'I couldn't find a better son than what I had': Funerals set for drowning victims

Funeral arrangements have been made for two men who drowned in the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend.

Joseph Jones, a 39-year-old from Riverdale, Ga., died after going in the water two help two girls who were struggling. The girls made it out safely, but Jones was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead after other beachgoers pulled him from the surf.

Jessica Daniels, a family friend, said Jones' wife Katrina and their two daughters, India and Khia, are being very strong and are appreciative of all the prayers and well-wishes sent their way.

Friends of Jones are calling him a hero for trying to save the young girls. His own family was on the beach with him when he went into the water to try to help.

A wake is scheduled for Jones Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Williamson Mortuary in Riverdale, Ga. His funeral is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Ga.

Airman 1st Class Josh Roussell drowned Saturday while he was playing football with his brother-in-law in waist-deep water. Roussell, 19, was pulled out in a rip current, according to an Eglin Air Force Base spokesperson.

Roussell's father, Leland, said Roussell and his sister loved to swim and said they were always in someone's pool.

"They were like crawfish," Roussell said.

Roussell joined the Air Force after high school to help pay for college. He was a member of Eglin's 46th Test Wing.
Roussell was married and grew up in New Orleans. He had four sisters.

His funeral service will be held at St. Catherine's on Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans on Saturday. Roussell will be buried in Lakelawn Cemetery.

"He was a friendly, loving, respectful, easy-going guy," Leland Roussell said. "I couldn't find a better son than what I had."