Joseph Charles Timphony Sr.

My husband, Ric, and I met Mr Joe and Ms Jackie at a Baton Rouge restaurant, Heads and Tails. We went there to listen to the band. When we arrived, the restaurant was packed. Mr Joe and Ms Jackie were sitting at a 4 top by themselves. Mr Joe quickly invited us to join them. What a delight to meet such an interesting, funny man. His jokes were hilarious. He and I talked about many subjects, family, travels, avocations, military service, etc. He showed me pictures of his woodwork for a friend´s church. He told me with a laugh and a twinkle in his eye how he took it to his priest to be blessed before it was placed in the (not catholic) church. We lost touch when the restaurant suddenly closed. Ric and I think of him often and even tried to get his info. He had our numbers but we neglected to get his - what a mistake! What a joy it was to know such an incredible man. He was so proud of his family and we all appreciated his grandson who drove him over to Baton Rouge. Ric and I have missed our visits with him. May he rest in peace.

Uncle JC always reminded me that Mom & Dad would encourage me to have "sleep-overs" with my cousins (especially Cathy & Cindy, since we were so close in age) so that I might be convinced to try different foods, like pizza, etc. I was always a very picky eater. I guess it eventually worked ( I had pizza for dinner tonight. )
In my adult years, whenever he called he would always say "Hey, MaryAnn, it's your favorite uncle" or "Hey, MaryAnn, it's your Godfather". Then when the Saints were playing the Tennessee Titans he would want to bet a steak dinner - of course, he'd get the Saints. I teased him that it was not fair because Fred & I were still pulling for the Saints to win and we had to bet against them. We shared a few enjoyable steak dinners over the years.
When he was making his rounds visiting his children and grandchildren who lived out of Louisiana, he would spend some time with us in Tennessee. Once, while visiting us, he asked what he could make for me. I wasn't quite sure what to say, but I mentioned that my bookcase in the living room did not have a finished top. It bothered me, since I could see it when I walked down our stairs. So he said he'd make a top and ship it to me. A while later, Uncle JC called to let me know I'd be getting a package. He'd made a beautiful top for my bookcase, matching the wood & it laid across the top perfectly, so you could no longer see the inner workings for the lights. He took such pride in his carpentry work, and justifiably so. See the pictures.
He also loved music and really enjoyed hearing Bluegrass. (He played the banjo.) Our son, Keith plays the Banjo as well, and has a family Bluegrass band in Tennessee, The Campbell Calamity Soup Band. On one of his visits with Ms. Jackie, we had the pleasure of hearing quite a few Bluegrass bands over his weekend stay with us. We were even seated on stage at a Bluegrass performance, a friend was playing with his group, and when there were no empty seats, Gene put 4 chairs on stage for us. Uncle JC was quite tickled with that!
Uncle JC lived life to the fullest, and cherished his family and faith above all.
He will be missed!

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.