Still remember when you guys came by where we were camping near Fremont!  Joe  had a huge heart!  Our sympathies and prayers to the entire family!  
Mary & John Baker
Lincoln Nebraska

I simply do not have the words to adequately express the influence Joe had on me as my supervisor, and as someone who I looked up to. Joe gave me back my faith in the work of disaster recovery, and my faith that I too had something to offer. Working with Joe, and the team he built showed me that it was possible to see and use my differences as strengths, and not just as flaws. His compassionate yet fierce approach to assisting communities, and nurturing his team members, will always serve as a guiding light for me as I continue to do the work that Joe taught me to love.

JoJo always loved little Aiden bug. He loved seeing his imagination grow, when he shared with him the things he cherished most.

In the brief time that I had the privilege of knowing Joe, he exuded remarkable intelligence, kindness, and a visionary spirit with ambitious goals. My children shared a special bond with JoJo and always looked forward to recounting their adventures to him, as he displayed genuine interest and admiration for their stories. Aiden must have grown particularly close to Jo during the nearly two months spent with Nana and JoJo. Aiden cherishes the memory of connecting over their mutual love for science, especially during their visit to the Mount Rainier volcano display. Although Aiden may not recall, one of my fondest memories was when Joe treated us to a ride on the duck boat; I was amazed by the unique experience of a boat transitioning from land to water. Joe was always eager to share intriguing facts and impart his vast knowledge with everyone. I gleaned a great deal from Jo, and we will forever hold these cherished moments in our hearts. My deepest condolences extend to my mother; she has lost not only her dearest friend but also a devoted husband who deeply enjoyed her presence. JoJo you’re forever in our hearts and minds, take to the skies with gentle peace. 🕊️ 🤍

As we gather to bid farewell to Joe, we are reminded of the remarkable man he was. Joe had a quiet strength about him, an enigmatic presence that was sometimes hard to decipher. Yet, through it all, he embraced us as family, never hesitating to extend a warm welcome and open arms. One of Joe's greatest gifts was his ability to make others feel at home. He welcomed my children into his life with such love and generosity, treating them as if they were his own. For that, I will be forever grateful. Though I may not have always understood Joe's thoughts or feelings, one thing was clear: his heart was filled with kindness and compassion. And as we say our goodbyes, I find solace in the belief that one day, we will be reunited with Joe at the gates of heaven.Rest in peace, Joe. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.

My little buddy, I will miss you forever. I hope you have peace up there with all the family and surely they welcomed you with open arms and Grandpa Joe with a joke or two. You were so much like him. Full of personality and the gift he gave you-the love of building. Rest peacefully, little brother till we meet again. ❤️

One of my favorite memories with Joe in our family, was our first Christmas in Washington. Even with some hardships we endured that year, Joe didn't fail to put a smile on our faces with his ugly Christmas sweater and reindeer ears. I still have the ugly Christmas sweater he gave me that year. He supported, encouraged, and lifted our family more than we ever imagined. He was a great, intelligent man, and he will always be missed.

Joe is the reason on FEMA that Malden is still in existence and thriving. I know that he fought mightily to get approval for our temp fire station and went to bat for us and sustained criticism for it which is crazy as he was doing the job of a giant by taking it on. When it came to just sitting and talking to him his compassion and understanding for us showed with his wry smile that quickly turned to a grin, with him saying "We got this". At each step of the way your team has been with us step by step but in the background it was Joe that carried the FEMA load. When the initial estimates for our rebuilding were given my heart ached because it was not going to be enough to rebuild in a way that would sustain the town but here again it was Joe that carried the FEMA load which now is showing with the Malden Fire Station/Town Hall and Post Office. My word what a huge lift. At each step Joe's influence and kindness is with us.  We did a video for FEMA this winter and it should be named Joe's Town as it has been his compassion for Malden that has led us to this point. Duke has said that the Malden Story is making its rounds in DC but it needs to be in each level of FEMA and titled Joe Kaufman, what a FEMA representative truly is. Joe talked about the disaster he lead in Nebraska and what was accomplished there and once again it is Joe that led the way. FEMA needs to take Joe’s leadership and compassion and deliver it to the small town disasters and follow his lead. Not every disaster is a New Orleans or Houston but the forgotten towns like us that we could have easily swept under the table. Your team, Stacy, Gary, yourself, Ethan and the finance hero's are my state angels; but Joe was and is my FEMA ANGEL, I don't have the words to express all my true respect and there are not words how to say thanks to Joe and all of you. Joe needs to have a statue put up for him at FEMA Headquarters with saying this is what a FEMA Hero looks like. Dan Harwood: Mayor of Malden, WA

My heart goes out to Joe's family during this time of loss.  I met Joe when he started working with FEMA's Region 10 Recovery Division.  He had a wonderful caring heart, which was evident in his work and many other accomplishments.  His caring extended beyond work for he was always willing to help others.  On his own time, he actually offered to and installed a towel rod for my Mom that was sturdy enough for her to hold onto when she exited her shower.  Although not forgotten, he will be truly missed by many.  Rest in peace, Joe.

