Joseph Belcher Jr.

Joey and I became very good friends. Such good friends with such commonalities, in terms of our families, our pasts, and our aspirations, that the two of us decided to go into business together. And that was in 2001, 2002. And we weren't really sure on what to name the company. And we were going back and forth on finding a good name, and the two of us came up with "J&J" would be the name of our company, representing "Josh and Joey", or "Joey and Josh", and that was debated often, which name came first. But the two of us started with a couple of thousand bucks each, and in a matter of a year, the company had grown, and within 5 years, over that 5-year period, there were thousands of employees and branches. I believe that era was Joey's happiest moments in his life. The one thing that Joey and I always agreed on, unequivocally, was the reason we're doing this, is to provide for our families, to provide opportunities for others, to create a business and working environment that not only is fun and profitable for everybody, but also presents opportunities to those who most likely otherwise would not have those types of opportunities. And we always wanted to share the opportunities with others, because a lot of people looked up to Joey. He was young, he was bright, he was the most multi-faceted person I have ever known. And as our relationship progressed together, I would learn little things about him that I didn't even know. One day we were in a restaurant, and Joey just got on the piano and started playing piano. I didn't know he played piano. And he played it beautifully. And then I learned that he was also a flight instructor. And I learned that he was in bands. And I learned that he had a passion and love for literature. And a passion and love for culture. And art. In addition to being such a successful entrepreneur. Joey loved his family. And one thing that always really, really was so astonishing to me, and I don't see this often with families, particularly with fathers and sons, mothers and sons, and sisters and brothers, was the closeness-- the true closeness-- that Joey had with his family. Joey and his dad used to take trips together. All over the world. And Joey felt so good because he knew how proud his mother Irene was of him. And he loved you guys so much. He loved you guys so much. Mimi was his best friend, which was the coolest thing. Because again, it's very rare when you have siblings, when you have family members, that not only say they love each other, and spend the holidays together, but on an on-going, regular basis, them together-- they were out doing really cool stuff and having a blast. And sharing a lot of joy together. Which is what families should do. I believe that you guys got a lot more than most people that I know will ever have and for generations to come- in terms of closeness and bonds. Joey wants you guys to be happy. He doesn't want you guys to worry. Later this afternoon, in Orange County, California, where our central headquarters was, approximately 200 people are getting together to have a memorial similar to this, in honor of Joey. And Joey's only been in Washington DC for a few years, but the number of lives that he has touched is incredible. And his spirit of generosity and his sense of humor, and his wit, and all of those talents and qualities-- I know we're all going to miss. But like Lloyd said, I think Joey would want us to pass that on to others. And when you're walking down the street and you're impatient or you're upset, try a smile. Because that's what Joey did. Joey never seemed to get really stressed out and upset. He managed to just kind of -- through very turbulent and chaotic waters, he managed to just sail right in between those big wakes. There are so many, so many stories that I could share with you guys about Joey- that are just hilarious-- I mean, hilarious. One of the brightest moment in his life I remember was when mimi gave birth, and we were at the hospital, celebrating. And he was so excited about being an uncle- so excited. And it was a very, very happy time. And Joey said "hey I want to show you something", so we went outside into the parking lot, and he said "hey look what I bought us". It was a brand new Ferrari, that he had bought that day to celebrate. I think I got the better end of that deal because I think I drove it a little more than Joey did! But it was things like that that he used to do. I'm going to miss my friend a lot. You know, there's people in here today that can share stories who aren't going to have the opportunity to come up here. And I hope you continue to share those stories about Joey, and remember what he was all about. And it's those core values and motivation that led to so many businesses and so many opportunities for employees to have great jobs, in fun and spirited environments, and that's what he would want you to be doing.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Mrs. Belcher,

My name is Juliet Marshall. I am a very close friend of Becky’s. I have never met you but I have heard so much about you from Becky over the years. First off, I wanted to tell you how very sorry I am that you have lost your son, Joey. I can’t imagine the pain and anguish that you have been going through. As a mother myself, the thought of losing my son leaves me short of breath. He is the light of my life, as I know Joey is for you. I always keep you in my prayers.

