Gregg Harris Jossie

With deepest regrets we announce the passing of Gregg Harris Jossie, 85, on Monday, July 10, 2023. He died at Corinthian Assisted Living in Gilbert, AZ surrounded by family, several days after a stroke.

Gregg was born in Waterloo, Iowa on December 22, 1937 to Harland James Jossie and Janet Louise (Harris) Jossie. He enjoyed a fulfilling childhood with his folks, two sisters Shirley and Carol, many friends, and a pet rooster named Chick-chick. At age 19, he bought his first car, a 1957 Volkswagen beetle. Being weary of the long, cold winters of Iowa, he packed it up and drove to the opposite climate of Phoenix, Arizona to live with his grandparents Alfred and Augusta Harris. There he contacted a friend, Jim Norris, who introduced him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and baptized Gregg on September 6, 1958.

One Sunday at church he saw a beautiful young organist, Kathryn Chatwin, as she played prelude music. Gregg and Kathie were introduced and soon developed strong feelings for each other. But Gregg’s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was also strong, and he wanted to serve a mission. He was called to the Northern California, Sacramento mission and served for two years, returning in 1962. On December 22, 1962, Gregg’s 25^th birthday, he and Kathie were married in the Mesa, Arizona temple. They have been active in the church and faithful to their covenants for all 60 years of their marriage.

Their early married life included the typical challenges of work and housing. He joined the Air Force Reserves for a season, and worked for Honeywell as a draftsman as Kathie tapped into her sewing and music talents. Gregg attended some college, however decided to pursue his talents as a photographer and graphic designer. He succeeded and excelled as a freelancer in this field for over 40 years, working with many companies. One company, Dial Manufacturing, especially valued his work and finally convinced him to join their team full-time. He worked for Dial until his retirement in 2017 at the age of 79.

Gregg and Kathie’s first child, Kent, was born in 1964 followed by Kimberly in 1965. They bought their first house in Phoenix shortly after for just $16,000. Jennifer arrived in 1968. Troubles due to the RH factor began as the fourth pregnancy ended at 7 months with a stillborn girl they named Ann. Their next baby, Janna, also struggled with the same affliction, arriving premature in 1971 but was rescued by intense interventions and came home many weeks after birth. Their next daughter, Leah, was born on Easter Sunday in 1973 and died the same day. In 1977 Gregg and Kathie moved to a new house and soon welcomed Aaron, the miracle child, who, by the grace of God, had no RH effects. Sadly, their last child, Heather, also premature, succumbed just 3 hours after birth in 1979.

In 1988 they moved to Camp Verde, AZ and enjoyed the slower pace and cooler temperatures for the next 33 years. They were very active in the LDS community in Camp Verde where Gregg served as Bishop for 5 years.

He enjoyed several hobbies over the years including raising chickens and pigeons, collecting pocket knives, and of course cars. He especially loved Volkswagens and Porsches and is practically identified by his Porsche 914 on which he put over 600,000 miles. But, most of all he identified as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Gregg was a people-person. He could connect with anyone. He always took time to nurture those relationships and loved each and every person he knew. One of the things we will miss most is his quirky sense of humor and how he made all of us laugh. But more importantly how he made us feel special. He will be greatly missed by his huge circle of family and friends.

He is survived by Kathryn (wife); children: Kent (Kerry) Jossie, Kimberly (Matt) Leach, Jennifer (Bradley) Landseadel, and Aaron (Allison) Jossie; grandchildren: Samuel, Gregg, Brandon, Benjamin, John, Joshua, Laura, Erin, Kaitlyn, Joel, Ariana, Briana, Amanda, Spencer, Christian, Ann, Henry, Zoe, Thomas, Scott, Kathryn, Max, Mary, Penelope, and Jack; and 27 great-grandchildren with 4 on the way; sisters Shirley Huntbach and Carol Commins; Gregg was preceded in death by daughters Ann (stillborn, 1970), Leah (1973) and Heather (1979) in their infancy, and Janna Dayley (2022).

Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals (480) 964-8686 (www.bunkerfuneral.com). An open house and viewing are scheduled for Friday, July 21, from 5 to 7 PM at the LDS chapel, 23121 N 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ. Interment and grave dedication will take place on Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 AM at West Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ. A memorial service will be held the same day from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the LDS chapel, 360 S 5th St, Camp Verde, AZ. All attendees are invited to stay for a social and dinner until 8:00 PM. If you wish, and in honor of Gregg, bring your favorite car to show off in the parking lot during the social!

Special thanks for the outstanding care provided by Gerry, Joann, Mylene and staff at Corinthian Assisted Living and the caring staff of Aegis Hospice. And heartfelt thanks from Gregg and the whole family to all the many friends for endless love and support.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.