I worked with Joe at FEMA until I retired. His enthusiasm and experiences were enjoyed and appreciated by all of the team. Later I had more opportunities to watch him work alongside his disaster partners in Washington at EMD. Joe's positive energy filled any room he entered, and he loved to visit and probably never met a stranger he didn't like. Joe never failed to ask me how I was every time I saw him. And his asking was always genuine and heartfelt. Joe will be missed by many, and I am so sorry for this tragic loss for all who loved him.

I worked with Joe on many large projects from 2018 to 2023 and will certainly miss his expertise and guidance on getting the projects through the review process.

Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and our thoughts are with you.

Joe was such a kind man and touched so many hearts and helped so many communities in the years that I knew him. He will be dearly missed.

Joe had tremendous empathy, and dedication to the civil service in which he was actively engaged. He was a mentor, and a force for good. He will be missed terribly, but his impact lives on in the inspiration he instilled in those who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.

Joe was a great boss, a fantastic mentor and a good friend. I first met Joe on a FEMA assignment in 2014, over the ensuing years we shared a number of JFO's but I never got to work with him directly until a couple of years ago in Oregon. From now on every time I work in R10 I will think of the great memories and the fun working environment that Joe created for all of us in the JFO. God Speed my friend.

Joe was my friend in R10 FEMA. He always had a smile on his face when we had conversations including the Seahawks and general FEMA questions.  He always made me feel important as he would always accept my phone calls. At the Mauldin, WA ribbon cutting ceremony, Joe was front and center and greeted myself and my husband with a warm "You made it" smile and hug for me and a hardy handshake for my husband. Joe was a can-do kind of guy. The proof was in many FEMA disasters, but the standout was for the construction of a building to house Mauldin's firetruck. Joe said they could get one and he made it happen.  I have worked with Joe over multiple years and many disasters; I will truly miss his smiles and heartfelt thanks to me after each conversation or engagement.   Rest in Peace my friend!

To the family of Joe. He was a charismatic man who lead with compassion. His kindness towards others knew no end. Whenever he and I interacted I left the encounter smiling because Joe’s positivity was infectious. 

His love for his family and the Star Wars universe was legendary. That was one of the aspects of him I appreciated most. Thank you for sharing him with us. I believe he looking down smiling,  appreciating his work and the impact he has had on our lives and the communities he served.

This one hurts. There are some people who come into your life, not for a long time, but at the right time. There are some people who leave a mark on other people's lives that can be remembered for a lifetime. The impact Joe had on my life and my family describes this perfectly for us. Joe was a colleague who became my boss - a boss who became my advocate - an advocate who became my mentor - and a mentor who became my friend. I can only hope, while tragedy took him from us early, that he can rest at peace knowing his life had a positive impact on so many others, including my own. One that will never be forgotten and I will always be grateful for. Rest in peace, Joe.

I am so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing.  I was working in PA when he joined FEMA R10. I deployed with him to CM and he impressed me with his attention to detail and his sincerity in the importance of a job well done.  Even though it was serious work, Joe was filled with warmth and we laughed as well. My position changed and when he needed staff deployed to support a disaster he reached out to me.  He learned what info was needed to this end and he consistently ensured he provided every key detail. He truly cared about each level to support the recovery process. I will miss his genuine smile, the warmth of his personality, and his heart that was bigger than his chest.  

My sincere condolences to Joe's family and loved ones, friends, and all who were touched by his passing.

Prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for the family's loss of Joe. He was an amazing coworker and friend. I enjoyed talking with him at lengths about tricks and tips with gardening and our different experiences in Moberly, Missouri as well as the time we worked closely together during the Nebraska Tornadoes to help the communities recover. Joe truly had a passionate heart for others and dedicated his time professionally and personally to always do his absolute best. Joe will be missed. --Bill

My sincere condolences to the family.  Joe will be missed deeply. He was my supervisor on the PADO- Olympic team.  He helped me in so many ways with been a new PDGM.  I remembered my last conversation with Joe. I will cherish his memoreis.  "Rest on Joe".

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Joe was an amazing coworker, carrying human , and always willing to contribute his knowledge with the team.  We’ll really miss him. God bless him in heaven. Jose Mateo - FEMA R7.

OBITUARY

Joseph "Joe" Clayton Kaufman

February 15, 1967 – May 10, 2024

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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