Dallas County Democrats
In Memory:
J. P. Joyce

J.P. Joyce, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 24, 2000, was a very active Democrat here in Dallas County going as far back as his days in the Young Democrats many years ago. He was currently serving as a Precinct Chair and an Election Judge, and had long been involved in many local campaigns as well as the Stonewall Democrats club. He had also been a personal friend of my family for decades.

This spring I had the pleasure of hiring him to work on the Democratic Primary staff at the party office, where as always his personality made him a joy to be around. The following email with information about his memorial was sent out by Tim McMullen today.

--Bill Howell, Dallas County Democratic Party Chair

My Dear Fellow Stonewall Democrats:

It is my sad duty to inform you that J.P. Joyce passed away earlier this week from a heart attack. He was an outstanding man, always standing up for what he believed in. He will be greatly missed. As one of the founders of this organization, and my Vice President, he embodied everything that is good and well within the Democratic Party in Dallas.

I'm sure you all feel as I do, a tremendous sense of loss.

A memorial service for J.P. has been scheduled for Saturday, November 4th at the Midway Hills Christian Church, 11001 Midway Rd. at 11:00am.

I encourage all of you to come and celebrate the life of this remarkable and loving human being.

Peace Be With You

Tim McMullen, President

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Obituary October 29, 2000:

JOYCE, JOSEPH PATRICK MICHAEL, III who passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 24th, was a beloved friend and colleague to all who knew him. He was born on July 1, 1937, in Portsmouth, VA, grew up in the Tidewater area, and graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School. J.P. attended the University of Virginia where his interests were politics and journalism. Upon joining the Air Force, he attended Yale University's foreign language department where he became fluent in Chinese. Subsequently, he was sent on an intelligence mission to Formosa during the pre-Vietnam conflict. Following his military commitment, J.P.'s love of foreign lands and adventure drew him into the travel industry where he worked in the promotion of tour and goodwill. He held various sales positions with KLM, Alitalia and Korean Airlines. J.P. was a worldwide traveler and escorted numerous travel groups internationally. He was affiliated with many travel industry associations and was very active in PATA where he served as Chairman. J.P. retired from Korean Airlines in 1995.

J.P. was a lifelong Democrat with a passionate interest in furthering the ideals of the party. He was an astute campaign worker for the Democratic Party and received a personal hand signed invitation to President Kennedy's inauguration. At the time of his death, he was a Precinct Chair, Election Judge, Vice President of the Stonewall Democratic Club and was very much involved in all aspects of Dallas Couonty politics. Through J.P.'s networking efforts, he assisted in increasing the membership of the Stonewall Democratic Club into the largest Democratic club in Dallas County.

J.P. had an unusual ability to unite people and bridge the gulf between people of diverse backgrounds. He loved life and was intensely involved in it. He surrounded himself with things and people he loved. It was his concern for all whose rights were in jeopardy that fueled his commitment to human rights. Generous in so many ways, his acts included donating to many charities and personally buying and delivering groceries to people in need. J.P.'s unique wit, charm and intelligence will be missed. J.P. was part of so many lives that his absence will be deeply and painfully felt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Patrick Joyce, II of Portsmouth, VA; his mother, Blanche Cross Smith, of Portsmouth, VA; and his stepfather, "Pop" Walter M. Smith of Evergreen, AL. He is survived by his sister and nephew, Martha and Travis Thereault of Virginia Beach; his stepbrother, James T. Smith of Virginia; and Charles Walton. A memorial service celebrating J.P.'s life will be at 11:00 AM on November 4th at the Midway Hills Christian Church, 11001 Midway Hills Rd, Dallas. The Reverend Thomas Plumbley will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be forwarded to the Democratic Party of Dallas County, 4209 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75223 or to the charity of your choice.

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