PANAMA CITY — Molly Vise says Jessica and Joshua Johns were the type of couple that just “made sense.”
Vise, 30, is the sister of Jessica, 40. Jessica and her husband, Joshua, 40, were the victims of an apparent murder-suicide on Dec. 13 at their home in the SweetBay neighborhood. Joshua was killed, while Jessica survived but suffered critical injuries.
The shooter was Jessica’s stepfather, 67-year-old Newell Mock, who fatally shot himself in front of responding officers.
“They were a couple that didn’t just give 50/50,” Vice said. “They always came and showed up with 100/100. … It has always just been the two of them, and it always made sense. There was never drama. There was never uncertainty.
“It was always very certain that they were made for each other.”
Jessica and Joshua had been married since March 14, 2015. They have two sons, ages 5 and 7. Both were home asleep during the shooting.
Vise remembers Joshua as being personable, understanding, funny and clever. He and Jessica met before Vise was born, so he was always a part of her life.
Joshua worked as a civil engineer. He also was a veteran who served four years in the U.S. Navy.
“Josh knew my sister longer than I have,” Vise said. “A lot of my mannerisms, my sense of humor, a lot of that … comes from Josh. I kind of tried to mimic him as a child. I loved his sense of humor, the way he talked and the way he thought about people, places and things.
“He spent a lot of time considering other people and how they would feel. … You just couldn’t help but love the guy. He made you feel seen.”
More on the tragedy: PCPD gives update on Friday’s apparent murder-suicide in SweetBay neighborhood
Vise described Jessica as being adventurous, kind, strong and motivated. Jessica held a master’s degree in science and occupational therapy.
She was shot multiple times, resulting in injuries and broken bones throughout her body.
After spending time in the intensive care unit of a local hospital, Jessica was transferred to another facility to begin inpatient therapy. Vise said she is “on a real rigorous track to get home by Christmas.”
“We all believe that she can do it because not only is she headstrong, a little stubborn and really tough, (but) she knows what she’s talking about,” Vise said. “She’s not just reckless. She understands what she’s doing in (regards to) occupational therapy and physical therapy. This is her space.
“If anyone can do it, it’s her because she already knows what she’s up against.”
In the wake of tragedy, Jessica continues to prove her strength. Though the road ahead of her is long and littered with obstacles, she remains confident that she and her two boys will pull through.
“She’s just so tough,” Vise said. “She has her moments that she needs to have, but at the same time she’s like ‘everything’s going to be OK.’ (She) has her boys. She has her mom. She’s going to go home, and she’s going to make a full recovery.
“She’s heartbroken, but (she knows) everything’s going to be OK.”
A ceremony of life will be held for Joshua sometime after the holidays. A GoFundMe account also was set up to help support the family. As of Monday afternoon, it had garnered more than $107,000.
Those interested in donating can do so by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/qqazk-community-support-for-the-johns-family.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City, Florida woman recovers after Dec. 13 shooting
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