Joseph Jesse Chase

Joseph Jesse Chase, 72, of Cumming, GA, passed away on November 6, 2024, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer. Born on May 15, 1952, in Annapolis, MD, to the late Joseph and Shirley Chase, Joe grew up in Lockport, NY, and attended from Lockport High School, where he maintained lifelong connections with his classmates.

At just 15, Joe set out for Los Angeles to pursue his passion for music. He found success as a talented musician, playing background for numerous groups and artists, including Willie Nelson, and even composed the theme song for the film Rio Bravo. Music was a constant throughout his life, and he cherished every note he played.

Joe was also a proud veteran, serving in the military during the Vietnam War. A true "jack of all trades," he built computers, played a significant role in providing a California school district with its first computers, and spent over 20 years working for the state of California on the monorails before retiring.

Outside of work and music, Joe was an active member of the Demon Challenger Car Club, a devoted family man, and a fantastic cook. He cherished his wife, children, and his beloved dogs, Charlotte and Gunner. Known for his storytelling, Joe touched countless lives and formed many friendships throughout his journey.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Karen; his children, Amanda Smith (David), Andy Skipper (Kimberly), and Jessica Chase; his ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Ethel Tester, Joann Walker, and Karen Walker Jeeves.

Services will be held at a later date in both Georgia and Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=dignitymemorial&giftType=mem