Joseph James Barba

REEDLEY, CA - We are saddened to announce the passing of our father, Joseph James Barba, on November 26, 2023 at the age of 92. Left to cherish his memory are his four sons, Michael Barba (spouse Kathy), Anthony Barba (spouse Meg), Joseph Barba, John Barba (spouse Freda), and his two daughters Teresa Breault and Juliet Barba, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Fayma Barba.

Affectionately known as Joe, he was born on November 15, 1931 to Josephine Scarpula in the Bronx, New York and was soon put foster care. He was adopted by Joseph and Madeline Barba at the age of six. Joe’s formal education began at St. Martin of Tours Catholic School in the Bronx, NY, and continued at Cardinal Hayes High School. He attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Masters degree in English. Joe was a soloist with the prestigious Purdue Glee Club. Purdue is also where he met his first wife and the mother of his six children, Dorothea.

After graduating from Purdue, Joe served in the US Army from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean War, stationed in Tokorozawa, Japan. Following his honorable discharge, Joe returned to the States taking his first teaching and coaching job in Eureka, Nevada; an old mining town in eastern Nevada. These were the humble beginnings of what would lead to a distinguished career as a beloved teacher and successful cross country coach at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California in 1962. There he guided and inspired generations of students and athletes.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe found solace and joy in music, soloing for over 30 years with the Tulare County Symphony, COS Community Chorus, and other groups. After retiring from teaching and coaching in the early 90s, Joe and Fayma retired to a home in Pollock Pines, CA, for 20 years before her passing in 2013. Joe continued living alone and found solace playing the violin and guitar, reading the Bible, writing memoirs and caring for his beloved pets. Earlier this year he moved to Palm Village Retirement Community in Reedley, California until his passing on November 26, 2023.

A private burial for family and close friends will take place at Visalia Cemetery in December and a memorial service to honor his life will take place at 10:00AM, January 10, 2024, at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia.

We will forever carry his loving memory in our hearts.

The Barba family.