Joe Searight
January 16, 2013
Joe Donald Searight, Jr., 76, passed away January 16, 2013, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center after a long struggle with COPD. He was born March 22, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Kemper Military Academy and graduated from Wichita High School East. He lived and worked in many states as a Combined Insurance Agent for many years. During this time he made many life-long friends. He moved to Des Moines in 1985, was a partner in JBJ Associates, Inc., and later became employed by Sears, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, until health problems prevented his continued employment.
Joe loved to travel, was interested in everything, and especially loved Jazz music and going to Jazz Festivals where he met many more friends and musicians. His knowledge of Jazz and Jazz artists was unbelievable; he could even tell you what year a certain song became popular and the artist or band who recorded it. He gladly shared all this knowledge with all his music-loving friends. He was an eternal optimist and his love of life and friendships was evidenced in his sharing experiences and stories and his infectious laugh. He was definitely a “people person” and loved to keep in touch with them by phone and email.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Donald Searight, Sr., and Audley C. (Johnston) Searight; his older sister, Eleanor Thompson; and his brother-in-law, Frank Thompson. He will be missed by numerous co-workers and Jazz friends, as well as his loving companion of 26 years, Joan Frerichs, his two sons, Joe D. Goldsmith of Poughkeepsie, New York, and Jim Goldsmith of Colorado, and his good friend, Cody Dolinfek.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Animal Rescue League.
Joe's family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the excellent care he received from the Staff at Powell 5, Yonkers 8, and the ICU at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jan Warner
01/20/2013
Joan - My sympathies in the loss of Joe. Wow - 26 years together! You have lots of memories to cherish. I got to see him on the elevator when he worked for Citi and that wasn't too many years ago. I pray God's comfort as you adjust to life without him.
Camille Sheridan
01/18/2013
Joe, I will never forget you...you were a bright ray of sunshine while working with you at Citi. I enjoyed receiving the numerous emails over the years, filled with beautiful pictures, interesting stories or jokes that gave me a good laugh. Your positive outlook has made a lasting impression on my life. My condolences to Joni and the family.
Carla Hetlet
01/18/2013
I worked with Joe at Sears and he was such a joy and delight to work with. He was a terrific man and will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Ann & Charlie Sessions
01/18/2013
Joan, So sorry to hear about Joe. Thank you for telling us. We are only recent acquaintances but loved the charizma you both exude. Cherished love never ends, it actually gets enriched because we pause to remember those we cared deeply for. May God keep Joe forever in your heart. Our thoughts are with you. Charlie & Ann
Steve Sommer
01/18/2013
Joan, I know you will miss Joe, but just remember all the good memories that you both had together. I always enjoyed seeing you and him at the monthly computer meetlngs, when you were not out and about traveling the country. Please call me anytime if there is anything that I can help you with. Your computer buddy and friend. Steve
Chuck Bailey
01/17/2013
Joni,
So sorry about Joe, but his suffering is over. Will never forget him, his stories, his love and knowledge of jazz, and how gracious and kind he was to Joan and me. He truly was a people person with a great sense of humor.
Love,
Chuck
Jean Merrifield
01/17/2013
Joan, I am so sorry about Joe. Remember the traveling and all of the good times that you had with him.
Hugs,
Jean