Joseph Christopher La Bouff began life “at home” in Los Angeles, California on November 7, 1942; the 7th of 11 children born to Catherine and George La Bouff. For the next 82 years home would be Joe’s Happy Place. Next to his precious Catholic Faith, the dinner table was the sacred spot where virtue and value and freedom of speech were honed, harvested, honored.
From Visitation Catholic School, Joe went to Loyola High School, in Los Angeles. Being a LHS “Cub” would bring him joy his entire life. Joe wore that designation with as much pride as the big blue Varsity L for Baseball on his letterman sweater. In natural progression, university meant Loyola U (before it was LMU.) Joe studied business, joined Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, and met Jonie Hummes (the original Loyola Marymount merger!)
It was the early 1960’s and Buffalo Springfield would soon be telling us “There’s Something’s Happening Here.” Joe enrolled in the California National Guard, and married Jonie in 1966. He will always contend it was love at first sight. Jonie has never doubted it, and will add, more importantly, it was forever. Jonie, quite simply adored Joe. And she will forever. Joe did not go to Vietnam but, “Welcome Home” always has had a powerful significance.
A 30-year career, including controllerships of several divisions at Hughes Aircraft was satisfying, demanding and wonderful. Joe’s extraordinary discipline and dedication, coupled with wisdom and a work ethic which never fails to elicit awe and admiration, served him well. These are the disciplines which Joe so beautifully schooled his four children in. As professionally and familialy active as Joe was, time could usually be made for his beloved tennis and baseball. How many men could say they were asked to play, for a foreign country, at that, in the Senior World Series of Baseball? On two occasions well into in his early 70’s Joe was asked to play as an Australian (no relation!) in the Series in Phoenix, Arizona. Joe literally had a ball.
Joe and Jonie’s children ~ John Paul, Nora (Hollingsworth), Teddy and Patrick are, quite simply, his pride and joy. His love for them was boundless. Michele (Overbeek), Trey Hollingsworth, Tara (Teichgraeber), and Jenifer (Duggan) are the dearest and most devoted son and daughters – in – law. During his very last earthly days, they could be seen, one or several, sitting by Joe, silently conveying their love and gratitude. Nolan and Luke LaBouff and Hayden and Daniel Hollingsworth are the grandchildren of dreams. They have made their Papa a very, very happy man, enriching his days and his years.
With his precious Family and surely his beloved St. Joseph by his side, Joe slipped peacefully away on Saturday, November 15, 2025. His wonderful life will be celebrated at a Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta.
In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests donations to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Georgia,
