Joseph Philip Linscomb

Dr. Joseph Philip Linscomb, longtime San Pedro resident, exemplary leader in public education, and family man, passed away peacefully on August 2. He was 88. Born on October 10, 1931 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Gaston and Corine Linscomb, “Phil”, as he was known to family, friends, and colleagues, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather not only to his three sons, but to his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cousins. He was a true example of how to live a full and fully-realized life. He moved with his parents at the age of eight to Los Angeles, specifically Watts, to join family who had emigrated from Louisiana earlier. The Louisiana Catholic Creole culture of his ancestors was a central guiding force in his upbringing. His parents instilled in him the ethics, respect for people, and high standards that he displayed his entire life. Faith, family, servant leadership and social justice were the pillars on which he stood. He attended St. Lawrence of Brendisi Catholic school, the parish and school being the center of family and community in his early life, and with his excellent humor and extremely good looks, was very popular in both school and the neighborhood. An only child, he was close to his many first cousins, especially Dora and Dorothy Gilmore, who he’d often said were the closest thing he had to sisters; they remained close for the rest of their lives. When his father died, Phil’s promise to him that he would continue with his education led to his enrollment at Compton College and subsequently at UCLA where he graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a teaching credential. Phil began his career in teaching with the Los Angeles Unified School District. This was quickly interrupted when he was called to serve in the United States Army for 3 years. He attended Officers Candidate School. Upon graduation he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was trained as a paratrooper and eventually was assigned to train others. During this time, he made more than 45 jumps himself and also received flight training. This led to a permanent love of flying small planes as a hobby. He was honorably discharged from the Army and would join the Army National Guard attaining the rank of Captain, while serving in a military police unit. He also returned to his teaching career and continued his own education. He earned a Master’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles in 1961 and a Doctorate in Education Administration in 1971 from Brigham Young University. In those years after leaving the Army when Phil was working as a 6th grade teacher, he met Miyoko Janet Yoshida – the best kindergarten teacher in the history of LAUSD – who would become the love of his life. They were married in Chicago in 1966 and moved to San Pedro. They would become parents to three sons: David, Chris, and Mark. During Dr. Linscomb’s thirty-seven year career in public education, he held many administrator positions. He served as Vice Principal, Principal, Region Administrator, and Associate Superintendent of Instruction for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He then accepted a position as Deputy Superintendent in the Pasadena Unified School District and subsequently served as Superintendent of Pasadena Unified School District until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement from public education, he continued his work as an educator joining the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as President of a consortium of urban area Catholic high schools. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Education in the doctoral program at the University of LaVerne where he mentored many professional educators seeking to enhance public education in California and beyond. Phil loved traveling; his journey through life afforded him many opportunities to see the world. He was privileged to serve on the board of the Public Broadcasting System which took him to Washington DC and elsewhere in the United States. His advocacy in furthering Arts Education sent him to China. Although he loved the community of Pasadena, his heart and home was in San Pedro, where proximity to the ocean allowed him to indulge in boating, fishing and being with family. He was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Pedro, where two of his grandchildren attended school. Phil was a loving father, uncle and cousin to many, but his favorite role was as a doting grandfather to his four grandchildren. As his family grew to include his wonderful daughters-in-law, Mary and Heidi, their families became part of his as well; the circle of love and family grew even wider and stronger. In his later years, he and Janet were constant presences in their grandchildren’s lives. He was happiest when he was with them and involved in their lives. Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Gaston and Corine (Beridon) Linscomb; his cousins Aubrey, Dora and Kathleen Dunn (who was his goddaughter), and Dorothy Gilmore; his niece Yumi Harada Goody, and his sisters-in-law Ikuko Dorothy Uyehara and Noriko Ethel Harada. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Miyoko Janet; three sons, David (Mary) of Santa Rosa; Chris (Heidi) and Mark of San Pedro; grandchildren Jackson, Klara, Sarah and Katie; nieces and nephews Robert Uyehara, John (Myra) Uyehara, Kane (Sabrina) Uyehara and their children; Kyoko (Adam) Dole; Maya and Lucas Goody; Dr. Carolyn Dunn and her children; his in-laws, the Westcott, Heberer and Goodwin families; and his many cousins, extended family, and friends.

Family and friends of Joseph are invited to share their favorite photos, video memories and heart felt messages on his Tribute page on the Green Hills Mortuary Website.

Those who were touched by Joseph’s life are invited to watch the live stream of Joseph’s service on 08/13/2020 @02:00PM. The link to virtually attend his tribute is https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/28322957