Joe L Parra, Jr.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Joe L Parra, Jr. he was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Joe was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

He was the son of Joe and Emilia Parra. Joe was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Joe was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Joe's personality throughout his life.

Though Joe was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Joe was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Joe worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Joe was raised with five siblings. He had 3 younger sisters, Virginia, Mary, Margie and 2 younger brothers, Mike and Rick. Joe and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Joe was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Joe was always tactful. One thing Joe will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Joe had a number of interests and was an active child. He was a boy scout. In his spare time he liked to read and fix cars.

For Joe, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Joe was also adept at details. Joe was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Phoenix Tech in 2 Years Only. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English and Math.

There was one thing that all of Joe's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Joe was such a popular person throughout his life. But Joe was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Joe was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Joe was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Joe was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Joe was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Joe made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Morris Shaw, and Joe Aleman. Later in life, he became friends with Keith Savage and David Mindola.

Joe was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Joe cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On April 30, 1960 Joe married Alice Gastelo Amaya. At The Little Chapel of Flowers of Covina, California. Compassionate and devoted, Joe worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Joe and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Joe was blessed with 3 Children, 2 Son's, Paul, Joe and 1 daughter Suzanna. They were also blessed with 6 grandchildren, Celia, Chris, Faith, Joshua, Joaquin, 1 great-grandchild; Danile. Joe was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Joe was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Joe would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Joe, and he expected the same from those around him. Joe was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Joe was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Joe handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was a Mechanic. He was employed for 28 years with Goodyear and 6 years for Firestone. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Joe was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Joe was a National Guard Veteran. He was in the National Guard from 1954-1958 in Phoenix, Arizona. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal.

A methodical man, Joe enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were singing and playing guitar.

Joe was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Joe was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included Baseball, Bowling, and Flying Air Planes. Joe also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football, Baseball, and Basketball.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Joe to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Joe did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Joe was a member of the Chess Club.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Joe well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of St. Catherine's for 15 years. During that time, he was Choir Leader and on the Church Committees. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, Joe accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Joe was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Top Salesman, Mechanic of the Year.

Not only did Joe enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Arizona, Reno, Las Vegas and Colorado.

Joe was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was A Champion Boxer Dog., who was a best friend for 15 Years. His family was rounded out by "Kitty" his cat, and "Mr. Turtle", his turtle.

Since it was easy for Joe to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Joe was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2001. His new life involved relocating to Firestone. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Computers, playing guitar and music. Even in retirement, Joe stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Joe passed away on January 20, 2012 at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California. He is survived by his wife Alice, 3 children, Joe, Paul, Suzanna and 4 grandchildren; Chris, Faith, Joshua and Joaquin and one great-grandchild; Daniel. Services were held Monday, January 30, 2012 at 1:00pm - Green Acres Mortuary in Bloomington, California. Joe was laid to rest in Green Acres Memorial Park, in Bloomington, California.

Joe was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Joe was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Joe L Parra, Jr.

Arrangements under the direction of Green Acres Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bloomington, CA.