Joseph Anthony Ross Jr

In the song of life, Joseph Anthony Ross Jr. was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Joe preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Joseph believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Joe perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Joe was born on July 11, 1945 in Antacortes, Washington. His parents were Joseph Sr and Evelyn Ross. Joe was raised in White Center and West Seattle. As a young child, Joe was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Joe rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Joe showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with two siblings. He had two younger brothers, John and Chuck. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Joe developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Joe liked concrete things. Growing up, Joe played baseball. However, to Joe, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, Joe showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Joe with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1963. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Those who didn’t know Joe well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Joe was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Joe’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, his best friends were Jerry Bianchi. Later in life, he became friends with John Vukelich, Zeek Kona and his longshore brothers.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Joe had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On February 28, 2003, Joe exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Kim Lefevre at the Salvation Army Church of Seattle, Washington.

Joe was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Joe was blessed with one child and 4 step-children; one son, Cody, and four step children, Damien, Lanae, Casey, and Kailey. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Ethan, Max, Adalei, and Donovan. Joe found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was longshoreman foreman and a member of Local 98. He was employed for 43 years by Pacific Maritime Assn. Joe tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

Joe was in the Unites States Coast Guard. He was stationed at the Alameda Coast Guard Base. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of E6. Joe’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Joe enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were baseball, golf and racing hobiecats. Joe was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Joe liked sports. In high school, Joe played baseball. He was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

Because he loved the world around him, Joe enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Joe put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included a trip to Indonesia for golfing, and Palm Springs.

Joe was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Joe’s favorites was Mozart, a cat.

When Joe’s retirement finally arrived in 2007, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, Joe continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Joe passed away on November 18, 2010 at Highline Medical Center in Burien, Washington. He is survived by his wife, Kim, his two brothers, John and Chuck; his son, Cody; his step children, Damien, Lanae, Casey and Kailey; grandchildren, Max Adalei, Ethan and Donovan. Services were held at Salvation Army Church on December 4, 2010 at 11:00am. Joe was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Joe always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Joe was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Joseph Anthony Ross Jr.