Jose Joe Mendoza

Ret 1SG Jose (Joe) Mendoza, 81, died August 21, 2017 at Columbus Hospice after courageously enduring Alzheimer’s Disease. He will always be remembered as “A soldier who stood his guard in times of challenge and in peace.”

He was born in Round Rock, Texas, the son of Timoteo and Sabina (“Lily”) Mendoza.

His career in the military began early in service to the U.S. Army Reserves. He entered in the service with the U.S. Army during 1956 which later included involvement in Korea and then the Ranger Department and the Airborne Division during the Vietnam Era.

Military awards and decorations include, the Bronze Star with V device and Oak leaf cluster, the Army commendation medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal 5th award, the National Defense service Medal, the Vietnam Service medal with single silver star and single bronze star, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm 4th award, the Vietnam Civil Action Unit Award, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60’s device and the Army Valorous Unit Award. In addition, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab during his time of service.

During his lifetime he earned an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1976 he worked within the Department of Corrections as a Correctional officer at the Jack Rutledge Correctional Facility until 1984.

He was a past member of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association and Peace Officers Association of Georgia. Most recently he was a member of Holy Family Church (previous member of St Anne Church). He was a devoted fan of the Dodgers major league baseball team.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a wife Janie (Santos) and a brothers Timothy and Jesse. He is survived by a daughter Nancy Land (Chris); brothers Julian, Albert and sisters Adel, Lydia, Teresa; several nephews and nieces including Sonya Tellez (Luis). Most especially, his earthly pride and joy was his grandson, Joseph Land.

A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 25th, at Striffler-Hamby followed by a brief visitation. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday August 26 at 10 a.m. followed by a graveside service with military honors.

Those who wish to remember Joe in a special way may make a gift in his memory to Columbus Hospice 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909 or to the Alzheimer’s Association 5156 River Road Suite M., Columbus GA 31904. No flowers please per the request of the deceased and family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com

Arrangements under the direction of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.