Jose "Joe" Martinez Jr

Jose (Joe) Martinez Jr, 82, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Joe grew up in Phoenix, Arizona where he attended Phoenix Union High School. Upon graduation he enlisted into the Air Force to serve his country. As Joe was intrigued with autobody and paint, he made a career out of it. Later on, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he met his beautiful wife, Sheila. They got married and later moved to Phoenix with Sheila and her son, Bill. He worked as a body repair mechanic and enjoyed playing the drums in various bands, especially Phil and the Frantics.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years and his son, Bill Miller (Angelina) and his four grandchildren, Cody, Lee, Bryce, and Cameron. He will also be remembered by his sister: Pat Richardson and her family, along with many nieces & nephews, classmates (Phoenix Union High School class of 1959) and other Phoenix Union classmates and many friends.

A memorial service and celebration of Joe’s life be held at 11:00 am on October 5, 2023. We hope all that loved Joe will join us at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022. Immediately following services, he will be placed to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1:00 pm. A luncheon will be held at Arizona American Italian Club, 7509 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 at 2:00 pm.

Joe will be forever loved and remembered. He would want us to celebrate the wonderful life he had and not be sad. Please wear bright, happy colors to the service in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joe’s name to one of the following organizations as they held a joyous place in Joe’s heart: Altered Tails www.alteredtails.org OR Arizona Elks Lodge #0335, Elk’s Charities, (602) 482-2335, 14424 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032-5022