Joseph James Baptista

Joseph James Baptista, 77, of Stoud, Oklahoma, went home to the Lord on January 26, 2026, at Golden Rule Nursing Home in Shawnee, Oklahoma, after a long battle that began in 2022 with a paralyzing fall and a final diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Joe was born on October 25, 1948, in Oakland, California, to Ernest J. Baptista and Christine C. Cammisa-Baptista. He graduated in 1966 from Irvington High School in Fremont, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was trained as a maintenance technician and machinery repairman.

In 1972, Joe married and fathered two children, Philis and Freedom. Later, after divorcing his wife, he fathered a daughter, Elizabeth, from a long-term relationship.

Joe worked as a maintenance manager for most of his life in the Oakland Bay area. In 2009 he moved to Corning, California, where he continued his work as maintenance manager for Moller Realty Group. In 2021 he moved to Meeker, Oklahoma, where he resided until his fall. After several back surgeries in 2024, he moved to Stroud Senior Village.

Joe was an avid bowler for many years and played baseball on adult softball teams. He was a diehard San Francisco Giants fan, and he enjoyed playing pool with his friends. He also loved doing jigsaw puzzles and watching movies. Joe became a Born-Again Christian in 2010 at a Methodist men’s camp and was mentored by his close friend and brother-in-Christ, Mike Moller, with whom he attended camp every year until his move to Oklahoma.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Michael W. Baptista and his son, Freedom O. Baptista.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Philis Martinez of Fairfield, CA and Elizabeth Baptista of Elk Grove, CA; sister and brother-in-law, Anna Marie and Charlie Jackman of Davenport, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Alexandra Baptista Jr. of Menifee, CA; sister-in-law, Loretta Baptista of Meeker, OK; many grand and great grandchildren; numerous extended family members and a host of friends.

Joe was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Rest Now in the Arms of Jesus.