James Robert Joseph

James Robert Joseph, a veteran of World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War, died peacefully at his home in Moline on Tuesday, Jan. 28. He was 97.

Joseph, known variously to family, friends, and colleagues as Jim, Bob, Joe, or even Jimmy Joe, was born in Chicago on Sept. 1, 1927, to David and Marguerite (Jones) Joseph. He attended public schools in Chicago and Rock Island, graduating from Rock Island High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945, toward the end of WWII, until 1948, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 during the Korean conflict. He worked as an equipment specialist for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Weapons Command for nearly 38 years, retiring in 1983. 

During his time with the Arsenal, he traveled extensively to places such as Ethiopia, Greece, Korea, Japan, and, most notably, Vietnam, where he served as a civilian for the Department of the Army over multiple deployments.

On June 24, 1950, he married Alta L. Hatton, with whom he had five children: James Robert (Bob), Scott, Daniel, Marguerite (Maggie), and John. The marriage ended in divorce. He married Joyce Nickell in 1976.

Survivors include his children and their spouses: Bob (Sheri), East Moline; John (Marina), Moline; Maggie Shepard (Paul), Phoenix; and Scott (Rick Schell), Orlando. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Morgan Joseph, and two great-granddaughters, Penelope and Piper Frederiksen, all of Moline. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel; wife, Joyce; longtime companion, Patricia Smith; and his sister, Marjorie, and her husband, Sherman, whom he considered a brother.

He was a life member of the Moline American Legion, the Moline Veterans of Foreign Wars, and an honorary life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He belonged to Moose Lodge 190 in Rock Island and Friend’s Circle in Moline. He was also a universal blood donor, contributing more than 29 gallons during his lifetime.

He was commander of the Moline American Legion Honor Guard, performing ceremonial duties for nearly 6,000 funerals of Quad Cities veterans. He was once asked by a reporter why he participated in the Honor Guard. He said he saw it as his duty to give fellow veterans a proper sendoff.

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the American Legion Honor Guard will accord him the same rites. Those wishing to attend should gather at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline at 11 a.m. for the 11:15 drive to the National Cemetery on Arsenal Island. A luncheon at Friend Circle Club, Moline, will follow the service.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express online condolences on his Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com.