Joseph Anthony Garcia

Joseph Anthony Garcia passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023 in Stockton CA. Joseph was born in Lorain OH on August 4, 1929 and lived there until age 5. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elvira, and is survived by three children and 11 grandchildren.

Joseph was raised by his grandmother in Mexico until age 15 when he moved to Stockton CA with his parents.

Joseph served in the United States Army in the Korean War as a machine gunner and was proud of serving our country.

After returning from Korea he worked at Stockton Fiberboard. During the summer of 1956 he met his future wife Elvira Campos and they committed to each other. They corresponded love by letter for over a year, were married in 1957 and had four children: Giselle, Patricia, James, and Michael.

Joseph joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department in 1957. His faith in God, intelligence and tenacity led him to a remarkable career in law enforcement. He was an outstanding patrolman, information officer, Coroner, Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant and ultimately Division Chief. He was on the pistol team for 11 years which is a department record. He assisted in the law enforcement careers of countless individuals who will readily acknowledge Joseph as the timely strength and confidence they needed. During his 30 year career he served in nearly every aspect of the Department. Joseph was alternately known as Joe, Tony, Chief, and Jefe.

Joseph was a lifelong and faithful Catholic. He was a Daily Communicant at St Mary’s High School Chapel for nearly 40 years. He spent 4-5 hours a day in prayer for numerous individuals. He read financial periodicals and medical journals and could converse intelligently on a wide range of subjects. He was a phenomenal man and his presence will be missed by those who knew him.