James Oliver Joyce

     James Oliver (J.O.) Joyce. 91, Johnson City, TN passed peacefully into the presence of God on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, while surrounded by family and friends.  He was a Stokes County, NC, native and a son of the late William A. Joyce and Blanche Rogers Joyce.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Joyce was preceded in death by his true love, very best friend, and wife of 67 years, Betty Sue Clement Joyce (May, 2016).  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Irene Joyce Lawson, and brothers Lloyd and Reid Joyce.

   J.O. began a successful career in insurance sales (primarily with Integon Insurance Company) that he thoroughly enjoyed, following graduation from college after completing his WWII military service. He received great joy from interacting with customers and clients and relished sharing stories about the wonderful people he encountered and with whom he closely worked.

Travel, golf, taking others out for a meal, helping needy strangers pay for their groceries, reading the Bible (at least one chapter each evening), and western novels were his hobbies.  He was a member of Princeton Presbyterian Church for almost 60 years.

  Those left to cherish Oliver’s memory include: children, Jimmy Joyce, Brenda Joyce Merritt and her husband, Randall; granddaughter/daughter Jennifer Bledsoe and her husband, Michael; grandchildren Chad Joyce and wife, Carrie, Melinda Hill and husband, Donald, Sam Merritt, and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Joyce, Ella Joyce, Danica Joyce, Stephanie Hill, Graeme Oliver Merritt, Evelyn Merritt, and Baby Boy Merritt due May, 5; brother Wayne Joyce and his wife, Frankie, numerous nieces and nephews.

   The family would like to offer a very special thank you to Dr. David Freemon and other members of the professional staff of Johnson City Internal Medicine for the excellent care provided over so many years.  Also, the family can’t begin to express our full appreciation for the tender care and consideration shown by staff members of Princeton Transitional Care to Dad – and to us - in his final days. 

   The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you take someone out to eat or buy groceries for those in need in Oliver’s memory. 

    There will be a Graveside and Committal Service to honor the life of James Oliver Joyce on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at Asbury Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1084 Flippin Road, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.   Mr. Joyce was a WWII Veteran and the recipient of the WWII Victory Medal. The NC National Honor Guard, the Mount Airy VFW Post 2019 and the Pilot Mountain VFW Post 9436 will provide full Military Honors. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m.

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