Joseph Borden

Joseph Borden

August 15, 1945 – November 3, 2025

Joseph Borden, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Known for his generosity, humor, and tireless dedication to helping others, Joe touched countless lives through his family, friendships, and community service. He was 80 years old.

Joe, as he was known to most, grew up in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where many family members who will remember him fondly, remain. After graduating from high school, Joe chose to voluntarily enlist in the US Army. He attended basic training at Ft. Nix and then extended training in Maryland. From there he was deployed for his first tour to Vietnam.

Upon his first return from Vietnam, he was stationed in Alaska where he met Tawana (she found her G.I. Joe). Joe and Tawana married in Idaho following his second tour to Vietnam. Afterwards he returned to Vietnam for his third and final tour. Through his military career, Joe was highly decorated for his service which included taking reconnaissance pictures from Piper Cub airplanes (often while taking on enemy fire).

For the remainder of his 22 years of service, he was stationed throughout the US and Europe with his family in tow. Per his agreement with Tawana, they would retire to Sequim to be near her family. After arriving in the one stop-light town, Joe was not done working. He continued his employment at various automobile dealers before entering his second retirement following his position at Carquest.

He was a lifelong member of the VFW Carlsborg Post 6787 and the American Legion. Many may recall when he was on the Sequim Chamber of Commerce, the Sequim Irrigation Festival, the Ditchwalkers, AARP Driving Instructor program (teaching seniors driving skills), the American Legion Riders (riding and standing in their honor guard), and, of course, his many years as Sequim’s Downtown Santa Claus.

However, one of Joe’s favorite volunteer projects—and the last one he was deeply involved in—was the Captain Joseph House Foundation. He helped renovate the house from the ground up, working alongside other volunteers of the Foundation, to create a place of respite for the families of fallen soldiers (Gold Star Families).

Over the years, Joe filled his spare time with the things he loved most – cheering for his favorite NASCAR driver, Martin Truex Jr., and the Philadelphia Eagles, playing the banjo as he had since his younger days, working on his train set, and painting peaceful landscapes. He also had a knack for buying

and selling vehicles (so much so that Tawana kept the insurance agent on speed dial!) and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Joe is survived and missed by his loving wife, Tawana of 56 years; and his children Lisa, Kellye, Chuck (Teresa) and Tawni (Arthur). His memory and legacy will continue with his 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother LeRoy, his grandson, and other beloved family members and fellow veterans he deeply respected.

To respect Joe’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Any remembrance donations can be made in his name to the Captain Joseph House Foundation in Port Angeles, Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County and/or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.