Remembering Irving Joksch

1924 - 2010

A Founding Elder of The Fellowship

by David Doré

When you are at the start of your walk with Jesus, some Christians can be rather intimidating. Irving’s strong faith and his serious demeanor made me feel spiritually immature and much too frivolous about life. It took a bit of time before I learned that Irving was not only approachable, but also one of the funniest men I have ever met.

The breakthrough came during one of the most intense periods in the life of too many Christians – a heart-wrenching church split. I was a part of the administrative board of that church during this difficult time. Irving came to speak to us at an important meeting. I anticipated someone “loaded for bear.” Instead, I met a man with a heart that was broken over the widening split. His compassion for both sides and his passion for Christ’s work led to a wonderful mentorship relationship.

We spent many early Sunday mornings preparing the Grange Hall for Sunday School and worship. I still find myself at work early each Sunday. We hired him to do many jobs around our house. Our front porch was designed and built by Irving. I miss him when I run into “fix-it” challenges. We met together for prayer and he always had a great story. They were often about his life and how God had protected and then transformed him. He and Janet had a simple lifestyle. I still admire that uncluttered life.

There are signs of Irving all over the building. He was the clerk of the works for our first building at 604 Foundry Street. He supervised me as I supervised the remodeling of room 4 and the lower corridor that leads towards the offices. Our wooden communion set was crafted by Irving. And there is so much more.

Irving was always helping someone else. He did much to keep Pat Cantalupo’s house in good repair. His tools, his wisdom, and his carpentry skills were always available for people in need. I was never sure which visits to the VA were for his ailments, to encourage hospitalized veterans, or to help Janet [his wife] get more walking exercise. His life always seemed to focus on helping others.

My personality, educational background, and interest in missions would have made Phil Watts [another founding member] my likely mentor. God had a better plan. Irving was my mentor on the board. He suggested that we design our joint worship sessions around the Lord’s Prayer. Now you know why I begin each service with the Lord’s Prayer. He encouraged me to use hymns that were “full of life.” He loved “To God be the Glory.” He also loved the more intimate feel of our first building. People in church should know each other and help each other—that was the theme of so many of our talks.

That slower pace of life in Maine appealed to Irving. But I am convinced he just wanted to invest in his family and to make a smoother transition for Janet after he would be called home to Jesus.

On Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 3 PM there will be a memorial service for Irving Joksch at The Fellowship. Listen carefully and you will hear many people telling some of Irving’s amazing tales or stories about how Irving helped them.

What I will remember most about Irving is his deep and abiding faith. He knew how deep and wide and great was God’s love for sinners. He knew Jesus was overwhelmed with Jesus’ sacrifice for sinners like us. In all things he sought God’s glory. And he knew that his faith in Christ did not come from himself, it came from God.

1983: Irving (right) inspecting the construction plans for the original Fellowship building

1983: At the construction site, with David Doré

1983: At the construction site