Joseph Primm Obituary
Please join us to celebrate the life of Joseph Primm. Joseph's Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 5th at Brentwood United Methodist Church (309 Franklin Road Brentwood, TN 37027). Visitation will be from 10-11 am and the service will begin at 11 am, with lunch to follow at the church.
Joseph Frank Primm was born in Nashville, TN to parents Dorothy and Edgar Primm. Joseph was a spirited and ambitious entrepreneur with a passion for discovering new opportunities. He has always loved traveling, particularly in Asia, and spent the last few years of his life residing in China and Vietnam.
Joseph was a people person -- outgoing, funny, opinionated, and generous. He cherished his close friendships across the world and his warmth and genuine interest in others truly touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with. He loved his family deeply, and was close with siblings Elizabeth and Wilson, ex-wife Jackie, and his two children, Mallory and Stuart. He was steadfast in his support for Mallory and Stuart in pursuing their personal passions, and especially enjoyed taking them to see live theatre, watch sports games, and do outdoor activities.
Joseph passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in Shanghai on July 18, 2016.
We plan to arrange a memorial service in Chicago in the future. We will keep this page updated with those arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Trinity High School.
Born: May 10, 1957 in Nashville, TN
Died: Jul 18, 2016 in Shanghai, China
54 Entries
Howard
May 26, 2020
Hello Malerie, Stuart, and Jackie. I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was a friend of Joes during our trading years. Its been a while. I just found out today about Joes passing as my father was googling his name. I see it has been a few years since his passing, and I am so saddened by it. Joe was a wonderful friend to me. He was so very unique. His spirituality, curiosity or quest for spiritual answers, made him a special friend to me. I consider myself one of the special people who allowed joe into their lives on a spiritual and friendship level. I could really talk to Joe, and feel as though he could really talk to me. Although we all know he liked to talk to a lot of people about all kinds of things. He supported my life choices that were outside the "norm" and I found a person who I could relate to with those choices. It was nice to meet you all and I remember visiting your home once with my to be fiance Veronica. I have 2 girls of my own now(maya and alexa), and well I guess all I can say is Joe is probably the only person I can go back into my memories and say would understand, really understand my life in the family choice I made for myself. There have been times over the last 7 years or so I wanted to reach out to let him know I was doing pretty well now in business, but I never wanted to jinx that success as success is fragile. Was waiting to be more safe with it before I could share with my old friend. I guess that was a mistake as I am sad not to be able to call Joe again and speak to my friend. Joe loved his kids, and always spoke respectfully of their mom. I hope you all are doing well, and wish you only good things. I know Mallory and Stuart from meeting you both and hearing your dad speak about you, you were both really good kids. I loved your dad and will miss having a true friend who I could say anything too knowing it was ok.
Jerry Ladd
April 19, 2017
many years ago I worked for Joe and Jackie at Primm delivery. We had the contract with Greyhound Package express and the Metro airport and delivered delayed baggage to the proper owners once they arrived at the airport. Joe was indeed a card, a hyper man that could walk off in the middle of a conversation and come back a few days later and start exactly where the conversation ended. He had such a good family.
Jerry Ladd
April 19, 2017
many years ago I worked for Joe and Jackie at Primm delivery. We had the contract with Greyhound Package express and the Metro airport and delivered delayed baggage to the proper owners once they arrived at the airport. Joe was indeed a card, a hyper man that could walk off in the middle of a conversation and come back a few days later and start exactly where the conversation ended. He had such a good family.
Trent Hatcher
January 26, 2017
My condolences to Joe's family. I met Joe on July 13th in Shanghai. I was eating breakfast and Joe noticed my University of Southern Mississippi hat. We chatted a little, and then Joe joined me at my table. We talked about an hour and a half. Joe was interested in my family and my life like we were catching up on old times. Amazing quality for someone to be interested in your world. We also talked about his ventures as well. Even, how proud he was of his all wooden bicycle he made. I was fascinated by his accomplishments. He loved what he was doing. I just wanted his family to know that Joe was a happy, friendly, smiling man just a few days before he passed. I ran across his email to me from July 15th, 2016. We shared phone numbers, and he told me he would keep in touch. Life is short. I think Joe lived it to the fullest. I am certain he is missed. Very sorry for your loss.
