Joseph Henry Vives

Joe affectionately known as "Kike" (José Enrique) by his family and "Judge Joe" to members of the community, was born to José and Emilia Vives-Atsara on July 8th, 1948, in Caracas, Venezuela, as his family journeyed from their hometown of Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain to fulfill his father's dream as an artist and start a new life in America. At the age of eight, his family moved from Mexico City to Alamo Heights where he became a lifelong resident and proud member of the community. Joe was a graduating member of Alamo Heights High School Class of 1967, University of Texas Class of 1971, and St. Mary's Law School Class of 1974. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta at UT and proudly wrote for the St. Mary's Law Review. He married Stephanie Snyder in 1971, and they lived together in Alamo Heights where they raised their four children, Kimberly, Alison, Joseph, and James.

Joe was an accomplished attorney as well as the devoted Presiding Judge of the Alamo Heights Municipal Court for 40 years. He enjoyed spending time with his children, summers in South Padre Island, visiting his family in Spain, and sharing his gift of storytelling. He was actively involved in the Texas Cavaliers, Order of the Alamo, and Conopus Club and cherished the camaraderie of his fellow members for many years. His friends and family will forever remember him for his kind-hearted nature, sharp wit, and uncanny sense of humor. Joe's love of life was always apparent as he spread joy and unbridled laughter to all around him.

Joe is survived by his children Kimberly Mogford (Bobby), Alison Vives (David), Joseph Henry Vives, Jr. (Codi), and James Vives, grandchildren Joseph Henry Vives III and Kate Elise Vives, and former wife and mother of his children Stephanie Bostic. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Yvonne Varney (Don), nephews Kenny Woodward (Alison and their two children), Shane Woodward (Holly and their son), and niece Danielle Woodward, as well as his extended family of Catalonia, Spain.

He was preceded in death by José Vives-Atsara (father) and Emilia Vives-Atsara (mother), as well as other beloved relatives in Spain.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, at 11:00 A.M. at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas, 78218. Following the service, the family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life at Joe's eldest son's home in Olmos Park (address to be provided at service).

The family would like to thank Chano and María de Lourdes Sanchez for their care and devotion to Joe.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, 909 NE Loop 410, Suite 903, San Antonio, Texas 78209.