Joey was so different that anyone I have ever known. So many words to describe him. Smart, funny, charismatic, friendly, generous, caring, ambitious, adventurous, selfless…the easiest guy to get along with. I did not know one person who did not enjoy his company. All of us (Becky’s friends) just loved him. And it was shocking how accomplished and talented he was. And no matter how successful he became, Joey remained the same person with all the integrity in the world. Such a man is hard to find.

I have a couple memories of Joey that I wanted to share with you. After much thought, I asked Becky if I could contact you. I just tried to put myself in your shoes and figured that you might want to hear about a few experiences that I, a stranger to you, had with your son.

The first time I met Joey was a weekend morning before one of Becky and my soccer games. We met at the house they lived in on Lido Island and headed over to the soccer field. When we got there, I discovered that I had forgotten my ankle braces, which I needed in order to play. Without hesitation, Joey took off and, somehow found a sporting goods store and returned with 3 different kinds of braces. I realize that this was a small gesture but, to me, it was so incredibly kind. That was over 10 years ago and that memory has stayed concrete in my mind for some reason. I think it is because there are so few people who would not think twice to help someone that they really did not know. And Joey was one of those precious few.

The second memory I would like to share happened in Hawaii in August of 2007. Becky and Joey flew out for my wedding. We met Friday night in Honolulu, had dinner (and shared a lot of laughs – Joey, of course, was the joke teller•) and agreed to meet the next morning for a hike up Diamond Head crater. My fiancé (now my husband), Dustin, and I picked up Joey and Becky on Saturday and headed over to the crater. Since we were going to drive to the opposite side of the island right after, we had all of our belongings in the car. We parked in a remote lot and proceeded to make the climb. It was a lot of fun – I have a picture of me and Dustin at the very top with Joey and Becky photo-bombing behind us ••.

It took a couple of hours and when we returned to the car, we discovered that someone had broken the window and stolen my purse and a duffle bag. They had gotten away with my engagement ring, Dustin’s wedding band, my wallet, my (deceased) grandmother’s pearls, my make-up and some clothes. Right away, Joey was on the phone with the police and my credit card companies. After the police took their report, Joey promptly told Becky to take me the mall and buy me whatever I needed. I politely declined his offer but Becky and I did have to go to the mall. Joey hired a taxi driver to take him and Dustin all over town to post fliers everywhere about the incident. Joey also got on-air on a radio station there to talk about what happened. In addition, he somehow got a local news crew to interview me and we were the second story on the news that night. Lastly, Joey told me and Dustin to take his rental car to the resort (since ours had a broken window). This all occurred in the same day. I still have no idea how Joey was able to do all of it, but he worked his magic and made it happen.

Sadly, none of the items were ever recovered. But when we think back to that day, it isn’t the tragedy that strikes us. It was Joey’s instant reaction, his desire to help, and his overflowing generosity that we recall. My husband and I consider Joey’s efforts heroic. And, now and again, Dustin refers to the day that him and Joey “fought crime” on the streets of Honolulu•••

I know that there is nothing in this world that can bring him back. And it is not until we lose someone that we realize how many lives they touched. I know that a small part of Joey lives on through my best friend, Becky. He gave her the opportunity to go back to school and complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Now she helps very young children with developmental delays and their families. She visits their homes, works with them, offers the parents resources to better their child’s outcome. Becky is remarkably good at her job and she has helped so many people. I also know that this will benefit her in, one day, becoming an amazing mother. Becky has worked so hard to get where she is. And Joey was very instrumental in helping her do that by giving her such an awesome gift. So I hope that you can find some solace in the fact that Joey is still helping people through Becky.

You raised a fine son, Mrs. Belcher. The world lost a great man when Joey passed. I feel fortunate to have known him. And I like to think that Joey is now free from any pain he may have felt when he was here…that he is smiling at you and that he is at peace.

God Bless,

Juliet Marshall

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The eulogy by Mark Martinez

(He spoke at a service his friends in California organized for him the same day we had the service in DC at Gawlers.)

