Joseph John Schilling, 88, of Jacksonville, passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Joseph was born on Tuesday, April 10, 1934, in New Hampton, Iowa to the late Edward and Marie Morrisey Schilling. He is a retired United States Air Force Major, and owner operator of several small businesses, including Schillings Christmas Tree Farm. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Walter and Jeanne Schilling.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara Scoggin Schilling of Jacksonville; children, Brian Stephen (Patty) Hibbs of Jacksonville, Jeffrey Scott Hibbs of Jacksonville; a brother, John Schilling of Los Angeles, California, sister-in-law, Norma Patterson (John Stauffer); ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Joe's first love was aviation, as a young teen, taking his bike from the family farm several miles to the local airfield, hoping to be able to watch planes and getting to ride with someone; in those days after the war, the pilots would give rides to children without parent's permission slips and signing forms wavering responsibility.  He proceeded to obtain his private pilot license while he was still in high school.  This love drove him to his career in the USAF which he said gave him permission to do what he loved. Saying more than once that he was almost ashamed of getting his retirement check.

He retired, still a bachelor in Jacksonville, where he met and married for the first time, his second love, Barbara.  He became a husband and a father 43 years ago and filled both of those shoes with love and no regrets. He and Barbara started and operated for 35 years the Schillings Christmas tree farm.   In their free time they rode motorcycles and eventually their sports car, taking Sunday morning breakfast and scenic road trips all around the state. Joe and Barbara built a strong bond, and he is going to be truly missed by her and his entire family of kids, grandkids and "greats" known to all of them as "Papa Joe". Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2022 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home.  Interment will be in Chapel Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.