Joseph A. Southorn Obituary

Joseph A. Southorn attended Leigh High School in San Jose, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Joseph A. Southorn.

Graduation Year	Class of 1971
Date of Passing	Feb 12, 2005
About	Joe Southorn...You may remember Joe as a loner but he cared for many... He knew many people and I think most liked and admired him... In High School he was an avid swimmer and even as a youth in elementary school he swam for Santa Clara Swim Club. He was interested in Drama and Stage Crew and actively involved. He was in Oklahoma and a few other productions we had at Leigh such as Hello Dolly. He enjoyed the stage crew work also the Music, Dancing and Acting. He was often a teachers trial and helped others with their school work. We Met in Study Hall and in Art Classes next to eachother he would often come and sit with me, having the teachers permission of course. He had a persistent a persuasive way about him. Even when we first dated I said I just wanted to be friends but that changed quickly. We shared an interest in poetry and music. We went to Basketball and Football games together and he asked me to his Junior Prom. We went to many dances and even won a second in a dance contest together. He was smart, artistic, but didn't like to study much. He would often help others with their school work , helpful and giving, always joking and loved to make people laugh...We Married on July 24th 1971... 40 years ago today. We stayed in the San Jose Area for a whilewhere both our daughters were born and he worked for Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour. He became a Manager. We then moved to Fresno for a time but missed home. So he went on to travel and open up new Farrell's in New York and Utah. Then a few years later decided to Join the Air Force. The Viet Nam war was winding down then and we were sent to Edwards Air Force Base, where he worked for Test Support and a few secured positions. In the mid 70's we were able to see the Space Shuttle landings at Edwards AFB. It was some exciting times and beginnings for our family. A few years later we were sent to a new duty station at Ramstein Air Base Germany where he traveled quite a bit on TDY trips to many other countries. After much encouragement and discovering a club and Clown Alley, Germany is where he took up a new pastime and hobbie as Professional Clown. He became registered with The Clowns of America, AKA Hobie T. Clown...He enjoyed it so much, entertaining children and going into Hospitals, parades,Festivals and even a frontman for a Circus. There were many Volunteer opportunities, such as the March Of Dimes, Leukemia Foundation, Youth Groups, Teens and Special Olympics, etc.....Our next Duty Station was back home to the US where we remained till he retired and we enjoyed Vandenberg Air Force Base very much. He worked both in the Contracting and also at the Sattelight Tracking Station...Although we often missed the European ways and the travel we experienced while stationed in Germany, it was also good to be near Family again. Joseph was Beloved Husband, Father of Two Daughters and Grandfather of Six Grand-Children. He died due to a sudden heart attack at 52. He retired after 20 years in the United States Air Force with many honors and Commendations...He had many aspects and facets of his life and activities and worked in many roles and fields after his retirement in 1994...When I desired to have horses he accomodated and thought of me. So he became a Cowboy with a true Cowboy mentality and humor. He was well loved and enjoyed our Camping trips with the friends we made at the Vandenberg Stables. His other favorite pastime was singing and became quite an entertainer and Karoke buff, always telling jokes and singing ballads... As an established Professional clown he performed in many arenas and countries around the world in his travels while in the Air Force. Later he continued to perform as Hobie for many organizations. He was a very caring and giving man always looking out for and helping others. He volunteered and served in many ways for all ages but the youth programs and Special Olympics were special and dear to his heart. He helped with many programs no matter where we lived. Even in death he donated to the foundations and medical causes that meant the most to him. A few years before his death, Joe accepted Christ into his Life and it changed him in a way that strengthened him and our marriage. He was and always will be remembered and loved by many. I have not been the same without him, as he was my life partner and dear husband... The Best part of my life ... Miss You Joe... Love you always, Janice