George “Corky” Johns
It is with great honor and respect that the family of George Corky Johns invites you to celebrate the life of this stoic and beautiful man created by God. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado and a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at The Palisades at Broadmoor Park, 4547 Palisades Park View, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Private inurnment will be at the Pope John Paul II Memorial Columbarium at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum. Corky was on this earth in physical body from December 16, 1929 until October 6, 2013 and during that time he dedicated his life selflessly to God and his family.
Corky was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania son of the late George A. Johns and Cecille Moffitt Johns. At Pottsville High School, he was a four year varsity athlete in football. He also lettered four years in track and basketball along with baseball. Corky was also a golden gloves boxer with the YMCA Boxing Team. Corky was inducted into the Allen-Rogowicz Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He was named Schuylkill County’s Favorite Son.
He attended Fork Union Military Academy playing on the Virginia football team coached by Ed Merrick. He was named to the First Team of the Military Academy Prep League. Corky received a four year football scholarship to the University of Richmond where he played on the varsity team for four years and co-captained the team his Junior and Senior years. He was elected M.V.P. his Junior and Senior years and was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government Senate, Business School Honors, and distinguished Military Award in R.O.T.C.
Corky had an invitation to play professional football with the Baltimore Colts and the Green Bay Packers. After graduation, he stayed in Richmond for coaching and scouting duties. He then joined the United States Army and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant while playing, coaching and performing as Athletic Director before resigning as Captain. Corky was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. Corky and Bernice moved to Colorado in 2009 to be with their children and grandchildren.
It goes without saying that to all that knew Corky, that he lived in deep devotion to God, his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters, Dr. Joan Marie “Pebby” Johns and Janet Leigh Porterfield. Anthony Porterfield, U.S. Army Special Forces, Retired, is Corky’s son-in-law. Janet and Anthony Porterfield reside in Woodland Park, Colorado with their two daughters Alexandra and Anna Porterfield. Dr. Joan Marie Johns resides in Boulder, Colorado. Her son, Khalil Al-Hamdani and daughter-in-law, Tina reside in Denver, Colorado. Corky is also survived by his sister, Colleen Johns Letcher and his sister in law, Joan Joseph Mammarella. He is survived by his extended families of Moffitt, Letcher, Joseph, Mammarella and Mackarey. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Bernice Joseph Johns in 2009.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution be made to Fork Union Military Academy Scholarship Fund, Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation or to St. Paul Catholic Church in Colorado Springs.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Meek, in the modern version of the Bible means humble. The humble are egoless and we thank you, Corky, for leading by example and showing us tremendous kindness and humility.
Peace be with you.