John Joyce Jr.

John Joseph Joyce, Jr (also known as "JJ" and "Johnnie"), 70, of Hampstead, MD passed away Tuesday May 17, 2022, in Westminster, MD. Born March 27, 1952, in Meadowcrest, PA, he was the son of John J. Joyce, Sr and Regina M. Joyce. John graduated from Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore in 1970, where he played basketball and soccer, and from the University of MD Baltimore County in 1976. John was an absolute sports nut throughout his life. He coached multiple sports (softball, baseball, soccer, basketball) for male and female youth from elementary to high school to college level competition. He received numerous accolades for his support of local youth in the Catonsville MD community area, including "Coach of the Year" one year for guiding eight separate teams. He also administered multiple leagues and refereed for many sports as well, including youth, college, and adult-level leagues. His greatest joy, however, was coaching his boys in baseball, basketball, and soccer in the Hampstead area. John was an avid local fan of the Orioles, Colts/Ravens, and Baltimore Bullets (oh the stories he told his kids about Wes Unseld and Earl the Pearl) and loved to cheer for the UNC Tarheels (despite his sister Mary being a die-hard Duke fan). He idolized the baseball player Pete Rose for his hustle, and thus John's kids and most relatives played with #14 on their sports jersey! Aside from sports, John loved listening and grooving (his word) to Motown, the Rolling Stones, and all types of jazz. He is survived by his son, Christopher J. Joyce, and his sons' mom, Louise, as well as his sisters Mary, Winnie, and Sue, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sons Matthew and TJ and by his parents John and Regina. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 24, 2022, from 4 pm until the time of a Celebration of Life service at 5:30 pm at ELINE FUNERAL HOME, 934 South Main Street, Hampstead, MD. A catered reception will immediately follow the service at the funeral home. Masks are requested for attendees. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Lorien Mt. Airy Nursing Home Recreation Department (send check to Lorien Mt. Airy, 713 Midway Ave, Mt. Airy MD 21771 and write "for Recreation Department in memory of John Joyce" on the memo line). John's family is so appreciative of the outstanding care and support the Lorien staff provided to John over the past several years.