James L. Joyce

James L. Joyce, 84, of Marysville, KS, died Wednesday April 3, 2013 at Cambridge Place in Marysville. Visitation was Friday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville. A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Marysville. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. Father Jim Shaughnessy officiated. The pallbearers were Bud Thomas, Dylan Faire, Caleb Vogelsberg, Tanner Gustin, Derek Gustin, Michael Gustin and Chad Rhodes. The honorary pallbearers were Bob Thompson, Ron Grauer, Tim Grauer, Kenneth Fairchild, Larry Fairchild and Vince O’Toole, Jr. Burial was in St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery. James was born June 2, 1928 at Heartwell, NE, to Larry and Gladys (Hawes) Joyce. He farmed with his parents in the Heartwell area while growing up. James served with the US Army. In 1952 he started with the Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor. He retired in 1991. Jim and Mary Irene Fairchild were united in marriage on February 11, 1953 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings, NE. In 1973 they moved from Hastings to Marysville. Jim was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, was the sexton of the church cemetery and volunteered his services to help at the church and school for many years. He always had a large garden, liked working on his lawn, fishing, and was known as a professional wood worker. Jim was a strong leader in all aspects of his life, especially with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Jim wanted his family to follow in his footsteps in regards to their faith, work ethic and love of family. He spent many fun hours with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Pat Joyce; and sisters, Bev Bates and Jean Fisher. Survivors include his wife, Mary Irene; son, James “Tony” (Terri) Joyce, Grand Island, NE; daughters, Sue (Chad) Rhodes and Lisa (Michael) Gustin, all of Marysville; Rebecca Joyce-Thomas, Kearney, NE; sisters, Sharen Christensen, Minden, NE, Sally Joyce, Kearney, NE; 16 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established in his name, to St. Gregory’s School. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James L. Joyce, please visit our flower store.