"The word quirky is defined as a peculiarity of behavior and idiosyncrasy, an odd habit. I suppose that would be as good a term as any to describe Joey, definitely a unique individual. When I think of Joey I remember him wearing a blue shirt, black pants and a ferragamo belt. Whenever I was around Joey, a cigar and a Starbucks was always close by. Usually he would carry his cigars in a Ziploc bag. The venti size Starbucks had several shots of espresso in it, I believe around 4 or so. Whenever I spoke to him seriously he would get this look in his eye like he really cared about what I was telling him. His eyes would begin to flutter or twitch rapidly, he would remain quiet in thought and then he would make some joke. Usually his jokes involved an intro that dealt with peanut butter and a midget. He would say something like “and then there was a midget and peanut butter…” or “ and a dirty little puppy in the corner…” I am not sure why, perhaps that was a fantasy of his and then five minutes later he would say something like I’m sorry Mark you were saying…

Throughout our business dealings with each other and while oftentimes work could be stressful, I never saw him upset.

Yet, Joey, had a knack as they say, for excelling in what he did. He always spoke well in front of a crowd due to his easy going nature, and his accomplishments speak for themselves. He ran a successful mortgage business that he got into at just the right time and when the mortgage business failed, unlike most individuals he smoothly transitioned and found success in another business venture. Perhaps, due to the unique and peculiar way he looked at the world.

Like most of us, I spent a lot of time just hanging out with Joey. He took me on his boat, but I was not the one who got him banned from his prized Newport slip in Balboa Pier, went on vacation with him to New Orleans during Mardi Gras the year before hurricane Katrina and spent a few days with him in Puerto Vallarta during the summer. When I ran my first marathon Joey attended the race to cheer me on. I do not recall the last time I saw Joey, but it had been sometime ago. I heard through the grapevine, not surprisingly, he was doing well in the restaurant business in Washington D.C.

I don’t use words like quirky, zany and midget very often, but to me that describes Joey. Over these last few days since I found out that Joey is no longer with us I have experienced a lot of emotions and given what has happened a lot of thought. My own thoughts were that it was too soon and in looking for the good in this I have found none. I have been feeling down and I am glad we are here today to celebrate Joey’s life. In thinking about my own feelings it bothered me why I would feel so upset and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but when I really think about it I will miss Joey most of all because he had a heart, he cared about a lot of us. He chose to surround himself with a lot of individuals just like him, that were not perfect and had their own little quirks and eccentricities and I think that is what made him so special, because he accepted everyone for who they were; and embraced it....and sprinkled a little laughter on it along the way.

With that being said I have attempted to shed some humor today in honor of my friend Joey and in closing I would like to say: Papa Joe, Irene, and Mimi I am so sorry for the loss of your special son and brother. I believe Joey did make this world a better place because he always naturally infused laughter and happiness in everything he did. In my life, like I imagine others here today, I am grateful for the time I shared with Joey more than anything else. Also, the laughter and happiness he brought to the day to day mundane tasks and duties we call work or a job. He always left me feeling better, usually after getting a few laughs out of me or at my expense and he left the world a less serious and happier place. I love you Joey and I will miss you brother."

Mark Martinez

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

I first met Joey back in 2002. I was drawn to him like many others because he had an infectious aura. The aura engulfed anyone in his presence and caused you to feel good and to have a good time. Joey could turn the most mundane act into an enjoyable experience. Joey had the ability to make waiting in line at the DMV a gut-wrenching laugh-out-loud experience. Whenever I was around Joey I was able to forget about my problems and enjoy the moment. He was always smiling and it seemed as if his primary mission in life was to make you feel good, to laugh...

The most memorable experience I had with Joey was a trip a group of guys took to a convention in Indian Wells. I was lucky enough to catch a ride with both him and Josh in Joey's plane. That was my first time flying in a small aircraft and I will never forget it; it was like a roller coaster ride due to the rough turbulence we encountered. The dinner was amazing, but what made that occasion unforgettable was that Joey, being Joey made it a memorable moment in time.

LEE BAKER

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

This beer was brewed in honor of our dearly beloved son, Joey Belcher.

Brandon credits Joey with giving him the needed push and support to start his own brewery. That was over three years ago and now DCBrau is a successful business in the Northeast.

We are very grateful to Brandon and Jeff for loving our son enough to do this for him.