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Bruce R
September 18, 2016
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family. May you find some comfort in the promise found in Revelation 21: 3-4 and Thessalonians 4:14.
Beth Calderon
August 29, 2016
Such a special person, gone too soon. I will never forget the friendship I had with Joe while I lived in the Little Italy neighborhood in Chicago. He was often my walking partner in the mornings, part of my late night fast food clan in the evenings. Joe was always up for anything. He was part of the Bishop Street crew (Tim, Penny, Sheri, myself) for many fun times and great memories. Life took us all in different directions, but Joe is the perfect example of a person who crosses your path for a reason and is never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family during this very difficult time. I hope he brings you peace in knowing that Joe was not only loved by your family, but loved by so many who considered him part of their extended family.
Steve Everard
August 3, 2016
I first met Joe only 1 year ago through a business deal, he was very complimentary towards me and explained how he liked doing business with the Brits. At the time I thought he was just being a good salesman but as I talked to him more I realized he was just a genuine person. Just a few days before he died we met up for lunch. He was very interested in my thoughts on many topics from life in general to how I perceived his business. He was particularly interested in some goals I had set for myself and he explained that in his life he had always admired people that were willing to stand up against the odds and compete with major players to achieve a goal. We made plans to connect with some of his business associates on his return from China.
After the short time I knew Joe it was clear that he was one of a kind business man and will be surely missed. My condolences to Mallory and Stuart.
Bill Hall
August 2, 2016
First met Joe a year or so ago never met a nicer and honest guy to do business with Joe called me many times to tell me how enjoyed the Farm. I know Joe will be missed by all who knew him.
Bob Taylor
August 1, 2016
I met Joe in Jr. High and we were close friends through High School. Although we lost touch for a good part of the intervening years, whenever we met up again it was like we'd never been apart. Joe was always a life of every party and had a great heart, and was an instant friend to everyone he met. Our heart goes out to the family and we are so sorry for your loss. Joe will be sorely missed. RIP, friend.
Bobby Taylor
Andy Wendell
July 30, 2016
besides my own family Joe was next. He was the most caring,unique,warm hearted man that had a motor that never stoped. I am going to miss him calling me from china at 430am and our monthly talks. I went into business with Joe and 15 years later we sold Primm Delivery at 39 years old and I retired shortly their after. But not Joe. We met on paper routes at 13 years old and remained best friends for life.I can tell you one thing heaven will never be the same. Please Joe try to rest in peace. I love you Joe Primm
Brett Williams
July 30, 2016
Joe was master storyteller and routinely adapted this in developing personal and business relationships.
Storytelling gained Joe access in business where data or quantitative analysis is denied admission: our hearts.
Joe's spirit continues on in the heart of everyone he touched.
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time.
David Diatikar
July 28, 2016
Joe was always bigger than life. Grace and peace cousin.
Richard and Marilyn Hill
July 28, 2016
I met Joe when he was a student at MTSU and working at PIE. He would tell everybody that I (Richard) showed him how to drive a truck. I don't know how that was possible, because nobody could tell him anything. Joe became a part of our family while he was in Murfreesboro attending MTSU. He would come by the house often and show up at family celebrations. I remember Joe going to the hospital with me to see my baby girl when she was born, that was over 39 years ago. My wife (Marilyn) and I looked forward to Joe's phone calls to hear him laugh and catch up on what he was doing now.
As I think back over my relationship with Joe, he was always making deals. He bought his first piece of real estate while he was a student at MTSU and rented it out to make money and from there to Primm delivery, buying more real estate, moving to Chicago, China and Vietnam. Joe was always wheeling and dealing. However, I think that the acquisition of which he was most proud was in Florida where he met and married Jackie. He was so excited when he came back and said that he was married and later the birth of Mallory and Stuart. He was really proud of them and always talked about their accomplishments and what they were doing. Our family shares in your grief and we will truly miss him.
