Joe grew up in the small town of Floresville where his humble upbringing inspired his drive for success. A child of the depression, his older siblings helped to raise and guide him. He was an excellent football player and after graduating high school, he attended one year at the University of Texas at Austin before enlisting in the United States Army. He served as 1st Sgt E-8 in the First Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment in Furth, Germany. While serving in Germany, he met Irene Lindner. They were married February 3,1954. While he was enlisted, they were stationed in Germany, Italy, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Once he reached the end of his active service in 1966, he and Irene settled in San Antonio where they raised their 3 sons.
Joe attended Southwest Texas State University through the GI Bill and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science. He was a teacher for some time and would later work for the City of San Antonio in the Finance Department. He worked his way up with the City and became the Assistant Finance Director, a position he held for over 20 years. He was not a man that was idle and even after retiring, he volunteered at Brooks Army Medical Center and spent his free time maintaining his family property in Floresville. He loved ranch and farm work.
Joe was an animal lover and the Ximenes home was never without dogs, cats, and birds. Stray animals seemed to always find their way to Joe and Irene. His love for animals was a genetic trait passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid reader and loved historical fiction. He loved BBQ ribs, Coca-Cola, Blue Bell Buttered Pecan Ice Cream and always had a pack of Wrigley’s Peppermint gum in his shirt pocket. He always carried cash and never wore jeans.
Although he was a quiet and reserved man, he always had a smile on his face. He adored his wife and took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow and thrive. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Hercilinda Ximenes; his siblings, Hercilia (Sista), Ben, Waldo, Vicente, Madge, and Edward. He is survived by his wife, Irene Ximenes; his children, Pat Ximenes (Suzanne), Dr. Rey Ximenes (Jessica Manson), and Henry Ximenes (Lisa Marie); his grandchildren, Carly (Tobias Smith), Rey, Austin, Ariel and Maggie; and his great granddaughter, Margie.
Private services will be held Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with Burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18