Captain Joseph E. Fountain, Sr.

Captain Joseph E. Fountain, Sr. went fishing in God’s Heavenly Ocean on his beloved Baja 31 on Friday, March 22, 2013. Captain Joe was an amazing man full of life, strong, wise, compassionate and hard -working. He was definitely a character that was beloved from New Orleans to Pascagoula. He was outspoken about his beliefs and would tell you his way of thinking whether you wanted to hear it or not. He was a good man. He was a determined man, skeptical, insightful and would drive everyone he met or mentored to be the best they could be. He would say “the world needs ditch diggers as much as they need lawyers and doctors, but it is up to you to decide which one to be and just be the best at it.” Captain Joe lived with ingenuity and determination. No matter what blows life dealt him, hurricanes, death, loss of his home over and over again, or open heart surgery he would hold his head up and just continue on rebuilding, getting stronger, fighting harder. He definitely did it his way. He loved his boat, Baja 31 and his cabinet shop. He was the best at both. He was a competitive fisherman and a master carpenter. Just the kind of guy Jesus would have hung out with if he lived today. Captain Joe was born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi and he was the oldest of four. He attended and graduated from Notre Dame High School. He would always talk about the Brothers of the Holy Cross, especially Brother Octavious and Brother Placedis. Captain Joe would tell the stories of “peddling” vegetables from his parent’s garden to pay for tuition and walking to school in the cold and rain. He completed a two year carpenter apprenticeship program and was a recognized member of the Carpenters’ Union. Captain Joe was a member of the Gulf Coast Charter Boat Association and the Fleur de Lis Society. He was a passionate, powerful personality, a fiercely devoted father, grandfather and a wonderful husband. He loved to hunt with his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His son built the 4F Hunting Lodge in the Delta where Captain Joe enjoyed gathering with his family. Captain Joe was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. No matter what he went through or how confused he became his love was still evident. Even as he declined more and more from dementia he was still teaching us. And now everyone in Heaven had better watch out because he will try and do it his way. Captain Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Josephine Fountain of Biloxi, Mississippi; and his brother Benny Fountain. His memory is cherished by his family, especially by his wife of 66 years, Patsy Ruth McClellon Fountain (“Slim”), who was the best thing that ever happened to him; by his only Son, Joseph E. Fountain, Jr. and his wife Melba Bienvenue Fountain. By five Grandchildren, Oldest Trudy D. Fountain-James and her husband Derrell James of Dallas, Texas, Joseph E. Fountain, III (Jody) and his wife Christie of Ocean Springs, Dianna Fountain Gallagher (Deedy) and her husband, Steve of Ocean Springs, Rodney Fountain and his wife Kelley of Ocean Springs and Stacey Fountain Ferrara and her husband Keith of Lantana, Texas; his great-grandchildren, Zachary, Seth, Jackson and Josephine (Josey)Fountain, Joshua, Julie, Jude, Job and Gloria James; Joseph E. Fountain, IV and Noah Fountain; Myranda and Steven Gallagher; Jacob and Addison Fountain; and Brooke and Mia Ferrara; his sisters Rose Marie Fountain of Biloxi and Dianna Fountain of Biloxi; and dear friend of more than 40 years, Diane David. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation Mississippi Chapter, 1900 Dunbarton Dr. Suite H, Jackson, MS 39216. A viewing for friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 1, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville, Mississippi. A Funeral Mass and Christian Burial will be held beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at D’Iberville Memorial Park. Fellowship will follow at the Fleur de Lis “French Club” in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com