Joseph Briggs Fox

Joseph Briggs Fox, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Islamorada and Key Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 24 at the age of 90. Born on March 8, 1935, Captain Joe had a lifelong passion for the sea, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961 and building and sailing a small fleet of ships created from his own imagination. Joe is survived by Eileen Lomas Fox, his wife of 20 years, and his daughter, Tina Russo of Port St. John, and stepchildren Randal Moore, Sharon Furlong (Don) and Kathy Niemeyer Kaeser (Karl), Lisa Moore (deceased) and Rick Moore (deceased), all of Cincinnati, Ohio. Joe was loved by his eight grandchildren and his eight great-grandchildren. Joe found enjoyment in building a world of fantasy and fun. Among the ships Joe designed and built were the Nautilimo (a floating pink Cadillac) and the pirate ships, El Zorro (which means "The fox"-Joe said he named it after himself") and The Golden Seahorse. He encouraged children and adults to indulge their playful natures while taking them on a cruise and firing off the cannon when he would see a crowd. Joe would regale passengers with wonderful stories of the Keys and and an appreciation of his lovable nature. The smiles they made were always Joe's reward and part of his legacy. Joe never met a stranger. His endearing personality and contagious smile will be cherished forever by his family and friends. Joe said, "I've had a fun life. I reflect on it and wish I could do it again!"