Joseph “Joe” Jimenez
Joe Jimenez, 82, of Goleta, California, passed away on Christmas morning, surrounded by friends and family. After a nine month battle with cancer, he is now resting peacefully.
Joe was born in Goleta on Rowe Ranch on Kellogg Ave, the seventh child of eleven, of Ruperta and Florentino Jimenez. As a child, he attended Goleta Union School. He began work at a young age, learning many different trades: stocking shelves at Esmeralda Market, local farming, auto mechanics, bartending, trucking for Frito-Lay and Coca-Cola, plumbing, and spent the last 32 years of his career as a maintenance technician for the Towbes Group, from which he never retired! Work was his favorite hobby. He was also passionate about spending quality time with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. In fact, he had a way of making each person feel like they were the most special person in the world. He was a social butterfly and never missed a special occasion. He was a father figure to many, and to know him was to love him. His golden heart and radiant smile will be dearly missed and always remembered.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his son, Joey “Jay” Jimenez; and his siblings, Gonzalo “Gunner”, Braulio “Lalo”, Cruz, Lupe “Chapo”, Carlos “Charlie”, Juanita “Esper”, Estella, Robert “Bob”, and Lawrence.
He is survived by his daughter, Storee Valenzuela; his grandchildren, Eric, Brian, and Breana Jimenez, and Tyler and Alex Valenzuela; his great grandchildren, Harlow Valenzuela, Craig Allen, and Helena Jimenez; his goddaughter, Lisa Rice; his brother, Florentino “Junior”; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
Our family would like to extend our greatest gratitude to the Ridley Tree Cancer Center physicians and staff as well as VNA Health for your selfless care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to either of these incredible organizations.
We request all of Joe’s friends and loved ones to join us in celebrating his beautiful life on January 13th at 12pm at the Carriage Museum of Santa Barbara, 129 Castillo St., Santa Barbara.