Those who live shorter lives should have the freedom to live as big as they choose. At 6′ 8″, Joseph was no exception. He was “Tall Man” to his wife, Rochelle, and a hero to his twins, Paul and Lillie.
On the anniversary of 9/11, Joseph began his fire career volunteering in small towns outside of San Antonio. While working as a journeyman plumber, and shortly after getting married, he graduated Top Cadet of his class in fire school at San Antonio College Regional Fire Academy.
Joseph’s dreams of becoming a career fireman were in the making as he volunteered with Bexar Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department and gained experience to pursue his EMT-B and EMT-P at Bulverde Spring Branch EMS. After a short time in the oil field as a paramedic, he joined the City of Converse Fire Department and achieved his dream of becoming a career firefighter/paramedic. Following his passion for physical fitness, Joseph pursued and received his certification with IAFF/IAFC Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) program and was eager to put together a health program for his department to benefit his fellow firefighters.
Joseph was incredibly talented. He built homes, motorcycles, cars, and the like. He was a plumber, welder, carpenter, fabricator, and entrepreneur. From being an avid bowler with his father and brother to owning a motorcycle shop with his business partners and friends, Joseph was never one to slow down.
Unapologetic, outspoken, and a jokester, he knew how to make others laugh. He sang, wrote music, played guitar, and knew how to tick off the neighbors by practicing his whip cracking skills.
Before he died, Joseph was a prospective member in an organization called Guardians of the Children, whose mission is to recognize and react to child abuse and to educate the public to do the same. He will forever be remembered by his road name, Guardian “Stitch.”
Joseph was a runner prior to his health decline and enjoyed running races to support many charitable organizations. His family and friends have started a not-for-profit organization called the Joseph Mitchell Memorial to help raise financial support for those seeking a career as a first responder. Each year they host a 5K in Converse, Texas, to raise funds for first responder scholarships.
Joseph will not be forgotten, but will live on through family and friends and those helped by the Joseph Mitchell Memorial.
Miss you so much son. I am so proud of the Son, husband, dad and man you became. Thank you for your service & sacrifice. Love Mom
– Tammy SanchezMiss you bro. Keep watch over us.
– David mitchellJoseph, you were such a talented man with such diverse skills. You were a wonderful father and husband. I still find it difficult to process your passing with you being so healthy and young. You did a lot in your short time here on earth. I’m sure Jesus accepted you into heaven saying “well done, my child”
– Tina PateYou’re forever in my heart. Love, Aunt Tina
Mijho, we were ones of few words, but I knew in my heart you loved the Lord, Rochelle, Paul & Lillie! For that I will always be grateful & I promise you will never be forgotten…
– Rose BolenbaucherWatching your growth into a wonderful husband, loving father, and caring man was a blessing. You are missed, you are loved, and never forgotten.
– Jennifer Martinez Crawford