Benjamin Mckenna
July 26, 2016
To know that Joe will not be walking thru my office door produces profound sadness and an emptiness in my heart that will take a long time to heal.
He will be missed by all who knew him at the Chicago Board of Trade.
Before he was at the CBOT, he would walk by the building and physically place his hand on it and whisper to himself, 'someday I'll be in there' and sure enough, he was.
He approached everything with a passion, yet showed great humility and patience towards everyone he encountered in life.
As Thomas Merton (whom Joe introduced me to) said:
'If a man is to live, he must be all alive. body. soul. mind. heart. spirit.
Joe truly 'lived' life.
Jean Harrison
July 25, 2016
I was very sad to hear of Joe's passing. Joe was a free spirit who was truly one of a kind. They broke the mold when they made him and I wish the world had more people like him. He loved his kids and there was never a meeting I had with him where they weren't mentioned with pride. Au revoir Joe. We'll see you on the other side.
Daryl Hooten
July 25, 2016
Joe and I have been friends for thirty years, under his business direction I was able to become a successful businessman in my own right. Joe always inspired me to be the best at whatever I did. I just saw Joe this past July; He showed up out of no where and we talked for many hours as I prepared for my annual fourth of July company picnic. We always had a good time! When I introduced him to the lady in my life as a life-long friend and inspiration, he told her that what he wanted her to know most about him was that he had a good heart. That was true. Joe was a good man with a good heart and one of the most genuine people you could ever meet or be around. He was a person I was proud to call my friend and he will truly be missed. He was more of a father figure in my life than anyone else has ever been; without Joe I don't know how my life would have turned out. God Bless Joe's family and every life he touched like mine. The world was a better place because he was in it. You will be missed my friend.
Doug Hogrefe
July 25, 2016
Devastated to hear this news. Joe was not just a landlord to us at Amerigo. He was a friend and a business partner. Our staff loved him and he always treated them so well. He will be dearly missed.
My condolences to the family and his many friends. Joe was larger than life and his memory will live on.
Doug Hogrefe
Owner
Amerigo
The Buckingham Club
July 25, 2016
On behalf of The Buckingham Club, we offer our sympathies to your family during this difficult time. Joe was a valued member of the Club here in Chicago for many years and always brought a cheerful smile to many of us here. He will be missed.
Gary Lee
July 23, 2016
I was very sad to hear the news today that my old friend Joe has left this earth. Although I hadn't been in touch with him for a good many years, he will always be a part of my life. We went to elementary school together, Jr. high, and High school.We rolled newspapers together at 5 o'clock in the mornings and again in the afternoon for our paper routes. We sneaked out of the house in the middle of the night to ride our motorcycles around and never got caught. We saw each other from time to time after those school years, but 10 years ago at my 50th birthday party, who comes walking down the sidewalk but Joe Primm. He flew in from Chicago just to come to the party, even though I hadn't seen him in several years. That's the kind of guy he was. He shut down his busy schedule to sit for weeks at his Mom's bedside when she became ill and was at the end of her days. He was truly probably the most unique person I ever knew. I know he is in Heaven because he was serious about his time with God. I remember that he used to go and stay for a week in the monastery in Kentucky. He was a caring, hilarious, passionate,serious,wild and crazy (in a very good way) individual- from the time he was a kid. My condolences to Mallory and Stuart, Wilson, Liz and the family. Gary Lee
David VanHooser
July 23, 2016
Thinking of the funny conversations I had with Joe.He was one-of-a-kind & always asked me lots of questions. I will miss him.
Rebecca McMurdie
July 23, 2016
While I never met Mr Primm, I work with Stuart at KIPP Washington Height Elementary School in New York City. Stuart is an inspiring teacher and colleague, and as I read the comments on this page and learn about Mr. Primm, I can imagine that many of these qualities came from this incredible man who gave him life. KIPP Washington Heights Elementary School is sending love and healing energy to the Primm family. May his legacy live on through his children, friends, and loved ones.
