Joe Diaz

Joe Diaz, Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2013. Joe Diaz was born on October 30, 1931 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was the middle child of an older brother and a younger sister. Joe lived in Texas until he entered the Army in 1952. He was then sent to Korea to help fight in the Korean War. It was in Seoul that he met the love of his life, a nurse by the name of Oksoon Kim. They were married on March 17, 1953 in the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. In Seoul, was where the "twins" were born, Joe Diaz, Jr. and Jack Diaz on October 20, 1954. A sister was also born, Guadalupe, on September 22, 1956, but a year later passed away, due to a childhood illness. He then decided to move the family back to the U.S. and landed in Fort Ord, CA. It was here on the Monterey Peninsula that they decided to raise their family and purchase their first home in Seaside, CA in 1957. Later a fourth son was born, Johnny Diaz, on March 14, 1958. Oksoon's first son, Intae Kim was also born in Seoul, Korea on August 4, 1952 and was able to join the family in Seaside in 1967. This was also the same year that Joe was to serve his country again, by heading out to Viet Nam for his second tour of duty. After living in Seaside for ten years, the family moved to Del Rey Oaks and resided there for another ten years. It was during this time that Joe decided to retire from the military. Joe started his second career by working for the government again, but this time with the Civil Service. He also decided to move the family one last time, to Deer Flats Park in Monterey in 1983. He finished his second career with the Civil Service, retiring in 1996. He then decided to go back to school and obtain his college degree, which he accomplished. Joe was a very kind, patient and generous man, always willing to help others. He was an accomplished musician at an early age and played guitar and sang. He played in a Mariachi band during his youth, which was the first band to perform live on radio in the state of Texas. He was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping up with the world's news. He loved to garden and build things. Joe was predeceased by his loving wife, Oksoon Diaz and his brother, Pete Diaz. He is survived by his sister, Alzira Diaz in Wichita Falls, Texas; his four sons, Intae and Lollie Kim in Herndon, VA, Joe, Jr. and Maria Diaz in Salinas, Jack and Heather Diaz in Monterey, Johnny and Genny Diaz in Morgan Hill; his five granddaughters and three grandsons, Xochi and Shenay in Herndon, VA, Diana and Cassandra in Salinas, Alyssa and Jarod in Morgan Hill, Kendall and Derek in Monterey. Also, he leaves six great grandchildren in Herndon, VA. Joe was a man who truly loved his family and he will be fondly remembered and missed by those who knew and loved him. A funeral memorial mass service will be held Friday, November 22, 2013 at 1:30pm at Carmel Mission Basilica at 3080 Rio Road, Carmel. A viewing will also be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 5:30pm-6:30pm at Mission Mortuary of Monterey at 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey.