He wouldn't smile so I had to sneak a picture close enough.

Joe, 

It pains me to have to be writing this. Unrelated by blood, you will forever be my brother and one of the greatest influences in my life. 
Limited by characters, I’ll make this short and sweet. I remember the first day we met, to the countless times we spent the night, to the every day phone calls after moving away, to the month long vacations to hang out in Alabama, to the weekend California trips to see you off base, to the semi-pro gaming career we had when we were younger. With you no longer in this plane of existence a part of me is gone with it, but the memories we shared will continue to live beyond the grave. 
There will forever be an open spot in the party and a team spot unfilled. Nobody will ever be able to fill the role you played and carry the team the way you did. 
The relationship we shared was special. Able to go months at a time without having a conversation and call each other like no time had passed. I hope when we meet again in another life it’s the same. 
I’m sorry we weren’t able to accomplish all the things we had spoken about since we were kids together. From wanting to live together and have the gaming den, to owning property with separate houses. Maybe next time around. 

May you have peace now,
- Brother

Thank you for being one of my closest friends and an older brother to me. You were there for me in every way possible and were a strong role model for all our younger cousins and myself. 
I remember for my highschool prom night you sacrificed that whole day just to drive me to prom and back in San Diego when you were stationed in 29 Palms; which was absurdly far and you still willingly did it to make sure I got a highschool experience, thank you. We grew up together and spent countless hours gaming, rough-housing and watching anime together while eating Thai Food and Taco Bell, I will truly cherish those memories. Thank you for always being there for me and providing me with a listening ear on our late night drives to and back from the gym and while we played our favorite game Shogun together. Thank you for always being strong and understanding, I'll miss you.

Joe was a student in my English 101 for the Fall 2023 semester, and I continued to see him in the Learning Center this spring. I just gave a final exam in our classroom, 418, the other day, and his absence from this plane of existence really hit me. Joe was the kind of mature student who looked you straight in the eye and created an equal relationship with anyone, no matter their age. I always felt like Joe was seeing me as a person first, and then as an instructor. I don't know if he learned that growing up or in the military, but that's the most outstanding thing I'll remember and honor about Joe. He saw people as they should be seen, and Joe was kind, bright, and considerate. He didn't smile a lot (but I did get a few from him!), but his light was so bright. Joe, may your journey continue in this light. I will sincerely miss you and hope that we meet again.

Joe was a trustworthy, loyal, and amazing friend. If anyone felt down, he knew exactly how to make them laugh and feel better. He was always able to get the whole friend group laughing. Within his lifetime he experienced and accomplished so much and then some. He served time as a marine, traveled the world, and was getting an education for his next career path. He was also very passionate about his hobbies. I always enjoyed hearing him talk about his favorite video games and the trips he went on. 
Rest in peace Joe. I will never forget you friend.

I met Joe back in November at a mutual friends birthday party. We hit it off immediately. He was friendly, insightful and overall a great person and I picked up on even though we only talked for about 40 minutes. He gave me a lot of life advice and tips on joining the military, as well as stories of his time in the military. I was shocked at the unfortunate news. He was younger than me and it felt like he was leagues ahead in his mindset and overall maturity. He will be missed. My Condolences go out to his family and friends 🙏

As a mama.                                                                                                         I’m not perfect                                                                                     I make mistakes.I forget thing i lose my cool, and someday I go little crazy because in the end              No one could ever love my child like the way I do  .                           J.O.E .AMERICA HEROES that I always call you.                  Mom ❤️Joe

To —my wonderful son of all the Special gifts life.However great or small to have you as my son was a greatest gift of all.
                                     A special time.                                                                                                                      A special face.                                                                                                                          A special son.                                                  I can’t replace with aching heart  I whisper low .I miss you son and love you so, Mom ❤️

I met Joe when we were having a same class. We were getting closer and become friend. He was the one who help me with my English, become my friend and support me alot.  I still remember when we hang out, when you go to my birthday party, when we study together at LRC. I believe that not only me but everyone who knows Joe will miss him so much because he was a great person. Sending prayers to you and your family <3

“Uncle Josh, this is my room?”
“Uncle Josh, what’s a good book to read?”
“Uncle Josh, you’re going to be a dad?”
“Uncle Josh, I don’t know how to do this”
“Uncle Josh, this broke”
“Uncle Josh, I hit your car”
“Uncle Josh, aunty is crazy”
“Uncle Josh, can you pick me up?”
“Uncle Josh, I’m going to be a Marine”
“Uncle Josh, meet my friends in the military”
“Uncle Josh, can you give me a haircut?”
“Uncle Josh, can I stay with you”
“Uncle Josh, I got a flat”
“Uncle Josh, I need advice”
“Uncle Josh, can you pick me up for vacation?”
“Uncle Josh, I’m dating someone”
“Uncle Josh, we broke up”
“Uncle Josh, my car is stuck”
“Uncle Josh, I had a fight with my brother”
“Uncle Josh, Is aunty mad at me?”
“Uncle Josh, I want you to meet this girl”
“Uncle Josh, how do I get over this?”
“Uncle Josh, I bought you a present”
“Uncle Josh, I’m going into cyber security”
“Uncle Josh, I fed the animals”
“Uncle Josh, I ran into your pool pump”
“Uncle Josh, I’m sorry”
“Uncle Josh, thank you. I love you”

The mundane things Joe says to me. This was how he showed love. While these looked like ordinary conversations, you would not get this from Joe until it was earned. You likely spoke to a tough Marine who was ready to attack.. He never grew  out of that relationship we had when he came to me at 11-12 years old. He respected and loved me the same until he passed. He was one of the greatest family, friend, nephew, and son I could have ever asked for.  Thank you Joe.

“Hey Joe, don’t  worry. I know the last few asks you’ve left me.  You already have a great dad but you will always be my son. If you see me crying, I’m not weak, it’s because my love was strong. Don’t forget I’ll still out box you. I love you. I’ll see you later. Rest in peace.”

With a broken heart,
-Uncle Josh

I met Joe at a previous job I had and we instantly clicked due to having similar interests. We’d always give each other advice on life and he had a particular sense of humor that I always thought was funny. We would constantly talk about motorcycles and how we would go riding when he got his shipped back to California. He was a kind soul that was still trying to find his way. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The loss of Joe is insurmountable for us. I will forever miss his company. He was my first friend at MSJC who I met at Assembly class. We began to pick up many friends from that point on. I found it quite rare that he was also Vietnamese and came from Boston with similar experiences and he made funny comments that really hit their mark. Joe provided his introspection on life that helped develop my own, changing my perspective about my dad to be more positive. Both of us being older students, he often talked about how he struggled connecting with other students and people. I really hope he was able to find that connection. He often spoke about the people he looked up to. In particular, he spoke of his aunt, dad, and his older friends who were a great influence in his life. He always talked about being a better version of himself and being like the people that he looked up to, which I found very redeeming. One particular memory was him taking us out for Ramen offering to pay for me. Admittedly, I really didn’t need it but he insisted as I drove him. Joe had paid for me and another student who didn’t have the means, which I respected a lot about Joe. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Joe will be missed. I’ll pray for you.

I will forever miss hanging out on campus with you Joe. Every time you talked about your time in the military it was always captivating. I’ll miss saying gen z words and you calling it stupid. I’ll always keep our conversation in the cafe close to my heart because ,it opened my eyes more about life. You are a great man helping out many people with their problems. Your impact in our lives will live on for as long as we do. We all miss you dearly Joe and will never forget you. 🕊️

Joe and I didn't spend much time together but when we did have a moment with friends there wasn't a boring moment. Joe had a way with people that brought joy and laughter to those around him. And always knew had to change a silent room to one of laughter and comradery. His presence will be missed.

Joe was a friend, brother, but his time was too short and he had so much to live for. He was a practical and down-to-earth guy , like he knew what he wanted in life and his sense of humor was unique, he would talk to me about where he travel to or where he’d like to travel since we both love to travel, I am heartbroken but I know he’s in a better place and till we meet again friend. My deepest condolences for the Nguyen family, who raised Joe to be the strong and humble guy he is. Thank you for serving the country, Joe. Rest up and take it easy.

Joe was a great person he was always making jokes and always sarcastic but he cared more than most could ever hope to. He was a good friend to me and his memory will live with me as long as I live. Prayers to Joe and his family. I also know he’s at peace because even in life he was a man of peace.

His time was too short and he had so much to live for. He was a practical and down-to-earth guy who knows what he wants with beaming diligence. Words can't express how much we, Joe's friends, cherish our times with him. He was a nice addition to our friend group and we will always remember him. My deepest condolences for the Nguyen family, who raised Joe to be the strong guy he is. Thank you for serving the country, Joe. Rest up and take it easy.

Joe was so much fun to be around. His sense of humor and the way he talked, I really enjoyed his company. I didn’t get to know him super well but I’d consider us good friends. All of us at Menifee will miss you, Joe <3 Sending all our prayers to you and your family

Joe was an amazing guy that myself and our friends met at MSJC here in menifee. always had a story about his time serving our country or just when he was out and about, nonetheless he always acted like he didn’t care about a lot. but we all knew he very much cared about all of us and all his friends and would go out of his way to help people. we may have not knew him for too long. but he was still an amazing friend that we will all miss. we all love you Joe

OBITUARY

Joe N Nguyen

7 July, 1999 – 9 May, 2024

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

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