Valliaparampil Joseph Thampy

Valliaparampil Joseph Thampy, known as “Joe” to his friends and “Papa” to his family, was born on September 23, 1942, in Nellimala, India, to Pastor V.J. George and Mariamma George. He was the third child among five children.

Despite his underprivileged upbringing, Joseph recognized the value of education and was determined to create a better life for himself and his future family. Before moving to the United States, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Economics in India.

On June 16, 1969, he married Susan George. Joseph immigrated to the United States in 1973 on a student visa to pursue a second Master's degree in Divinity. He spent time in New York and Florida before ultimately settling in Oklahoma City. To support his family and fund his education, he took on various odd jobs while overcoming numerous challenges. Yet, he persevered, and in 1978 was able to bring his wife and two eldest daughters (Jessie and Joyce) to the U.S.; a year later, their youngest daughter (Janice) was born. Although their journey was fraught with difficulties, Joseph and Susan worked tirelessly to build their family and establish their community in Oklahoma City, while also helping many relatives immigrate to the United States.

In his early days in Oklahoma, Joseph formed friendships with many individuals who shared his vision of creating a faith-based community. These bonds led to the foundation of what is now International Pentecostal Assembly (IPA). Over the span of five decades, Joseph served in various roles at IPA and became a pillar of the church. His unwavering dedication to faith, family, community, and international mission work was profound. He inspired countless individuals, encouraging the next generation to remain steadfast in their beliefs. Joseph enjoyed gardening, spending quality time with friends, and hosting gatherings at his home with his wife.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Pastor V.J. George and Mariamma George, and his sister, Thankamma Kuruvilla.

Joseph is survived by his siblings, V. John Joseph, George Philip, Ponnamma Benjamin, and their families, along with his wife of 56 years, Susan Thampy; his children: Jessie Abraham (OK), Joyce Mathew and Ezio Castellani (NJ), Janice and Stanly Mathew (NY); and his grandchildren: Jasmine and Brinley Mathew (MD), Joshua and Seth Mathew (NJ), Jordan Abraham (OK), and Noah, Selah, and Lily Mathew (NY).

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Papa and his efforts as a pioneering member and pillar of International Pentecostal Assembly (IPA), donations are requested to be made to IPA's new building fund in Joseph Thampy's name. www.ipaok.org/give

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