John Mark Sockwell

September 17, 1950 - March 4, 2022

John was born September 17, 1950 in McKinney, Texas to J.E. and Lucille Sockwell. Even as a little boy, he loved to read and made excellent grades in school. John loved being a school teacher, and he taught in Joshua, Texas for 34 years before retiring. He never taught in any other district. Even after he retired, he couldn't be kept away from the classroom and went back to subbing at Joshua for another ten years before passing away. Teachers, students, administrators, and even the support staff loved his smile and his generous nature. John was the last of his family having lost his mom, dad, and brother, Jimmy. He is survived by his sister in law, Judy Sockwell; his aunt, Charlotte Manning, and her sons, Luke and Bruce. He loved his extended family, David and Betty Vela, their boys, and now their grandchildren. He was there as Jason and Joshua grew up, and they knew him as uncle John John. He never missed a Christmas, birthday, or graduation of any of his extended family. He brought lots of joy to them all. John and David were fraternity brothers in college and have remained best friends for over 40 plus years. Both were members of teacher organizations and spent many a time at meetings or conventions laughing and meeting teachers from all over as well as sharing war stories or ideas. There is no doubt that John was the essence of what a teacher should be. Keep smiling my friend. Now, enjoy your rest and being reunited with your family. Your friend and brother, David I would like to thank the wonderful friends of John from the Joshua schools, especially Carol Warren, Diane Stroble, Cynthia Prater, Becky Weller, Carol Scott, and all the others that learned to love John as anyone who ever met him did. David Visitation will be from 10:00am - 11:00am on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel with a celebration of John's life beginning at 11:00am. Interment will be immediately following in Edgewood Cemetery, Lancaster.