Joseph (Joe) Jackson Bone, Jr, 78, of Virgina Beach, Virginia, died March 15, 2026 at home surrounded by his family and friends after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was born September 25, 1947 in Paragould, Arkansas, to Joseph Bone and Shirley (Armstrong) Bone, the oldest of their three children. He married Amy Taylor Lampert on July 28, 2008 and she survives. Also surviving are his daughters, Jennifer (John) Blachura and grandson Alec of Virginia Beach; Angelique (Aaron) McBee and grandsons Sean and Connor of Crofton, Maryland; his son Brian Bone, grandson Blake Bone, and great-grandchildren Blake and Karma of Easton, Maryland; sister Sheri Bone of Belavista, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Brian, and his wife Sue (Baker)Bone.

Joe grew up in Jefferson, Ohio, graduating from Jefferson High School. In high school he was known for pulling pranks, like removing all the screws from the bathroom dividers in the teachers’ lounge.

Following high school, he joined the US Navy in 1965 as an Electronics Technician. He was a Vietnam Veteran serving inland aboard Swift Boats, earning the Vietnam Campaign Medal/Service Ribbon with Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, and multiple “I didn’t get caught’ Medals (Good Conduct). He always had a love of machines that go fast, from his first Corvette to his Harley Davidson Road Glide and then his Ultraglide Classic Trike (no mountain roads please).

Following his Honorable Discharge in 1977 he continued to serve with the Navy as a civilian at the Naval Observatory in DC and SPAWAR Norfolk until his retirement in 2002. He settled in Virgina Beach in 1983 with a strong commitment to the United Methodist community, starting with St. Andrews UMC and moving to Courthouse Community UMC. He served as an usher and liturgist, as a youth leader for the Chrysalis Emaus walk, led a men’s Bible study, and taught The Goodnews Sunday school class. Joe was proud of his daughters and son and their families.

Joe’s memorial celebration will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 18th at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, 2708 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, with a reception immediately following in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, Joe and family request Memorial contributions be made to the Courthouse Community UMC Benevolence Fund or the food pantry, 2708 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.

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