John "Harry" Joslin

JOHN “HARRY” “JOSH” JOSLIN


John “Harry” “Josh” Joslin passed away peacefully on July 20, 2021, at the age of 81, at his home in Rockport, Texas, with his family by his side.

John was born in Arkansas to Colonel Will Dan and Helen Joslin. He attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and was a member of Rho Beta fraternity. During this time while working at USAA, he met Joan, and they married in 1963. He graduated this same year with a BBA degree in Economics and Management, was commissioned as a Second Lt. in the US Army, and served as an officer on active duty for 27 years. He held numerous positions, most notably being assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army. Over the course of his career, he served two combat tours in Vietnam and was stationed abroad in Korea, Germany, and Italy before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He earned among other accolades, the Legion of Merit, the Soldier’s Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the reverence and respect of the men with whom he served.

Following his military career, he worked as a Senior Systems Analyst for Computer Science Corporation and Military Professional Research Corporation and retired in 2002 after six years from the US Postal Service. More recently, John was elected and served as a Commissioner on the Aransas County Navigation Board 2003-2005 and 2009-2014, and served as an honorary member of the Aransas County Sheriff’s Department.

John was an avid sport’s fan, self-described #1 loyal fan of the Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Team, and never “willingly” missed a home game! John found his second home and family at Pop’s Tavern & Café where he had many friends, comrades, and fellow pool players. He also spent a considerable amount of time at VFW Post 6386, offering counseling and support to fellow veterans suffering from PTSD.

Throughout his life, John never lost sight of who he was or where he came from. He was equally comfortable socializing with a Military General, Foreign Dignitary, Enlisted Service Member, Rho Beta Fraternity Brother, Hook’s Fan, Pops’ Patron, or Chuck-Wagon Trail Rider. He lived a life of service, remained ever an active, contributing member of the Rockport/Lamar community, and was a member of numerous local organizations.

He is survived by Joan, his wife of 58 years, and children, Jennifer Joslin of Rockport, TX and Jana Sovereign, wife of Christopher, of Palm Desert, CA, sister, Laurie Joslin of Austin, TX, brother, Robin Joslin of Charlottesville, VA, brother Michael Joslin of Richmond, VA, beloved extended family in Caraway, AR, and honorary granddaughter Britney Goodwin of Lamar, TX.

A service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockport at 11 am on Thursday, August 19, 2021. John will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio at 11 am on Friday, August 20, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s honor to the Rebuilding Fund for VFW Post 3904 in Rockport, which was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.