Jewel Marvin Heard

Captain Jewel Marvin "Joe" Heard, USMC (Ret.), passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025, at the age of 95, after a life defined by resilience, service, and unwavering love for his country and family.

Born on March 31, 1930, in Long Island, Alabama, Joe grew up during the Great Depression and often referred to his childhood home as a "dirt farm." He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 27, 1948, beginning a distinguished 30-year military career, including combat service during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Joe spent 15 years as an enlisted Marine before receiving his first officer's commission on July 15, 1966. He retired as a Captain and Combat Photographic Officer, overseeing and documenting some of the Marine Corps' most historically significant operations. His work included directing official military motion pictures, managing photographic intelligence, and coordinating coverage of high-level VIP and presidential events. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", the Bronze Star with Combat "V", and a Certificate of Commendation for his leadership and innovation in photographic operations.

After retiring from the Marines in 1978, Joe founded a successful construction business in Southern California. He remained active in his community and was especially dedicated to humanitarian service through Kiwanis International, leading efforts to support orphaned and abandoned children in Romania. His work was featured in The Gift of Passionaries: Changing Our World by Barbara Metzler, and his impact continues to be felt through transition homes and educational programs he helped create.

Joe had a lifelong passion for classic cars, especially his beloved TBirds, and he remained independent and active for his whole life. He deeply loved his family and took pride in their accomplishments, always ready with a story from his extraordinary life.

He is survived by his son, Tom Heard (and wife Patricia), and his daughter, Janet White; his grandchildren, Trisha Gingery (and husband Steven) and Michael Heard; Crystal White and Ryan White; and his great-grandchildren, Ariella Gingery, Starling Heard, and Sean Casey. He is also survived by his brothers, Bob, Bill, Ronnie, and Jerry Heard, and his sister, Jeanne Allred.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lauramae Heard; his parents, Sherman Heard and Lottie Reeves; and his brothers, Nathan Heard and Wayne Heard.

A celebration of life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1500 S Juniper Street, Escondido, California, on July 24th at 10:00 am, and Military Funeral Honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California, on July 24th at 2:00 pm. All are welcome to join the family for a repass to celebrate Joe's life on July 25th at the Escondido Elks Lodge #1687 at 2430 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, California at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans Village of San Diego or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Joe's lifelong service and compassion.