God sent His angels down to call our beloved Joseph Leon Leakes, Jr. to his heavenly home on November 17, 2025.
Joseph was born on May 28, 1962, to the late Jean Nuckols and Joseph Leakes, Sr. On April 28, 1985, he married Lisa Dohm. Of this union, they were blessed with 2 children. Years later, the marriage dissolved.
He attended school at Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, CA, where as an athlete. He had the opportunity to play on a championship football team. Joseph also ran track. He placed in the San Diego Hall of Fame for track in the high hurdles. In 1983, Joseph had a life-altering injury that rendered him blind. He never complained or let his disability stop his resilience and determination to be his own man. He was very independent; cooked and cleaned for himself. He inspired others around him in the schools and the community. The lectures that Joseph gave as a guest speaker at his former high school taught kids that no matter how bad your situation may seem, you can still rise above if you choose. Prior to his blindness, and even after, Joseph had a love and passion for cars. If anyone had an issue, he would say, “Pop The Hood”.
Joseph was a God-fearing man; he loved the Lord. He wasn’t scared of much else, except one thing. His biggest fear was that he never wanted to forget what the face of his sisters looked like. They had a special bond. Joseph’s strong faith and commitment to personal growth was very courageous. He frequently shared valuable insights on self-improvement.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; Jean Nuckols and Joseph Leakes, Sr., and one sister, Marilyn Leakes.
Left to cherish all the fond memories are his children; Vanessa Boston (Randy) and Marilyn Leakes II of AZ, Joseph Adair Leakes of GA, and Raelena Leakes of CA, siblings; Vickie Parker and Janice Hempfield (Phil) of VA, Joseph Leakes II of CA, and Tina Glover of TX, grandchildren; Tyson, Tayvian, Trevin Khloe, Kellen, Maximus, Scarlett, Sanea, Alanna, Leonidas, Aria, Jamari, Cayden, Cassidy, Camora, Camdyn, and Sasha, special nieces and nephew; Lakisha, ShaNiqua, and Kenneth, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very special, long-time friend and confidant, Coach Phil Factor.
