Patti Roth (Kidd)

Joe was the nicest guy. He sat across from me at the table in Mr. Ross's senior English class, and the truth be told, I had a terrible crush on Joe. With the tears fighting back now and the lump in my throat, I still may have one. He put up with a lot from me; I was a constant distraction in the class. I used to take my shoe off and hook my toes under his pant's hem, tucking at it.  One day, my toe nail caught one of the hairs on his leg, and he flew out of the chair, yelling. He never told Mr. Ross why. (I am sure Mr. Ross already knew I was at fault.) The last day of class as we were leaving after finals, Joe gave me one of his senior pictures inscribed "To the Sweetest Girl." He probably wrote that on every picture, and if he did, don't tell me because he wrote it to me. That is the last time I saw him but have often wondered what became of him. Someone only said he left town shortly after graduation. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Paul Griggs

I met Joe in school when I moved to Florida in the 5th grade.  We both attended Epiphany Catholic school, along with Debbie McMurry...and the ten other students that comprised our eight grade graduation class.  Joe attended Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota for the 9th and 10th grades before joining us at Venice High for our junior and senior years. 

 Joe had a very good voice, and was an accomplished guitar and bass player...to which he later added the sax and harmonica to his repertoire.  He performed in a number of bands from high school on...at a number of local establishments including the Venice teen center, the Pavilion at Venice Beach and the Venice High cafeteria for Friday night school dances.  Joe and I played and sang a duet of our class song “Get Together” (by the Youngbloods) at the Keyette Follies our Senior year...and then closed the show by playing “A Taste of Honey” in a seven piece Tijuana Brass style band.

Following graduation Joe enlisted and served in the Air Force.  While stationed in Crete, he entered a US armed forces-wide talent contest.  Joe played the guitar and harmonica while singing “Mr. Bojangles” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  Joe’s performance earned him 2nd overall in the overseas portion of the competition.

Over the years Joe and I shared a number of adventures together including a road trip to Kentucky and another to Chicago not long after we were able to drive...along with a month long RV trip out west which included sailing along the Pacific coast and hiking in Sequoia National Park, in Carlsbad Cavern, and to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Completing his stint in the Air Force, Joe got married, moved to Tennessee and has been living in various locations in and around the Gatlinburg area ever since.  Joe and Diane have a beautiful daughter Bethany and two wonderful grandchildren. His younger sister Joanie is married and lives in North Carolina.

Joe has always had a deep passion for his faith and has spent much of his adult life studying the bible in search of spiritual truth and peace.  I believe that Joe has now completed that search, and has found The Way, The Truth and The Life...where he’ll share that peace with family and friends forevermore.  I’ll be looking forward to hearing that sweet music once again...and so my dear brother...until that day.

Earl Midlam

I remember Joe from VHS and was sorry to hear about his passing.  I know many of us hold fond memories of him.