James J. Joyce Jr.

The first anniversary of Jim's untimely death is a reminder just how short our time on earth is and thus the need to abide by the exhortation "carpe diem!" I think of Jim a lot, perhaps because old friends are so dear. I have many fond memories of Jim, one of which is how down to earth he was. He was an extraordinarily focused and hard working scholar of the first order who retained not only remarkable common sense and touch, but strong empathy for those less fortunate. I recall walking past a homeless man in downtown Norfolk in the early seventies with Jim. He looked at the man and turned to me saying that he prayed he would never end up like that. This from the valedictorian of the 1969 class of Holy Cross College, the second ranked graduate of the Navy's Supply Corps School, a future graduate of the best law school in the United States and a highly successful lawyer. Would that we are all so grounded.

Hello Mrs. Joyce,
My name is Clayton Bruner and was very sad to see that Jim had passed away! I´m so sorry for your loss! I
had the privilege and honor to have served with Jim on the USS DuPont in the supply department during the time he was the Supply Department Head. I admired your husband and it was a really sad day when Jim left our ship at the end of his tour! I always believed he was going to be someone important and live a life with meaning! Jim was one sharp guy!
I wish I could have connected with him sometime during these past 50 years since we served together to let me know how much his presence while on the DuPont helped make the time away from my wife and family a little more bearable! I´ve tried to google his names over these years but to no avail! Until tonight, and I found his obituary! Again, I´m so sorry for you and your family! I hope that somehow you see this and it brings you some comfort knowing how much your husband meant to me and so many others!
If you would like to reply you can reach me a [email protected]

It is with profound shock and deep sadness that I read of Jim's passing today. He and I were best men at each other's weddings 50 years ago and I was so hoping to to contact him and Susan to re-connect. He was the best friend I ever had and married to the most wonderful Marine I ever knew. The practice of law swallowed my time and I lost touch, something I now bitterly regret. Terry's and my thoughts, feelings and prayers are with Susan.

Susan, hope you´re hangin´ in.

RIP to a good man. You made a difference in the world. That's the best we can ask.

The world has lost a first class person. I smile at the thought of his goodness.
Heaven,I'm sure, is in awe of his wit and kind spirit.
RIP Jim.

My condolences to the whole family. Jim and I were classmates and fellow Midshipmen at the Cross and I have many fond memories of our time there. RIP

Susan and Family: Jim was my classmate at the Cross, and he will be remembered for his commitment to others - and his service to our Country. I am very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry that Jim is gone, but glad he is at peace now. I hadn't seen him in many years, but very much enjoyed his company the times I did meet him. He had a lovely sense of humor and quick mind. I'm happy that Susan and Jim had many years together, even though there is always a wish for more.

A former Saint John´s 1965 classmate of mine. Both a brain and a beautiful person. Had the pleasure of knowing his sister Sandy many decades later.
May he rest in peace.

Susan, very sorry for your loss! It has been more than 60 years since "Jimmy" and I were schoolboy friends at Blessed Sacrament Grammar School. Besides being in the same grade for eight very happy years, we spent a lot of time playing basketball together at the church gym, Newton Square, and in Jimmy's backyard! He was a really good friend, and a lot of fun to be with! Never spent any time with Jimmy beyond my grammar school days, my loss for sure! Great memories!

Rest in peace, Jim! You were a wonderful person and an excellent husband. I miss you like crazy!