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About Joseph Lamar, Jr.
Joseph Lamar Jr., born on August 14, 1981, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph Lamar Sr. and Clara Mae Baker-Lamar, lived a life filled with love, purpose, and devotion. After graduating from high school in Bay Minette, Alabama, he enlisted in the United States Army, demonstrating his commitment to service and responsibility at a young age. In 2001, he married the love of his life, Nicole Lamar, and together they built a strong and enduring marriage filled with partnership, growth, and unwavering support. Joseph was a devoted father to his three daughters—Tianna, Tierra (Larry), and Taavia—always present with guidance, warmth, and unconditional love. As a proud grandfather to Josiah Joseph, Michael Amir, Gabriel Kohl, Ari’ah Michelle, and Selena Taylor, he embraced every moment with joy, humor, and gratitude. His bond with his siblings, Leonard Daniel and Katrina Lamar, and his cherished nieces Jakaycia and Treyanna, along with nephews Kenya and Kanye, remained strong throughout his life.
Joseph lived a vibrant and fulfilling life in Mesa, Arizona, where he built a beautiful family life rooted in faith, love, and shared experiences. A man of God, he carried his faith with humility and strength, allowing it to shape his character and his actions. He was a dedicated employee at Grainger from 2018 onward, admired for his hard work and spirit. Joseph had a passion for gaming—known online as “Josephus Prime”—and enjoyed PlayStation, Marvel, martial arts, anime, and basketball, having once been an exceptional player himself. He adored Mexican food, especially carne asada burritos, and was a true foodie who loved traveling with his wife to explore new meals, cultures, and memories. Joseph’s life was a rich tapestry of love, family, faith, and joy, leaving behind a legacy that will forever honor him as a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandfather, and remarkable man.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10:00-11:00am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa AZ 85207.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
14 comments
George Cordero
Hi Joe,
I know it’s been awhile since we talked. Probably as long as it’s been since I talked to Jesus, and why are you so special? LOL.. I knew from the moment I hired you to be on my team that I would not just be your manager and mentor, but we would be friends. See, I never hired just a body to fill in a seat, I hired to fill in my seat. Once in a while I would connect with certain people and I was blessed to connect with you. I remember when I would talk to you about how to communicate and connect with people on the phone and how important it was that you sounded like you were the professional and flip the switch. I would tell you… NO you may not AXE me a question, but you may always ask me. PUT THE AXE DOWN! But you understood me and became one of the best collectors I’ve ever had, and we made it fun and had a good time. I’ll never forget the time I taught you about socialism and took one of your breakfast sandwiches to give to someone else and you didn’t like that… yet you still voted for Obama! Lol!!! We talked about our personal lives and how to be better men. Better to our wives, to our families, to our friends. We learned from each other because even though I was your manager, you were my friend first. The respect was mutual. And when I was leaving the company you cried with me. It doesn’t matter now, no one can see you cry, and I said I wouldn’t tell anyone, so sue me. But that meant the world to me. That’s when I really knew that we would be friends for life. I love you Joe, and you’ll always be in my heart. Give a big hug to Jesus for me. Let him know that I said, he’s got a good one. I’ll see later my brother. I love you.
George Cordero
The HMIC
De’Zhanai reed
Dear Uncle Jr,
Saying goodbye to you feels unreal, and writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. You weren’t just my uncle, you were one of my safest places, one of my favorite people, and someone I loved more than words could ever explain.
Some of my favorite memories growing up are the simplest ones with you. Sitting at the table doing math homework, feeling completely lost, and then watching everything suddenly make sense because you were so patient. You never made me feel dumb or rushed. Somehow you always found a way to explain things while making me laugh, turning frustration into confidence. Those moments meant more to me than I ever told you.
You had a way of bringing humor into everything. Even on hard days, you could make me smile or laugh when I didn’t think it was possible. Being around you felt easy and safe, like everything was going to be okay just because you were there.
I miss you more than I can put into words. This loss hurts deeply, in a way that sits heavy in my chest and doesn’t go away. There are moments when it still doesn’t feel real, and moments when the reality of your absence hits me all over again. Life feels quieter without you.
Thank you for every laugh, every lesson, every moment of love you gave so freely. Thank you for being such an important part of my childhood and my heart.
I love you endlessly. Rest peacefully, Uncle. Until we meet again.
Jana
Sorry to hear you left us. Keep watch over your family and continue to be the light for them in the sky. You will truly be missed, and I am glad to have worked with you. You were such a fun person Joe. My condolences to Nicole and the family. No more Pain.
Anthony Hopper
Joseph. We met on business and continued that with many discussions and aspirations. Over the years you connected me with your close friends and family without hesitation. This is sad news, but we all will lay under tears one day. I pray for peace in your continued journey. All Love my brother!
Solomon Buchanan
From making songs in the den to giving me tips on the hardwood. This one stings and I’m sad this dream is reality. I love you Unc, Joseph, Joe, JR, VENUM! Rest easy.
Shawn Wilkerson
My guy!!!!!! We spent our youth walking this town looking for a game of basketball. Finding ourselves walking from the scout cabin to Faulkner. Man I would give anything to hoop with ya one more time!!!! Your nephew is a beast brother!!!! As my brother in life and also shared a brotherhood through the United States Army!!!! We will miss homeboy!!!! Rest Easy!!!! Love you big dawg!!!!!!
Robert & Erica Daniels
Junior,
From the day we met you, there was an instant connection. Even though we weren’t related by blood, you became family. There wasn’t a single bad thing we could ever say about you—you were truly one cool dude. From our fight-night boxing parties to simply hanging out, every memory with you is one we will cherish forever.
You will always be our brother. It’s not goodbye forever, because we’ll definitely see you later.
We love you, Junior.
Keith Tarkington
I give Sincere Condolences at this time of Bereavement.
May your Hearts and Minds stay Strong and Beautiful in his Memory.
Keith Tarkington
I give Sincere Condolences at this time of Bereavement.
May your Hearts and Minds stay Strong and Beautiful in his Memory and Deeds.
Michelle Hutchins
Nicky i am so sorry to hear about joseph my heart is with you and his family God will see you through this. I love you.
Katrina Lamar
Junior, to say I miss you would be an understatement! They say with time all wounds will heal. But this one hurts to the core. I love you little brother and I will continue to cherish every smile, every laugh, every good time that we had. You are and will forever be my hero.
Love you❤️❤️❤️❤️
Big Sis
Jana
My condolences to you and your family. Sorry for your loss.
Nikkia Crockett
Nikki, No words can express how sorry I am for the loss of your Husband. I didn’t know him personally, but I know you loved him. Bonds like yours are forever. Praying for you and your family.
Bruce & Dawn McGlothin
May God continue to keep you. One of the best brother-in-laws one can ask for.