Celebration of life planned in February for Joseph R. Nokes, 1950-2024

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

A celebration of life is planned February 15 for Joe Nokes, whose family and friends are sharing this remembrance now:

Joseph “Joe” Robert Nokes passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington on December 4, 2024, at the age of 74, after a long battle with colon cancer.

Affectionately called Joe, Joey, or Joe Bob, he was born a twin in Seattle, Washington May 28, 1950, to Della & George Nokes Sr. Joe grew up in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1969. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers George Jr., Jim, and John.

Joe worked for more than 30 years for Auto Processing and then Distribution Auto Services in Seattle. Joe retired when the company closed in 2001. He moved to his home at Lake Limerick in 2003. He then started working at the Little Creek Casino as a security guard. He also worked at the 40et8 veterans’ club as a karaoke disc jockey.

Joe was a golfer and an avid Mariners, Huskies, Seahawks, and Kraken fan. He was a member of the 1980 National Championship Peterbilt fastpitch softball team that just recently was inducted into the 2024 Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma.

Joe is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Henderson (Ron); a son, Scott Nokes (Amanda); granddaughters Katelyn and Bailee Nokes and Reese Henderson; his twin brother Jerry Nokes (Sheila); sister Renie Dyson (Dean); sister-in-law Debbie Nokes; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life on February 15, 2025, at the Lake Limerick’s Community Hall, 790 E. St. Andrews Dr., Shelton Washington, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Alki resident December 12, 2024 (11:41 am)

A lot of people were praying for him until the end. My heart goes out to the Nokes family.

Neighbour December 12, 2024 (4:19 pm)

Thank you for sharing some of his story! Sounds like a wonderful person from a large and fun family. Cancer sucks!!! Thinking of Joe & his family.

Cousin Don Nokes December 17, 2024 (11:35 am)

I was so glad that I got to see Joe Bob and give him a big
hug at the latest great gathering of the cousins, which was the passing of our
cousin Holly (Cocherl). Joey was one of my best friends growing up, and was
always around to help me pop the clutch and get my old 54 Chevy station wagon fired
up and running. Joe had a great sense of humor and was always willing to share
it, and is what I miss most. He was great ballplayer, as the rings and the
trophies will attest, and he could croon a tune with the best of them. He never
failed to regale us with some of Dean Martin’s greatest hits. I’m not sure of
the time line of events, but after his cancer diagnosis Joey was given some three
months to live, and he stretched that into five. Quite the fighter that Joe Bob
cousin of mine. He lived to see some of the best years of his grandkids growing
up, and that’s good. I remember seeing the video of his granddaughter Reese
throwing him a kiss, “Here, Grandpa Joe, catch.” I’m sure Joe was glad he made
the trade to fight through those last years rather than just leave the field. Having
fond memories helps ease the pain of loss. “May flights of angels sing thee to
thy rest”. Peace and Love Joe Bob, my friend.

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