Jockish Flowers created memories for 80 years

PUBLISHED 8-13-2025
​
By Bob Kelly
Feature writer

In the tumultuous year of 1945, which was marked by the end of World War II, Edwin and Anna Jockish started a business that would become a staple for anyone living on the Southside of Indianapolis.

The couple opened Jockish Greenhouses in late June of that year at 2636 South East Street in Indianapolis, where they would grow and prepare fresh flowers for customers. Over eight decades, the business served thousands of loyal customers who would return time and time again to purchase flowers for various occasions.

Known for its exceptional service and beautiful floral arrangements, Jockish Flowers became a beloved household name and a Southside institution in Indianapolis. For generations, it stood as a symbol of quality and community. But after years of faithful service, that cherished tradition has come to an end – Jockish Flowers recently closed.
 
Chris Jockish, third generation and the eldest of six siblings, spent years working in various roles at the shop, a place deeply entwined in his family’s history. In his conversation with The Southsider Voice, he reflected on one of the many cherished memories that remain with him today. 

“One thing that stood out to me was being able to have family members involved in the business.”  Besides working with his siblings, Jockish said he was blessed to have help from Karen Kuehn and David Staton, Marjorie Kreuzman, and Jill Deak.

“We were very fortunate to have good employees to help serve the people on the Southside who counted on Jockish Flowers over the years,” Jockish said. “I had some health issues that limited me sometimes when it came to running the business, but we had good employees who were able to step in and help, which is one of the main reasons for the success of the shop.”

Jockish told The Southsider Voice how employees at the shop made memorable deliveries outside its usual area. “We did deliver flowers to races in Louisville, Kentucky, and even made a delivery in Cincinnati on the way to see a Reds baseball game.”

Looking back, the longtime Southside resident shared one thoughtful change he’d make to Jockish Flowers. 
“If I could change one thing over the years, it would have been to get a bigger building that could have helped us better serve our customers.”

Jockish also reflected on how the flower shop industry is much different today than when his grandparents founded the greenhouse 80 years ago. 
 
When Jockish opened its doors, there were 75 local flower shops in business. Today, under 20 remain in a dwindling market that has seen an explosion of internet purchases, which Jockish cites as a major reason for declining sales across the Southside of Indianapolis and the state.

He did continue to explain another factor that flower shops face today. “You now have grocery stores and other outlets that are selling flowers, and you can see a lot of change in this market, and people just do not buy flowers for different occasions like they did in the past.” 
​
“The long-lasting friendships and dedicated customers who walked through the doors and into our shop over the years are some of the best moments we all experienced, and we will miss seeing and serving them,” Jockish said.

Harold (second generation) and Mary Jockish with four of their oldest children pose for a Christmas photo in the greenhouse.

The Jockish siblings: Chris, Julie, Jill, Jane, Jennifer and Joanna.

“The long-lasting friendships and dedicated customers who walked through the doors and into our shop over the years are some of the best moments we all experienced, and we will miss seeing and serving them.” 
                                 – Chris Jockish

---

PUBLISHER’S MEMO:
On behalf of The Southsider Voice staff and the community, we thank the Jockish family and employees that have put so many smiles on our faces for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, weddings, Christmas poinsettias and many more.

They also helped during difficult times when planning funerals for family or celebrating the life of family or friends, as well as, creating beautiful grave sprays. Their talent and kindness have meant the world to all of us. Generations of us grew up right alongside the Jockish family.

A special thank you to Chris for his support of our Southside athletes and being a huge supporter of our sports pages in the Southsider Voice.
Enjoy retirement!
​
Sincerely,
Publisher Kelly Sawyers 

---