John Samuel Roseberry

September 22, 2018 the Lord came to take John Roseberry home to finally give him the well-deserved peace that all great soldiers seek. Today we are gathered here to celebrate the life of John Samuel Roseberry. He was born March 8, 1935. Raised by his mother Madeline Grayson until her death when he was 13 years old. John lived with various family members and friends after his mother passed away until he was old enough to join the Air Force for 4 years and the remainder of his military career in the Marine Corps (USMC). It was during his time as a Marine he was introduced to the Martial Arts while stationed in Southeast Asia. Upon returning stateside he was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, Chicago, IL., where he met Emma LaJune Goodwin. After 2 years of courting (that’s dating for the young folks) he married her on May 13, 1960. Travelling to various duty locations across the United States and just returning from serving in the Vietnam Conflict, he was finally transferred to his last assignment as an instructor at the University of Nebraska ROTC program. He retired from the USMC in 1972. After retirement a friend told him that he should teach martial arts. He was hesitant and knowing he had already taught hundreds of marines, martial arts throughout his time in the military he wasn’t sure if this should be his next career move. He decided to teach one class and he figured he’d work the four students who showed up in a park so hard that they would quit. To his surprise the students were ready for the next class, fast forward forty plus years from the class in the park, John established one of the largest martial arts organizations in the United States. In January of 2011, his wife Emma of 51 years passed away and he slowly started to ease into retirement. He later reconnected with longtime friend Jeri Goble and they were married in 2013. He leaves behind his wife Jeri Goble, Six Children: Cynthia Roseberry, North Beach, MD, Timothy Roseberry (wife Terri), Chester, VA, Marcus Johnson (wife Lifiemei), Lincoln, NE, Amy Smillie (Husband Steve) Lincoln, NE, Leah Coy (Husband Jason) Lincoln, NE and Mandi Woodman, Lincoln, NE; Ten Grandchildren: Stephanie, Mikah, Madalyn, Raiden, Kaia, Preston, Thade, Ryelynn, Ameah and Fynnley; Two Great-grandchildren: Josiah and Juliana; His Major Accomplishments include:
Member / Alternate of the 1964 US Olympic Judo Team
Seven Time All Marine Corp Judo Champion
Three Time All Military Service Judo Champion
The only American to win the All-Okinawan Judo Championship
Starting Fullback on the Marine Corp Football Team (aka The Tank)
Tried out and made the team as a fullback for the San Diego Chargers
(He left the Chargers to go back to his Marine Corp family)
Founded one of the largest Martial Arts Organizations in the United States
Pictured on the National Korean War Memorial Wall in Washington DC
Vietnam Memorial Sculpture of himself and Friend Bob Kerry (Medal of Honor Recipient / US Senator) on display at Branson, MO
Inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions by the USMC. His picture and Judo Gi (uniform) are on display
Touched the lives of thousands of students, friends and family around the world. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the funeral home. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com