Joseph James Marshall

JOE “POP” MARSHALL

Joseph James Marshall was called home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2023 as he rested peacefully, surrounded by family in the home he built in 1967, after suffering a brief illness.

Joseph was born at his family home (Battle Swamp) Port Deposit, MD, where he was raised along with his brother, Bob, and sister, Joyce, by loving and caring parents, Robert and Florence (Devine) Marshall.

Joe was a proud Veteran of the United States Army while serving his country in Germany. He was honorably discharged to return home to care for his mother and to run the family store on Jacob Tome Highway after the passing of his Father.

In 1963 Joe began working for Rufus Benjamin as a school bus driver. In 1967 Joe bought his first school bus and became a Contractor for Cecil County. Over the years along with help from his wife, his sons, his grandchildren, and a wonderful and dedicated bus staff, the business has grown and Joe has been transporting students for over 60 years. He was still driving at age 83 up until a few months ago.

Joe was a simple family man. He was a good Christian, devoted to his church, and was highly respected in the community. He loved his family with all of his heart. Alongside the “love of his life”, his wife, Lorraine (Graybeal) he raised his two sons to be kind, caring, and hard-working men.

Joe was an avid football fan. He was a season ticket holder for over 50 years for the Baltimore Colts and his beloved Baltimore Ravens. Joe was also a Yankees fan (Yes, a Yankees fan!) as a child growing up, his older brother was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan so he said “Of course I had to become a Yankees fan” and it stuck.

Joe was always jovial, positive, and had kind things to say. He liked to joke and poke fun with those around him. He always saw the best in people and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. He was a fun person to be around.

Joe dedicated his life to his family, his bus company, and his community. He will truly be missed by so many.

Joe is survived by his sons, James L. Marshall (MaryAnn) of Rising Sun, MD, and John W. Marshall (Valerie) of Port Deposit, MD; sister, Joyce Bigelow of California; grandchildren, James Marshall Jr. (Becca), John Marshall Jr, Cory Hall (Kysha), Ashley Marshall, Heidi Marshall and Hannah Marshall; great-grandchildren, James Marshall III, Kinsley Marshall, Preston Marshall, Josephine Marshall, Wyatt Marshall, Belle Callanan, Jeremiah Marshall, Joseph Marshall, Breah Hall and Bailey Hall.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence (Devine) Marshall; wife, Lorraine (Graybeal) Marshall; brother, Robert “Bob” Marshall; and great-granddaughter, Peyton Laws.

Joe will be laid to rest in the Hopewell Cemetery of Port Deposit, MD, beside his loving wife.

A Ravens-themed celebration of Joe's life will take place for family and friends on April 21, 2024, 2 PM until 7 PM, at the Rising Sun American Legion.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Amedisys Hospice for all the guidance, care, and love they showed them during such a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's name may be made to:  Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.