Joe Stanley Judd passed away, in Sterling, Illinois, at the age of 83, on Dec. 2, 2023.
He was born on March 27, 1940, to John Harvey and Lota Elaine Jones Judd. Joe was born and raised in Doyle, Tennessee, and moved to Illinois, in 1959. He prided himself on being a hard worker his entire life. As a young boy, Joe started working in the family lumber industry. He then worked for Northwestern Steel and Wire (The Mill) for 33 years. After retiring from “The Mill,” Joe worked for Transport America for eight years, driving a semi all over North America. Joe served in the United States Army from 1964 until 1966 and was an aircraft mechanic and helicopter door gunner, while serving in Vietnam. He was very proud of his service to his country.
Joe loved Johnny Cash and would often sing his tunes; some even said he sounded just like him. He was a caring and compassionate man, who was known to make friends with anyone he met. He could also do anything, from auto body work on cars, mechanical work, woodworking, plumbing, electrical and construction work. Joe was not a man to take life sitting down. One of his greatest joys was being an avid runner, and he lived by the motto, “When I Run I Fly, When I Fly My Soul Is Free, To Be Free I Run.” He was proud of his 43,000 logged running miles. Joe was proud of his Southern heritage and loved to be known to his family as “Pa Judd.”
Joe was a Christian man of great faith, and he was dedicated to his church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John William Judd Sr.; his sisters, Dorothy Ruth Judd McDonald, Betty Jean Judd; and his former wife, Lynda Lee (Judd) Carlson.
He is survived by his children, Teresa (Brian) Kikuts, Jo Lynne (Dennis) Hartz, Troy (Kristin) Judd, Jennifer (Ben) Gutshall, Jessica (Amber Briddick) Judd; grandchildren, Aaron Judd, Tyler Gibson, Hailey Gibson, Jacob Cady, Alex Cady, Josie Cady, Lynzie Cady, Brady Hartz, Harper Judd, Connor Judd, Greyson Judd, Finleigh Judd, Deacon Gutshall, Kipton Gutshall; great-grandchild, Addilyn Riley; step-children Robbie Watkins, Kerry Leuzinger, Kim Jensen; and sister-in-law, Jeanne Judd.
The family would like to express special thanks to the many caregivers at Morningside of Sterling and Vitas Hospice.
The family will receive friends 10-11 a.m., Dec. 16, 2023, at Greenwood Baptist Church, in Doyle. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Full military honors will be provided by the Veterans’ Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Greenwood Baptist Church and a veteran’s organization of the family’s choice.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
