Obituary
Dr. Joseph Vincent Missett IV, (J.V.), 50, of New York died on July 8th, 2016, in Santa Monica, California. He was born on October 13, 1965, New York, NY. He was the son of Joseph Missett III and Barbara Thatcher. Joseph is survived by his wife, Carol Missett and their third and second boys. Joseph was proceeded in death by first boy Anthony. He is also survived by his brother Stephen Missett.
Joseph’s mother, Barbara, recently passed away earlier this year at the age of 77.
Joseph graduated from Emory University in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. After graduating, he worked for the next few years in the oil and gas trading desk at Bear Sterns in New York. Joseph always knew he wanted to be a doctor at a very young age. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he courageously set out for his true calling at the age of 31 in the field of medicine. He attended the Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine and received his MD in 2004. Joseph specialized in Family Practice, however embarked in Emergency Medicine following the completion of residency. He started in Mesa, Arizona and most recently worked as an Emergency Medical physician in Fort Mohave, Arizona.
In addition to being an “Amazing and Devoted” father, husband and dedicated physician, he also volunteered in the community in Los Angeles and the Phoenix area. Most recently he and his family spent many hours with LA on Cloud 9 (
www.laoncloud9.org) providing assistance to the homeless.
JV was larger than life in so many ways – his physical presence was only then preceded by his amazing charm and disarming personality which would light up any room. He was an amazing man, full of compassion and loved helping people. His professional life indeed was the perfect fit for this “Angelic” human being. No one was immune from his wit and sense of humor. His energy was infectious to all those who had the opportunity to know him, even if it was for the briefest of time. He loved tennis, golf, hockey, visiting with friends but most of all spending time with his boys, his family – there was absolutely no prouder dad.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the community that he served.
Viewing: will be held at 10:00 am on July 18th, 2016
The Family Worship Center
9156 W. Van Buren Street
Tolleson, AZ 85353
Reception: 12:00pm on July 18th, 2016
Hilton Garden Inn
11460 W. Hilton Way
Avondale, AZ 85323
**In Lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Dr. Joseph Missett IV to
www.LAonCloud9.org.**
POEM:
-Joseph V. Missett IV
I wish you could hear me speak these words. Hear the sincerity and sorrow in the cracks of my voice and understand instantaneously what you meant to me. I’m in the city and even though I’ve been here plenty times before, this time is different. Almost as if it’s the first time my sneakers have hit these gum infested pavements or inhaled the sewers toxins. Everything seems to be more beautiful. It seems to be more peaceful. Even through the constant taxi horns, police sirens, and echoing murmurs of the foreign crowds. I feel at peace here in New York City and you’re the reason.
I walk through Washington Park observing the leaves shiver on the tress until I turn onto University, then Waverly, then Broadway. And each time I keep expecting to see you there around the corner in the same red shorts you left me in. And each time I’m disappointed. But not fully, because although you’re not physically there I know deep down in my heart that maybe, just maybe, if God bestowed before me his unique gifts that just for a single second; I’ll see you. So for that small maybe, I’m scavenging the city. I’ll rummage through any construction site. I’ll explore every alleyway. I’ll track every hot dog vendor. I’ll call every taxi. I’ll skate every subway track. I’ll climb every fire escape in this city so long as there’s a chance to see you. I miss you Joseph, and this city reminds me of you.
My origami bones are crinkling and growing weak because this misery is crushing me in its rough hands and molding them into a ball, leaving me in this curled up paralysis. So here I am, wallowing in the memories of you, staring out my sealed dorm room window mapping out my route for the days to come so that I may find you faster. But all I see is drunk clubbers and sun bleached awnings. The words on my phone are beginning to evolve into blurry symbols but I can’t sleep. The nights are the worst. The mornings are the same. My imaginative psych is creating its own apocalyptic state that no Hollywood hero can save me from. It feels like I’m drowning without you, as if I’m lost at sea. But nope, there’s no water. I’m just a newly self proclaimed insomniac and I’m lost in the city. I’m lost without you.
I love you so much Joe and I miss you dearly. Everything I’m doing here is in hopes to make you proud. No matter how heavy this heart may feel, it won’t amount to the work you put in to get me here. Thank you for the love and opportunity.
-your son.
21 responses to Dr. Joseph Vincent Missett IV, (J.V.)
Sara Davis says:
July 16, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of another descendent in the Thatcher family. JV was the son of my cousin, Barbara Missett, and although I didn’t know him, JV sounds like a wonderful son, father, nephew and brother. Such a sad year for the Thatcher/Missetts. No words can ease the pain of this family but please know that friends and family are praying that you can be consoled by your memories of this wonderful man.
Mrs. Missett says:
July 21, 2016
He was also a husband
Todd Ruiter says:
July 17, 2016
Brother Joe, I can’t imagine this world without you. I’m so grateful to have known you and to call you friend. I knew Joe during his first years in the ERs in Phoenix. Joe just brought joy and happiness and humor, pure and kind, to everyone around him. A mountain of a man. Love you brother. Todd Ruiter
Daniel Eldridge says:
July 17, 2016
I did not know Dr. Missett nor his family, but I did read the “poem” at the end of the Obit and I was so moved…I read it several times in hopes I’d better understand it…my sister passed 5 years ago and I still miss her so very much…whoever wrote this poem did an amazing jof of capturing some of my grief. It is a beautiful poem and a real blessing to me.
Thank you
Daniel Eldridge
Mrs. Missett says:
July 21, 2016
Hello,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, his son wrote it for him.
joyce thatcher says:
July 17, 2016
Dr. Joe, aka JV, was a dear nephew, Good Samaritan par excellence, and generous spirit—just a great person all around. He is deeply, deeply missed but will be remembered for all that he gave us and how he contributed to the greater good forever.
Joyce Thatcher and Family
Muriel Elliot says:
July 21, 2016
My heart is broken. Dr Joe helped me trap, neuter and spay a colony of feral cats when he lived in downtown Phoenix. The cats are all doing great after all these years mostly because he insisted we feed them only the best cat food! I think of him every morning I go out to feed Gunny, BlackyWhite (the ones he named and let come in his apartment) and the rest. This earth was blessed awhile to have Joe. I was blessed to have known him. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Muriel Elliot
Mrs. Missett says:
July 21, 2016
Muriel,
I’m so happy to hear Gunny is good, he and I just wondered about him recently.