Joseph David “Joe” Catfish” Mickesh, 93, of Pomona Park, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at his home following an extended illness. A native of DeMoines, Iowa, Joe was drafted in 1945 out of his senior year in high school and served a year in the U.S. Marine Corp. He then reenlisted with the U.S. Navy where he served as a meteorologist forecasting seas and swells and flights. He retired in 1965 as a Chief Aerographer’s Mate following 20 years of faithful service. He then worked as a meteorologist with Alwex Weather Corporation in Washington, D.C. In 1972, Joe or “Catfish” as he became affectionately known, moved to Pomona Park and owned and operated Bass Capital Marine for 15 years. He also had worked several other jobs including with Ditto Marine, as a commercial fisherman and for a time was a service tech at the Chevrolet Dealership in Crescent City. Joe was a member of the Fleet Reserve and loved to fish and work on outboard motors. Joe is remembered by his family as a sweet, gentle, funny Dad whose love for them knew no bounds. He will be forever loved by his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Mickesh, a daughter, Virgean Greene, 2 brothers, George Mickesh and Clarence Mickesh as well as a sister, Dolores Smith.
Joe is survived by a son, Joe Mickesh, Jr. (Susan) of Lake Como, 7 grandchildren, Jessie Greene (Paige), Theresa Ruggiero (Jesse), Elizabeth Huyn (Huy), Toni Mickesh, Eugene Berrill (Cortnee), Joseph Mickesh, III and 9 great-grandchildren, Dayton Melton, Ethan Berrill, Talia Ruggiero, Rae Ruggiero, Siena Greene, Josie Greene, J.P. Greene, Vy Huyn and Wess Huyn.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 28, 2021 at Palatka Memorial Gardens with Rev. Michael Davis officiating. No public visitation is scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Joe’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.