Joseph John Flores Jr.

The island breeze has shifted. The original Yaga Man, Joseph John Flores Jr., passed away at his home on Friday, the 20th of June, 2025. A personality too big for one nickname, Joe, Bubba, Butch, or Butchie, was a proud Galvestonian and BOI born on the 18th of August, 1944 at John Sealy Hospital. From his childhood paper route to his international businesses, he had the vision and courage to take the risk and accept the challenge. Living for the moment, his way, Joe's artistry and alternative approach led to his success, along with opportunity and success for others. His country heart and island soul were big enough to share with everyone. Making headlines as the "Golden Toe", he loved football, baseball, horse racing, and Formula One. He loved Formula One not only because it was a motorsport but because his sons loved it, and it was "RED BULL TIME!". This trait of sharing with and including his friends and family filled the room when he walked in. Yes, Joe had bold opinions and could be difficult and complicated, but he cared. Joe's sensitive and emotional side drove his commitment to making a difference. He was passionate about The Strand, the foundation of his legacy. The Loft, Outfitters & Company, Ocean Rhythms, Hot Tropics, Island Supply, Yaga's Cafe, Yaga Ragz (The Village - Houston, The Galleria - Houston, San Antonio, Miami), Yaga Sport, Yaga, Neal's Cookies, Gerard's Bakery (Aspen), Cruisin' on The Strand, Jammin', Tola Mo' Bettah Market, Junkanooz, and 9 Myles all have rootz here. Joe's brands reached and connected people from Texas, Florida, California, The Caribbean, Asia, Europe, and beyond. He never desired perfection. Joe's idea of happiness was raw, and he appreciated the shanty way of life. He believed music, travel, and the island lifestyle were international languages that brought out the good in people. With this, he made friends from all walks of life and backgrounds. He valued people's diversity and their stories. From the surf break to the alpine peaks, Joe's memory brings us back to the good ol' times and to a "no hurri, no worri" calmness…a feeling that every lil' thing IS gonna be alrite! Joe is survived by his two brothers, Sammy and Allen Ray, and his sister, Diane; his eldest son and spouse, Todd and Laura; his second son, Erik; and their mother and long-time life partner, Diane. Joe has two grandchildren, Chloe and Mia. We will miss his smile on the beach, miss him fishing on the piers, at the Astros and Texans games, at Sacred Heart Church, and at the bar with his long-time best friend Freddie and The Strand Family, but surely in this imperfect world, he is still here with us, just on a different beach with his parents Joe Sr. and Carmen and sister Frances. One Love Joe - Rest in Mo' Bettah Peace The family requests that guests feel free to wear Yaga gear! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Yaga's Children's Fund at ycfgalveston.org. Guests are invited to share in Celebration of Life Visitation Services from 11:00-1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home ,1201 23rd Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.