Not Quite an Ordinary Life: The Memories of an Ordinary Man Who Lived a Somewhat Extraordinary Life

by J. David Joyce

Full of wisdom and honesty, Not Quite an Ordinary Life shares the rather extraordinary life of J. David Joyce, a common man who took the common man's journey through life. One of eight children born to an Irish Catholic housepainter and his wife, Joyce grew up in the midst of poverty in a small New York town. In his youth, he endured (and survived) Catholic school, dealt with his father's addiction to morphine, and learned the importance of hard work. As an adult, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam, suffered through financial difficulties, and mourned the death of his only son. Yet through it all, Joyce continued to believe in a better life for himself and his family. His middle class success included a solid marriage, wonderful children, advanced education, and worldwide travel. He enjoyed a twenty-year career in the US Air Force working in foreign intelligence collection and analysis, as well as being a counselor to veterans. In later years, he became an IRS agent and finished his working life as an accountant. Rich with detail and brimming with emotion, Not Quite an Ordinary Life reveals one man's strength and courage against the odds and his remarkable zest in pursuing the American dream.

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2009