Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Joe's passing away.  He was like a brother to me and I miss him more than words can express.  A few weeks ago my beloved wife passed away.  She was my Bride for over 50 years.  Joe always referred to my wife as SIS.  Well, Joe and Gretchen are together again and looking out for all of us from Heaven.
May they REST IN PEACE and God Bless them always...

My Love is with you both forever,
Jim ❤️🙏😇

It's difficult to believe a year has passed since my brother Joe went to Heaven.  I miss him very much and think of him each and every day.
I cherish the many splendid memories and photographs of so many things we did during the 40+ years I knew Joe.  Rest In Peace until we meet again...

God Bless You Handsome Joe ~

So grateful cousin Joe kept the Gotcher reunions going and had a wealth of memories and ancestry information that he shared with all of us. I know he is loved and missed by so many.

Joe was my BBQ Judge friend.  He always had  good stories and I liked to talk to him. I always looked forward to seeing him and will treasure the time we spent with Joe and Marlie in Las Vegas at a BBQ competition a few years ago.  When I met Joe at one of his first BBQ competitions he told me how he liked hot sauces (he made me some), loved cooking and his family.  We started a friendly competition to see who was going to get to Master Judge first.  We started off pretty equal but then Joe just took off and started judging contests everywhere!  Needless to say, he beat me to it!  Joe would chat on Facebook and give me advice when I was caring for my 95 year old Aunt.   I can count people I could consider a true friend on one hand, and Joe is one of them. I loved him like my own father and I'm going to miss him so much.    Joe, ,I hope they have BBQ's  and a big luxury liner cruise ship in Heaven..I was so looking forward to seeing you again at a BBQ competition.   All my love to you Marlie and your family.   From Pam and David

Joe Gotcher was one of my dearest friends.  There is a huge void in my life now that he has gone to meet his maker.  I have faith in OUR LORD and know we'll meet again one day.  Joe was a close friend for over 40 years.  We met and worked together as bus drivers for San Diego Transit.  We both were proud to be members in good standing of our local bus drivers' union.  Joe came up through the ranks and finally became President of ATU LOCAL 1309.  All through the years, we fished, did road trips, houseboat adventures, ocean cruises, camping and countless other activities together.  Joe also had a love for BBQ and smoking various foods.  During our many walks together at Lake Murray, Joe reached out to other walkers.  We all became dear friends thanks to Joe and his way with people.  He was a people person and did whatever he could to help and assist his fellow human being.  Above all, Joe so loved his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. Those of us who knew Joe will certainly miss his devoted love and unique sense of humor.  My sincere sympathy and love are with his beautiful family at this sad period in our life. 

Joe was an outgoing person who would talk to everyone.   After chance encounter at Lake Murray, me and my dog Shasta became part of Joe's walking group with Jim Friedlan and Lee Palmer.   They all became very, very dear friends to me.  
Then, again because of Joe, we added Stan George and Kellie Jina to our walking group.   At some times, there were the 6 of us, 3-4 dogs, and spouses walking the lake in the wee hours of the mornings each weekend.   For nearly 4 years we did this like clock work as this core group.   Some of us still manage to walk together when we can.
We spent many hours also over coffee or breakfast and spent time away from the lake together. 
Our walking group are all still close friends and we owe it all to Joe who simply just reached out and pulled us all together.  

Joe was a tireless advocate for Bus Operators and was respected by everyone who worked with him. He started his employment on December 3, 1979 and retired on February 4, 2014.

During his pre-retirement exit interview, when asked what he liked about his job the most, he responded, “I most liked serving the neediest people…physically handicapped, mentally challenged and children.” He was a truly great human and will be sorely missed.


Joe was one of my favorite cousins...though we didn't visit due to distance, i still have fond memories of him.  he had a sense of humor and the family love.  sympathy to his family.

Cousin Joe was one of a kind, a wealth of family knowledge and a truly happy man
 He will be greatly missed.  Goodbye Joe till I see you on the other side.

OBITUARY

Joseph Heber Gotcher

25 February, 1949 – 22 September, 2022

Cypress View Mausoleum, Mortuary and Crematory

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