He was 50.

The following paid obituary notice ran in the Feb. 4 issue of the West Side Index and Gustine Press-Standard:

Joe was born in Sao Mateus, Terceira, Azores. He came to the United States when he was 4 years old, but reluctantly. He so wanted to stay in the Azores that he became physically sick. The doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with him but suggested that no one speak of the Azores in his presence. He attended school in Los Banos and graduated from Los Banos High School in 1977. He then attended Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. He went to work at Toscano Ford as an Auto Technician. Joe also worked for Ford in Patterson and Newman. He believed family was the most important thing in life. Joe liked to have a good time and was easily the life of the party.

He is preceded in death by his sister Dionisa and great niece Liadan Wright. He is survived by his sons Dustin Lima and Shawn Perriera; daughter Amber Perriera from Gustine; brother Kevin Lima of Turlock; sister Livia Carter of Los Banos; mother Maria Lima of Los Banos; Stacy Parker the mother of his children and long time friend of Gustine.

Visitation was held Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. A recitation of the Rosary followed. Mass will be Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial at Los Banos Cemetery.