Joe was born in Kansas City, MO and grew up in San Francisco and Burlingame, CA. As a young adult, he served as a signalman in the US Navy. One of his most impactful memories during that time was him deciphering the incoming Morse code that announced JFK had been assassinated. He went on to earn degrees in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, which parlayed him into doing what he loved most: teaching and touching people’s lives as a rehabilitation counselor, family therapist, psychology instructor at Sierra College, workshop leader at Esalen Institute, and as a ready ear for anyone who simply needed to talk.

Joe had an incredible creative and competitive spirit, and his humor and optimism were undeniable. He was an amazing and accomplished artist, who managed to illustrate life’s simple and absurd moments in the form of cartoon caricatures, always making people laugh. Joe was also an avid runner, having completed over 20 marathons, two of which he finished with an elite level time of 2:36. His endurance feats also included the grueling Western States ultramarathon and two solo bike trips from the Canadian border back to Nevada City.

Joe and his wife, Carol, settled in Nevada City in the early 70’s, where he helped build their home with his own two hands, under the guidance of a dear friend and local builder. If you are a local, you have likely seen Joe running through back country trails, walking his dog in town, cruising around on his motorcycle, or reading at one of his many local hang outs. Three Forks Bakery and Brewery became a second home to Joe, especially toward the end, when less time on the trails meant more time socializing with family and friends over a slice of Chocolate Cocoa Cake and his favorite brew, Dynamite Double. The folks there made him feel at home, boosted his spirits, and spent countless hours chatting with him. Joe’s family will be forever grateful to his extended family at Three Forks, as the time he spent there enabled many chance encounters with his huge circle of friends and allowed him to squeeze every last ounce of life out of his final year.

Joe is survived by his wife, Carol, of 51 years, his three children, Joey, Jackie and Shanti, his brother, John, four grandchildren, Amanda, Taylor, Astrid and Clover and two great-grandchildren, Ellie and Skogen. The lives he touched went far beyond his small circle of family, and he will be deeply missed. As we continue to enjoy his local hang outs where we can reminisce about Dad, we are certain that his new adventures involve endless wild trail runs, lots and lots of love and many big laughs.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.