Joseph J. Jusko
October 28, 1937 ~ August 13, 2026
Born in:
Cleveland, Ohio
Resided in:
Graford, Texas
Joseph J. Jusko, lovingly known as Joe, Dad, Pop, and Grampa, passed away peacefully at home in Graford, Texas, on August 13, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on October 28, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Alice and Joseph Jusko.
Joe was a beloved husband to his wife, Mary Elizabeth Jusko. Although they had known each other for only seven days when they married, those seven days were the beginning of a beautiful life together that lasted for 70 years. Together, Joe and Mary built a wonderful life filled with love, family, faith, and countless memories. Joe was also a devoted and wonderful father to his children, Leslie, Scott, and Joseph. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. To his family, Joe was known by many names, but perhaps the name that described him best was “always there.” He was the rock-solid foundation of his family and someone they could always depend on.
Joe was a brilliant handyman, builder, and someone who was never afraid of a challenge. If he put his mind to something, he believed he could do it-and more often than not, he did. He built entire cars from scratch on three different occasions and even built a 36 -foot steel sailboat completely from scratch, an incredible accomplishment that reflected his determination, creativity, and remarkable ability to figure out how to make things work.
His accomplishments were countless, but one of his greatest gifts was the “can-do” spirit he passed on to his children. He taught them not to be afraid of a challenge and to believe that, with enough determination, they could accomplish whatever they set their minds to.
Early in his life, Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, serving for 12 years and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served during the Korean and Vietnam War eras and worked as an aircraft mechanic on heavy bombers and cargo planes. During his military career, he and Mary were stationed in France, Columbus, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida.
After leaving the Air Force, Joe worked as a production operator in maintenace at General Tire and Rubber Company in Ashtabula Ohio. He worked there for 18 years before becoming self-employed for the remainder of his working years.
In 1992, Joe and Mary moved from Ohio to Texas. Joe personally built the beautiful home where they would live for the next 25 years. In 2017, they moved to Possum Kingdom Lake, where Joe was able to enjoy two things he has always loved–being near the water and being on the water. He enjoyed sailing and powerboating and loved the life they shared at the lake.
Joe was also a man of deep and abiding faith. He attended First Baptist Church in Godley, Texas, and later First Baptist Church at Possum Kingdom Lake. His faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. Joe knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and his family find comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus now–the perfect culmination of a life well lived.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth, his children, Leslie, Scott and his wife Laurie, and Joseph and his wife Kristine; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many cherished friends who were an important part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Joseph Jusko, and his only sister, Betty Darrow.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, determination, hard work, ingenuity, and family. He taught those around him that there was always a way to solve a problem, that a challenge was something to be conquered rather than feared, and that family was something to stand beside through everything.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His family will carry his lessons, his stories, his faith, and his “can-do” spirit with them for generations to come.
Joe was always there. And although he is no longer here with us, his love and the foundation he built for his family will remain forever.
Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com
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Loved being around Papa Joe, whether it was out camping or just visiting at Joe & Kris’ home.
I remember the twinkle in his eyes when he told a funny story.
We will miss Papa Joe. He was one of a kind.❤️