J. P. “Gus” Godsey
Named the “Happiest Man in America”
by USA Weekend Magazine

USA Weekend Magazine named J.P. “Gus” Godsey the “happiest man in America” on March 7. 2003. Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D., author of Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment and nationally-recognized happiness expert worked with USA Weekend to identify J.P. as the happiest person. J.P. underwent a number of tests that measured his current level of happiness, satisfaction with his family life, work life, level of optimism and a host of other characteristics that reveal happiness. J.P. scored in the top percentile of 70,000 Americans who have taken this series of tests.

J.P. was a Financial Advisor with several major brokerage firms for 25 years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Economics from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He is a Certified Senior Advisor in Investments, and is a Graduate Assistant in Dale Carnegie training. He has been a licensed securities broker and financial advisor for over 25 years. He also serves on his college alumni board, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and on his international fraternity board, Theta Chi. He serves as the President of Earning by Learning, is a founding member of the Richard Hassell Foundation, is a member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and is a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Virginia Beach.

J. P. is involved in many community organizations including the Thanksgiving and Holiday Food and Toy Drives he started 20 years ago. He received the 2000 Human Rights Award from the City of Virginia Beach, and is the past Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia Beach. J. P. serves on the Beach Events Steering Committee and is an active member of the Wolfsnare Civic League.  J. P. is a Director of the Irving “Blueprint” Parker Leadership Foundation, and raises money for various political candidates and for the Joy Fund Thanksgiving Football Bowl that provides funds for under privileged children in the Hampton Roads area. J. P. was also chosen as one of America’s Outstanding Young Men for several consecutive years in the 1980s.

In 2006 J.P. released his first book "How To Be Happy EVERY DAY" published by Morgan James Publishing.  It was reissued in 2008 and lists 366 ways to embrace life and make it richer for you and those around you.

J.P. launched his second book in June 2010,  "How To Be Happy In HARD TIMES" !  The book covers, in plain English, tips on how to get more out of life this minute.  J.P. shares his unwavering belief in volunteering, giving back means getting back. It's a great read.

J.P. also hosts "The J.P. Godsey Show" heard each Day from 3-6 PM on "WHKT AM 1650" simulcast on  "WPMH AM 670" Conservative Radio Live.  It is heard along the eastern coast of Virginia and is streamed live on the internet.  This entertainment/variety show hosts political, entertainment, and sporting stars from around the globe.  Past guests are listed under appearances/media on this site.  Tune in...It's a fun and "Happy' show.

Finally, in 2006, J.P. and friends launched  "The MrHappyUSA Foundation" focusing on the needs of seniors.  They host an annual event such as a golf tournament or a dinner/show to raise funds.  This past year Gianni Russo performed his show with songs from the great Italian crooners at the Italian Roma Lodge in Virginia Beach.  Funds raised went to purchase Wii exercise/game systems for low income retirement homes.  Additional info. is linked on the website.

Please see his more extensive biography for additional information.

J. P. “GUS” GODSEY

Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Economics,
West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1979

Numerous Security Licenses

Extensive Continuing Education in Marketing Management and Ethics


Political Affiliations

  • Delegate, Republican National Convention, 2004;
  • Co-Manager, Villanueva for City Council (Mr. Villanueva is the first Filipino elected to
    an office in the state of Virginia), 2002;
  • Steering Committee Member, Maddox for City Council, 2002;
  • Nominator, Speech for Lt. Governor John Hager, Republican State Convention in
    Richmond, Virginia, 2001;
  • Delegate, Republican National Convention, 2000;
  • Member, Virginia Beach Republican City Committee, 1991-Present;
  • Chairman, Virginia Beach Republican City Committee, 1996-1999;
  • Chairman, Hampton Roads Republican Alliance and Five City Festival, 1996-1999;
  • 2nd District Republican Convention Chairman, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 1994;
  • Finance Chairman, Virginia Beach Republican City Committee, 1993-1999;
  • Finance Chairman, Chapman for Congress, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 1992 and 1994;
  • 83rd Legislative Coordinator, Virginia Beach Republican City Committee, 1991-1993;
  • Delegate to all the Republican 2nd District and State Conventions, Virginia Beach,
    Virginia, 1992-Present;
  • Volunteer, Steering Committee and Finance Chairman for numerous Delegate/Senate
    races in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia, 1985-Present;
  • Co-Manager, Hinkle for Congress, 2nd District of West Virginia, 1982.

Community Service

  • Chairman of "The MrHappyUSA Foundation"
  • Former Board Member, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Hampton Roads Chapter, 2004-2008;
  • Former Commissioner, Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission, 2002-2008;
  • Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Ervin "Blueprint" Parker Leadership Academy,
    2002-Present;
  • Board Member, Virginia Beach Events Steering Committee, 2002-Present;
  • Treasurer, Theta Chi International Foundation Chapter, 2002-2003;
  • Board Member of Theta Chi International Foundation Chapter, 1990-2003;
  • Founder and Chairman, The Richard Hassell Foundation, 2001-2006
  • Director, The Mills Brothers International Society, 2000-2006
  • President, Earning by Learning Foundation, Hampton Roads, 1997-Present;
  • Board of Directors, Earning by Learning Foundation, Hampton Roads, 1993-Present;
  • President, Tidewater Chapter of the West Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Association,
    1992-Present;
  • Member, West Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Council, 1991- 2003
  • Initiator and Director, annual Multi-Corporate Turkey/Clothing/Toy Drives during
    Thanksgiving and Christmas, Christian Action (now RHF) and Mothers, Inc.,
    1989-Present;
  • Honoree, The Children's Connection, 1999;
  • Industry Leader/Recruitment Leader, Annual American Heart Walk, 1993-1997;
  • Corporate Leader, Annual Tele-pledge to benefit the American Heart Association,
    1993-1997;
  • Initiator and Director, Corporate College Intern Program, Prudential Securities,
    Virginia Beach, Virginia, 1988-1997;
  • Recruitment and Company Leader, United Way, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and
    Hampton Roads, 1980-1997;
  • Vice President, West Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Council, 1991-1995;
  • Vice President and Finance Director, Delta Gamma Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity
    Alumni Association, 1986-1995;
  • Chairman, West Virginia Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame Inaugural Task Force,
    1992-1993;
  • Organizational Chairman, Hurricane Andrew Relief Fund, Virginia Beach, Virginia,
    1993;
  • Big Brother, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 1988-1991;
  • Volunteer, the Reading for the Blind Program, WHRO Radio, Norfolk, Virginia, 1986.

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