Joseph Michael Simpkins

Unexpectedly, on October 31, 2025, Joseph Michael Simpkins, 53, finished his life on this plane of existence and moved to Heaven. He is survived by his son, Benjamin (age 27); his daughter, Brenna (age 25); various other family and friends including his adoptive family, Dawn (Mother), Timothy (brother) and Christie (sister). He is remembered fondly by all who knew him. His family called him “Joe”, whereas later in life, he preferred to be called Joseph. Joe didn’t get a fair start in life for he suffered severe abuse at the hands of his biological family and became a ward of the state. This led to Joe becoming a beloved member of our family at the age of 15. In spite of the rough start in life, Joe took advantage of every opportunity given to him and became quite successful in his chosen career in the tech field. He married the love of his life, Amy, and they had two children, Ben and Brenna, and they would both to this day tell you they “had it all”. All that came to an abrupt end though when Joe turned 38 in 2010 and suffered a total breakdown. Diagnosed with a severe mental illness, Joe became unable to support his family or even function normally. He changed completely from a loving, faithful husband and father to someone struggling so much with his inner demons, he could no longer maintain any relationships. Divorce was followed by years of intermittent homelessness. There were some respites where he found love again and married a second time to Tammy. Unable to manage mental illness and developing into an alcoholic as well, this marriage ended in divorce and Joseph (as he liked to be called at this stage of his life) again became homeless. He obtained a stable living situation a couple times in the last three years of his life but he could never sustain them and was homeless the final 5 months of his life. Family kept up with him, trying to encourage him to get treatment, etc., and he became a part of Crossroads Church in Asheville, NC. It was there that Joe met Jesus as his Saviour and Lord just weeks before his passing. We know that his struggles have truly ended and he is at peace, in Heaven, with his Lord and Saviour. Joseph suffered much in this life and from the outside it would appear his life was a tragic tragic failure. But, this life is but a vapor in light of all of eternity, and Joe made the decision to rely upon Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life with Him. So, this life for Joe, has ended tragically, and we grieve tremendously because of that. But, praise God, Joe made the decision for Jesus that set him up for total success in the next life, the eternal one, and we are comforted knowing that and that we will see him again. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Crossroads Church, 20 S. Bear Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

Joseph Michael Simpkins

August 28, 1972 - October 31, 2025