Mr. Joseph “JJ” Jardim, age 87 of North Dighton passed away after fighting a courageous seven year battle with cancer. He leaves behind the love of his life, Jean (Macomber) Jardim, to whom he was married for forty-four years. Born in Madeira, Portugal on August 26, 1930, he was the son of the late Manuel and Leocadia (deFreitas Gomes) Jardim. Joe came to this country in April 1948 at the age of seventeen. He became a United States Citizen and truly loved his new country, but his heart was always in his beautiful Madeira. Joe always had many stories to tell and loved to make people laugh with his many jokes, even when they were not too funny. He loved dancing, travelling the world and playing 45, his favorite card game. There was not a place where he would go that he would find someone he knew. He retired from his profession as a barber after 32 years at Rocky’s Barber Shop. He also worked as a meat cutter for the former Fernandes Supermarkets and was also a professional tuna fisherman out of the port of San Diego, CA. He was also a Past President of the Taunton Sports Club. He was a communicant of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in North Dighton.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jenna Jardim of San Diego, CA. He was the dear brother of Mary Medeiros, Fern Ventura, Maria Silveira of Taunton and Mary Grzenda and her husband, Joseph of Plainville. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
At his request, funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Visiting Hours are respectfully omitted. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 100 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton, Ma., 02780, or to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN., 38101-9908. The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home of Taunton is assisting Joe’s family with the arrangements.