Obituary of Joseph S. Austin

Joseph Syphus Austin, Jr., 66, of Erie. PA, formerly of Jamestown, passed away at 12:27 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2015, in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Erie, PA, with his daughter at his bedside. He was born February 15, 1949 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late Joseph Cephas Austin, Sr. and Addie Mae Forney Austin. He had attended the Jamestown Public Schools before moving to Bemus Point where he graduated from the Maple Grove High School. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1966, stationed at Fort Dix, and later served in the Vietnam War until December 1968 and returned to Jamestown in 1970. He was employed for several years with his father a "master of all trades" carpenter and with his uncle Tommy Austin who was a licensed contractor, where he learned his skills as a carpenter, plumber and electrician. He moved to Westminster, CO where he worked as a roofing contractor and at General Cable Company. Upon moving back to Jamestown, he was employed by the Cummins Engine Company. He was an avid reader of all kinds of literature. He could converse with anyone about any subject. He religiously spoke his thoughts in the "Readers Forum" of the Post Journal. He enjoyed music especially jazz music. He was a quiet gentle man yet very comical and humorous. He loved being called "Big Papa" by his grandchildren and was a kind and caring father who was adored by his children. When he became ill he was admitted to the VA Hospital in Erie, PA. and after his recovery he became a resident of Erie, PA. While living in Erie he returned his kindness by being a volunteer at the VA Hospital transporting patients and working in the kitchen. He also volunteered at the Goodwill Store, the Salvation Army and other non-profit agencies in Erie. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren and other family members. Surviving are three daughters, Terri G. Austin of Toledo, OH, Millicent Leeper of Jamestown, NY, Kemyatta Austin of Buffalo, NY, a son, Joseph S. Austin, III of Buffalo, NY, seven grandchildren, Darin L., Peyton M., Darien L., and Bishop L. Butts, Izonna Austin, Kira Christensen, Jamira Austin all of Jamestown, a great grandson, Rajon M. Butts of Buffalo, NY, a brother, Tery Austin of Jamestown, and a nephew, Jordan Austin of Jamestown. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Addie Austin The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Chloe Smith will officiate. Burial will be in the Soldiers Circle of Lakeview Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. A repast meal will be held following the service at Nanny and Papoohs home at 47 West 10th St. Jamestown. Memorials may be made to the Mount Gerizim Christian Center, P.O. Box 10611, Erie, PA 16514.