Joe called me yesterday and asked to me post about what is going on.
If you haven't heard, he has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer.
Talk about a rock. Guy survives his heart attack, then loses his wife, and now this? It's incredible to me how strong he is...I mean, can you imagine?
They have given him a pain blocker that he says is working well, though he has trouble eating. He had a port installed for chemo.
He is in incredibly good spirits, even though he admitted to me he's tired, he wants to finish the race shining the Light of the Lord to others. He's at peace and I'm proud of how he has handled ALL of this with so much grace.
Please pray for mercy if you would be so kind. He didn't ask me to start this thread so people could feel sorry for him, he asked me because he wanted you all to know that the headstone finally was set in place, he just wasn't up to doing it ( in hospital today), and I don't blame him.
I'd like to thank everyone who donated to this cause. Joe is a special guy a and all those bashes made more than good times, they made lifelong friends. I'll forever be grateful to have known him & Kathy.
Be good to those you love.
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MOD EDIT: Here's a little more detail on Joe's new work:
Originally Posted by Nzoner:
God granted me seeing my 60th birthday yesterday and hopefully I'll have the opportunity to see some of you yet.
I also want to tell a little more about our new ministry and will do so.
Originally Posted by cmh6476:
On March 12, 2023, Joey (Jammin’ Joe) Dale Tracy of Saint Joseph, MO passed away at the age of 60 in his home, surrounded by family.
Joe was born on December 26, 1962, in St. Joseph, MO to Larry and Sondra (Clark) Tracy. He graduated from Benton High School in 1981. On November 29, 1985, while working together at the Thrifty Nickel, he married Kathy Beth Russell. Joe and Kathy went on to own and operate the St. Joseph AD-Venture direct mail publication for 26 years and Pyro Joe’s Fireworks for 12 years.
Joe rededicated his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 2019. He and Kathy had daily prayer and bible study together.
Joe was passionate about many things in life – Jesus Christ, Music, Football, Fireworks, and good food. Many knew him as “Jammin’ Joe,” “NZoner” from ChiefsPlanet.com, or “Pyro Joe.”
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Sondra, and wife, Kathy. He is survived by his father Larry, stepmother Patty, brother Kevin (Theresa), nephews Brad and Ian, nieces Shannon and Alyssa, several cousins, and two fur-babies Oscar & Sadie.
Farewell Services & Public Livestream will be held on Thursday, March 16th at 1:00 pm at the Grace Calvary Chapel – 5103 S. 50th St., St. Joseph, MO. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, Joe requests donations to his recently established foundation L.O.S.S. (Loss of Spouse Sanctuary). The sanctuary will assist other widows and widowers along their grief journey. More information about L.O.S.S. can be found at LossOfSpouse.org. Donations may be made via the website. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
I'll begin by admitting I am a few drinks into my evening.
As many know I am a Raider fan.
I came here a few years ago to have some fun and troll a little bit.
Weird thing is I have become familiar with many of you and even if we hate each other as rivals, my heart and soul is with Nzoner and HayWire and others. The electronic campfire that we all share is powerful. I'd love to shake hands with both these badasses [Reply]
FYI, I'm driving north through Arkansas on I49/US71 on 11/11, stopping at Nevada, MO that night, then heading to Joe's first thing 11/12. I'll head back to NEVAMO on 11/13, and then back to Texarkana on Monday. If you want/need a ride, PM me. [Reply]
Originally Posted by penguinz:
What were the first signs something was wrong? Was it just abdominal pain or something different?
I had pancreatitis a few years back and the only fear I have is that pancreatic cancer is in my future.
He was not feeling good over the 4th. Having trouble eating and uncomfortable. Then he had severe back pain, which they thought was from his past back issues. When he was here in September he was in severe pain all across his stomach and back. They thought is was is gall bladder - well that was wrong. [Reply]
Have to report tonight that they put off Joe’s last chemo because he’s so weak. Talked to him tonight and they are going to try to start it up again Tuesday. He’s tired and very low right now. Will probably be going out next week to stay with him as his family has to leave.
I went up last Thursday to see/visit him. It was a pleasure to be able to meet his brother Kevin, who has been up there the last three weeks helping Joe out.
He is very solemn and tired, but positive.
Please continue to pray for him as he walks through this journey. [Reply]
Originally Posted by stevieray:
I went up last Thursday to see/visit him. It was a pleasure to be able to meet his brother Kevin, who has been up there the last three weeks helping Joe out.
He is very solemn and tired, but positive.
Please continue to pray for him as he walks through this journey.
I'm glad you were able to go see him. I'm heading up next weekend with Dole. [Reply]