Hank DeHart
July 22, 2016
In the short time I knew Joe he had become one of my favorite people. My family and I are deeply saddened at his passing.
Joe became friends with my father and mother in Vietnam and I was fortunate enough to meet him last September. In the last year Joe and I shared several brief adventures that I will cherish and share the memories of for the rest of my life. He became a regular part of my dialog with my parents. Which ever one of us had Joe at the time always had a wild story to tell.
Joe pushed me to be a better businessman, re-establish my spirituality, and take better care of myself. He frequently spoke of his children and Jackie with affection and with pride.
His character was superlative in every regard and I will cherish the time we shared forever. I miss you buddy.
Jonathan Egan
July 22, 2016
My soul is sad and my heart is shattered to learn about the death of my good friend and business partner Joe Primm. Joe played a huge part in helping to launch our company in the US, and he also helped me in so many other ways.
Joe always tried to see the good in every person, and he would make himself vulnerable to others in the trust that he paid them.
One of my favourite Joe quotes was when he said to me: "Well if you´re crazy enough to believe in me, then I´m crazy enough to believe in you...so let´s do it, what are we waiting for." I will try and live by this maxim as best I can!
May he Rest in eternal Peace.
"I thank you for the Wonder of my being and
for the wonders of all Your Creation.
Tom Robinson
July 22, 2016
Mallory Stuart and Jackie, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe never met a stranger and could converse about any subject. The years that we shared together, have been rewarding. Joe had a real entrepreneurial spirit. Ill miss him greatly as we talked often. He was a good friend. Love Tom
Eric Stallings
July 22, 2016
While I never knew Joseph, I have worked with Mallory on many occasions, and anyone who can raise such a hard working and talented person like her must be an amazing person themselves.
I am so sorry for you loss. Sending you all my good thoughts and love.
L McPherson
July 21, 2016
God gives hope to see the ones we lost in death again.this scripture at (Acts 24:25)says " and I have hope towards God ,which hope these men also look forward to,that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous".may you find comfort in this time of loss,death is just temporary and Jesus have demonstrated this when he resurrect his friend Lazarus (John 11:11,23,25).you can contact me or visit our website at www.jw.org there are many topics that explains how you can find comfort when someone you love dies.
Rachel Woods
July 21, 2016
Thinking of your family during this incredibly difficult time. I consider myself lucky to have known Joseph. He was funny, engaging, energetic, and had a passion for people - in particular his family. Mallory and Stuart, I know he was proud, impressed, and genuinely interested in the fascinating and accomplished people you have become. Joseph was the kind of person that could relate to any one - whether about business, politics, or the good ole state of Tennessee. I have many happy college memories of him coming to visit Mallory. And to this day he remains the star and/or author of some of my favorite stories. And our epic move into the Blue Kitchen could have not been the same without his help or humor.
Holding each one of you in my heart and thoughts - don't forget to ask for help - you are surrounded by people who love you. All my love, Rachel Harpool Woods
July 27, 2016
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graduation stuart - (2010) - proud father
July 28, 2016
angkor wat - (2014)
July 28, 2016
angkor wat - (2014) - angkor wat cambodia
July 28, 2016
riverside - (2014) - at his residence in vietnam
July 28, 2016
a real farmer - (2014) - he always wanted to learn to be a farmer
July 28, 2016
vietnam - (07/13/2015)
July 28, 2016
Joe and his lumber - (07/10/2013) - Joe checking out his lumber getting ready for export to Asia.
July 27, 2016
(2009)
July 24, 2016
(2009)
July 24, 2016
Joe loving life in Vietnam - (2014) - Joe loving life in Vietnam! Living on the edge!!!
July 22, 2016
Joe trading at Chicago Board of Trade - (10/20/2015) - Joe owned a seat at The Chicago Board of Trade, and he would trade every day.
July 22, 2016
Joe at a Furniture Customer - (01/15/2015) - Joe doing sales at a furniture customer.
July 22, 2016
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