Sivert Carl (Joe) Josephson, 78, of Fairfield died Friday, March 26, 2010, in Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital.
Born June 11, 1931, in Wisconsin, he was a son of Peter and Esther Brueggeman Josephson.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1969 with 21 years service. Most of his military career was served with the distinguished Special Forces (Green Berets).
He served Occupation Duty and during the Cold War in Germany with the 1st Infantry Division, combat duty in Korea with the 5th RCT. and in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces. His decorations include two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and 19 additional service medals and citations. After leaving the service, he spent 10 years at Augusta Military Academy as the Senior Army Instructor and head football and basketball coach.
In 1972 he received the Saber Award, which was the highest award presented by the school to a faculty member and also the final ball was dedicated in his honor. After AMA, he worked at Boys' Home in Covington as the activities director. He then worked for two years at Staunton-Augusta YMCA as the physical director. In 1983 he joined Miller School. He began as commandant and head football and basketball coach. Later he became the athletic director and basketball coach. He retired from Miller School in July 1996.
After retirement he did volunteer work with the Virginia Military Institute basketball program for four years. He joined AMA Alumni Museum as a volunteer. In 2002 he was the winner of the AMA Alumni Medal for outstanding dedication and service. In 2009 he was inducted into AMA Sports Hall of Fame as a coach in football and basketball.
Surviving are his wife, Myra Jo Josephson; four children, Mary Ann Plogger of Staunton, Susan Sparks of Doswell, Mike Josephson of Virginia Beach and Sarah Austin of Waynesboro; one sister, Lavine Anderly; and seven grandchildren.
A funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, March 29, at Harrison Funeral chapel by Dr. Michael Wilkins. Burial took place at 1 p.m. April 8, in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to CANSHARE c/o Aubrey Manspile, 119 Walker St., Lexington, VA 24450 or AMA Alumni Association, P O Box 101, Fort Defiance, VA 24437. The family received friends on Sunday, March 28, at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
