last week after a brief illness at the age of 92. His parents, Joseph and Marina (Zeeman) Mikulas met and married in the United States after immigrating from Prussia and Czechoslovakia, respectively in the late 1890s.

A graduate of Andrew Jackson High School where he was President of his Senior Class, Joe served in the U.S. Army Air Force, training in air reconnaissance toward the end of World War II. After the war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce Gregory Haddock and began a long career in marketing and communications, opening one of the city’s first graphic design studios, Mikulas & Associates. He created numerous iconic logos for Jacksonville-based companies, including Mac Papers, Jacksonville University, Channel 12, Jax Liquors, Channel 47, The University of North Florida, Florida Rock Industries, Winn Dixie and many more. He completed his career as the Director of Communications for Jacksonville University where he also taught graphic design and marketing classes. He received an Honorary Doctorate from JU. He was a long time member of the River Club, San Jose Country Club and Ponte Vedra Country Club.

Active in the community, Joe served as the President of the Southside Rotary Club, President of Jacksonville Ad Council, a long-time deacon of Southside Baptist Church, and subsequently served on the Vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and St. John’s Cathedral where he was Senior Warden. For over 25 years, Joe and Joyce taught a Bible study class at Southside Baptist for young adults. They also were part of the initial leadership of The Alpha Course and on the Prayer Team at the Cathedral for many years.

Joyce Haddock Mikulas, his wife of over 60 years, and his son-in-law, Michael D. Abney predeceased him. He is survived by his two daughters, Joyce Mikulas Abney and Juliana Mikulas Catlin (Harold); his grandsons, Reverend David Houston Abney (Hayley), Hampton Harvey Catlin (Michael), and Davis Marshall Catlin (Shea); and his great grandchildren, Houston Harris Abney, Hart August Abney, Ansley Margaret Catlin and Brooks Joyce Catlin.

A private service and interment will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Donation may be made to Christ Church Intown (PCA), where his grandson Dave is Senior Pastor, or Jacksonville Young Life.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens, the Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com