Among his many adventures in life were playing the oboe, boxing at the Boys and Girls Club, winning numerous amateur boxing matches, winning several Golden Glove Championships and qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He turned professional and during his boxing career achieved an 11-1 record.
Joel apprenticed with his dad on woodwind instrument repair, working with him at the Woodwind Corner in Springfield, Missouri for 10 years. He became a master craftsman in woodwind repair and clarinet mouthpiece making. He later became a member of the Lomax Classic team, making professional and student clarinet mouthpieces. Joel became head of the woodwind repair department at Palen Music Center in Springdale, Arkansas until returning to Springfield in June of last year for cancer treatments. As part of his love and knowledge of music, Joel wrote song lyrics and was a unique band vocalist.
Joel enjoyed the outdoors, camping and floating, and riding the most intense roller coasters he could find. He was a lifelong Raiders fan and had the capability of eating pizza every day. He had a special love for sinking his toes into the sand on a warm beach, especially in Destin, Florida, listening to the ocean waves, and watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets painted by God.
Joel was a unique man, not only showing physical strength, but a true love for family and friends. An example of this deep love for others was shown while being involved in taking care of his paternal grandmother during the final months of her life. He loved all his special friends, his pets, his boxing brothers, band brothers, and all his sisters and brothers in the music community and especially his family.