It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Joe Wingate on the 22nd of September 2025. Others may have had the pleasure of referring to him as Jdubbz, Dragon, Mr. Worldwide, Uncle Joe the Monkey, Texas Joe, Jose Wendy, and any of the other creative nicknames he went by.

Joe transitioned from this world on his terms after enduring ongoing and complex challenges with his physical and mental health. Despite relentless strength and determination, these struggles weighed heavily on Joe in ways that those who loved him could not always see or resolve. Joe faced every battle in life with courage, humor, and compassion, continuing to care deeply for others even while fighting his own pain. His sudden and untimely passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how important it is to care for our minds, bodies and overall well-being. Joe’s light, laughter, and generosity will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on February 15, 1990, Joe lived an extraordinary life characterized by intelligence, humor, spontaneity, joy, and an infectious excitement for life. His compassionate and helpful nature drew people in and left a lasting impression on every person he met.

Joe was a beloved husband, brother, soldier, nephew, and friend who will be deeply missed. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he excelled as an Intelligence Analyst and advanced through the ranks. During his service, Joe received numerous honors, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

During his deployment in Afghanistan, Joe played a vital role in the success of his unit’s mission. His intelligence and dedication made him an essential member of the team, and his precision and purpose earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers. Joe served his country with honor and dignity, often mentoring younger soldiers and sharing lessons that extended far beyond the military. The principles of discipline, dedication, and resilience he developed during his service shaped not only his character but also the lives of those around him. He exemplified courage, integrity, and the determination to forge his own path while overcoming any obstacles along the way.

Following his honorable medical discharge, Joe pursued new career paths and passions in medicine, science, and technology. He made a lasting impact on his community through his volunteer work at a medical clinic serving disadvantaged El Paso residents and his participation in the BUILDing SCHOLARS program, where he conducted cancer research funded by the National Institutes of Health. Joe was the first author of a 2020 research paper at UTEP titled “Abstract 2622: Paclitaxel Directed Screening to Identify Novel Anti-Cancer Drugs.” This achievement reflected his determination to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.

Among his many accomplishments, Joe received the Best Cancer Biology Poster Award at the ABRCMS Conference in 2019 – a testament to his intellectual curiosity and dedication to excellence. His enthusiasm for learning and discovery was matched only by his ability to connect with others. Joe built strong, supportive relationships wherever he went, offering help and encouragement to those in need. Most recently, he proudly completed the Divergence Academy Program, further demonstrating his lifelong commitment to learning, personal growth, and understanding the world in innovative ways.

Joe’s passions in life were as vibrant as his personality. He developed a love for cooking early on, starting in food and service jobs before transforming that interest into true culinary artistry. He found joy in creating deliciously crafted dishes and bringing people together through food. After high school, Joe was accepted into the New York Culinary Institute but chose instead to serve his country. His love for the culinary arts never faded and continued to grow throughout his life.

Joe loved comedy, UFC, football, basketball, baseball, movies, and music. His love for music began in high school when he became a DJ – better known as DJ Joey Dubbz. Joe could recite nearly every movie line from memory and loved quizzing others to see if they could guess which movie he was referencing. Later in life, his creativity expanded into photography, where he captured stunning images of the moon, space, and many other memories of the world around him that we now cherish. Joe attended countless concerts, comedy shows, and UFC fights. He traveled across the United States and around the world, always seeking adventure and connection.

Joe is the kind of person you never forget. He is someone who made life brighter just by being in it. His zest for life, insatiable curiosity to gain knowledge, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him unforgettable and an inspiration to many. His untimely passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him. 

There is so much more to say about Joe and the impact he had on this world. Please join us in celebrating his life by sharing a photo or memory on this website in honor of his beautiful life.

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