James Joseph “Joe” Lopez passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 61. A devoted husband, animal lover and Auburn football fan, Joe’s heart belonged first and foremost to his beloved wife, June “Juju”, and their cherished dogs, Garfield and Whisper.
Born on December 26, 1963, Joe made Mobile his home for over 50 years, building a 36-year career at Mobile Infirmary Hospital. He loved his work and the people he met along the way, always looking forward to the retirement years he planned to share with Juju. Joe was a graduate of Baker High School and loved attending all family functions in Mobile and over the bay.
Joe had a kind and generous heart, always willing to go out of his way to help family and friends however he could. He loved spending time with his nephew, sharing years of fun in their fantasy football league and gathering for wrestling pay-per-view events. "Uncle Joe" loved getting a rise out of the league with his weekly “playful” smack talk on the bulletin board with who he was playing that particular week. It was always a treat when you were playing against Joe to see what he was going to put on the bulletin board about how bad he was going to beat you.
Joe enjoyed taking Juju to local restaurants, where they often ran into old friends, always ready with a smile and a warm conversation, although not fully knowing who everybody was that his wife knew.
A man of faith, Joe was a longtime member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Mobile, AL, where he attended for decades. His faith was an important part of his life, guiding his kindness and care for others.
Joe was known for his honesty—he was a straight shooter who always said what needed to be said, whether good or bad. But above all, he was a source of comfort and reassurance. No matter the situation, he had a way of making others feel at ease, often saying, “You’re gonna be alright. Everything is going to be okay.” Even in his final days, facing his health challenges with grace, he reminded those around him that “everything is going to be fine” and made sure they knew to look after June.
Joe had a great big heart and loved his family deeply. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Inocencio and Rita Lopez, and his cousin, Connie Ford.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, June Louise Sullivan Lopez; sister-in-law, Hart (John) Terhune; brothers-in-law, John (Debi) Sullivan II, Michael (Linda) Sullivan, David (Pat) Sullivan, Carroll (Carol) Sullivan, Erickson (Gina) Sullivan. Joe is also survived by his cousins, Glenn Ford, Ford Host, Necia Seelhorst, Sharon Smiley, Patricia Sullivan, Theresa Wiggins, Glyna Vandenberg, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including his Mobile Infirmary family.
Joe’s family would like to thank Dr. F. Martin Lester, his staff, and the Lester family for caring for Joe for most of his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation and fellowship in the Parish Hall, (The Murphy Center) immediately following. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Mobile SPCA 620 Zeigler Circle West Mobile, AL 36608, www.mobilespca.org/donate/ or to a local charity of your choice.
