Joseph Howard McCord

Joseph Howard McCord, 88, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born September 12, 1937, in Paris, Illinois, Joe was the son of Howard Orestes McCord and Ruth Jamison McCord. Joe graduated from Paris High School, where he earned the title of "Mr. Basketball" for the state of Illinois as a starter on a state championship team. Affectionately known as "Jumping Joe”, healso ran track, played baseball, was involved in theatre, and many other school activities.

At the age of 18, he received Christ as his savior and felt a call on his life to be a minister. Giving up a high-profile basketball scholarship offer, Joe instead graduated with a Bachelor of Artsfrom Lake Forest College, followed by a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. During his last year in seminary, he served as a youth pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Avenel, New Jersey, where he met his future wife. 

In 1963, Joe was ordained in the Presbyterian Church during a service in his hometown of Paris and then became the full-time pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Ogdensburg, New Jersey where he served for over 4 years.

On June 18, 1966, he married the love of his life, Ellen Marie Thorsen, in Avenel, New Jersey.

In 1968 he expanded his ministry and ministered with Interchurch Team Ministry for 2 years. Joe then traveled for over 50 years ministering in churches and home groups worldwide.

Joe and Ellen shared 60 years of marriage together (June 18, 2026), building a family rooted in love and dedicated to sharing the Gospel. Joe’s education laid the foundation for a distinguished career in ministry, where he faithfully served as a pastor and spiritual leader for many years. Joe also enjoyed teaching at Covenant Life College, where he was passionate about passing on his love for God’s Word.

For 49 years Joe faithfully pastored at Christian Life Center in Lubbock, Texas and continued traveling the world extensively to share the Gospel. Joe’s faith remained the cornerstone of his life as he shared his faith with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering conviction. During his career, he traveled many miles by train, plane, automobile, and motorhome. The motorhome allowed the family to travel together when the children were young.

Joe was a sports enthusiast throughout his life and most recently spent his time as a fervent supporter of Texas Tech athletics. Most days he could be found wearing one of his many Texas Tech shirts or hats. An avid jogger for most of his life, he was also always up for playing basketball even into his later years. In ministry opportunities at youth camps, he looked forward to participating in the sports as much as the opportunity to speak.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen McCord; his five children, David McCord of Coppell, Texas; Michael McCord and wife Rebecca of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada; Tammy Norris and husband Jeff of Lubbock, Texas; Debbie Toman and husband Scott of Lubbock, Texas; and Grace McCord of Atlantic Beach, Florida. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy, along with many extended family members, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his ministry.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruth McCord, and his beloved in-laws, Reinhart and Lillian Thorsen.

Joe will always be remembered for his steadfast faith, love of learning, passion for the Scriptures, sense of humor, dedication to his family, and his commitment to serving God and others. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he influenced through his ministry, kindness, and example.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

A Memorial gathering will begin, 2 PM, Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Trinity Church, 7002 Canton Ave, Lubbock, TX 79413, with a reception to follow.