St. Joseph’s Tripel

“Joey was a unique sort of fellow. He was full of love. We never met someone who shared their soul quite like he did. Joey lit up when he saw us. He welcomed us with open arms and always made us feel as if we were truly special. His love was unconditional. There are very few people like this in today’s world. Most have learned to keep their hearts close to them and away from the hungry society we live in, for fear they will be devoured. Perhaps this is why Joey is more like a saint. He watched over us all. He encouraged us to go for our dreams and he supported us in getting there. Saint Joseph was a protector and he continues to protect us from afar.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

One of the most amazing things about Joey belcher was his ability to reinvent himself, but always keep the same imagination and heart that he always had. I met Joey in high school, in New Orleans-- we became good friends in our early 20s. A lot of adventures, a lot of them gave Mr. Joe and Ms. Irene grey hair…

In his mid-20s, he became a pilot and instructor. A Couple of years later, he popped up living with Mimi in California, and was working at the Discovery Channel store at a mall. Within a year or so, in only-Joey fashion, he built an amazing enterprise; successful on many fronts, with Josh Schwartz, his soul mate and partner.

If you had told me during those early adventures that one day I'd be working for Joey, as one of the thousand employees, I would have thought you were crazy.

But, as many of you know, lots of things you would think crazy, only Joey could do.

He dreamed unbelievable dreams for him and for others. Somehow he made them seem believable and fun and entertaining and heartfelt. Amazingly then, they became realities.

Then of course, most recently, he reinvented himself here as a restaurateur in DC. And I'm sure there are many more stories from that. I think we'd all love to hear many more Joey stories. We should find a way to share them-- for the rest of our lives.

Joey, through his amazing and endless ability to dream large dreams and still remain honest, realistic, and generous, created a family out of the stories, the adventures, the businesses... whatever he found that day to entertain himself and us.

I hope that we continue to make an effort to share those stories, because they mean the world to me.

Brent Joseph

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Joey holds a special place in my heart. Working for him and getting to

know him as a good friend was an absolute pleasure. He was and continues

to be an influential part of my life. He was a very unique individual.

Such talent, determination, charm, quirky sense of humor, intelligence,

dynamic personality and business sense -- all unparallelled. I think of

moments with Joey at work and outside of work, and all of them make me

laugh. He had an incredible way of getting things done and having fun at

the same time. Many of my friends now who have never met him have heard

quite a bit about Joey. I remember he would come into the escrow

department in the mornings to say hello. We would have some sort of random

banter about chinchillas and bunnies, all while he rocked side to side, and

before I could get him to sign checks or answer urgent questions, he would

run off. I would chase after him in frustration, "Joey! Come back here,

what about the ___ file??" There are books, movies and music that trigger

memories of him. I think about how fortunate I am to have come into

contact with such an incredible human being. I miss him dearly. I would

like to think his energy is somewhere out there touching everyone.

I think of Joey and I think of a bright yellow light that touches you with

a warm, happy energy and leaves you smiling.

Caroline Vu

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

" Joey. You know I've always been your biggest fan. Since High School -- when your band played in the Brother Martin Mall -- to your stand up comedy routine in Mid-City; to me following you to live Up Town; to the aviation industry; to the mortgage industry; to the restaurant business in D.C...

You sparked in me more than an interest in music, career and opportunity.

Without you in my life I don't know what... Every, every, everything, every place, every person, outside my family, is connected to you. You were at my side and witnessed the moment the mother of my daughter walked into the room and heard what I said.

All the friends and memories from California and D.C.; my current line of work, all because of you, all this a by-product of our history. A residue of our times on Irish Bend.

Because of you I had someone to make me laugh; introduce me to new music and people as a child.

My life grew for the most part out of your house-hanging, laughing, playing guitar. Now it's a little empty without you here.

Everything associated with you before was Mega Cool. Now, I am not too impressed by anything.

Before, all I wanted was to be successful enough to catch up with you financially so we could hang out and travel. Now, I don't really care because you are not here.

The torch has been passed and I've studied you long enough. Now it's my turn to touch lives as you have. You are the best example I could have had..."

Lloyd Blanchard

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

This was written by JEFF HANCOCK, of DCBrau.

"Joey, this beer is for you!

In the next life, my friend.

I miss you!"

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This was written by TONY LUCCA, partner in "1905 DC"

" You're with us everyday at 1905. Your spirit lives on in all of us and in the restaurant. Everyday, when we open our doors, we celebrate your life.

We love you and we miss you, and we thank you for making us all better people."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This was written by BRANDON SKALL, of DCBrau.

" We miss you, brother...

See you again, one day.

Love, Brandon"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________