Joseph J Raguz

July  27th, 1940 January  9th, 2025
North Carolina
Joseph J Raguz

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.

Obituary

Joseph "Joe" James Raguz, lovingly known as "Josip," "Papa Joe," and "Uncle Joe," passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at home in Jacksonville, NC, at age 84. Born on July 27, 1940, in Yugoslavia to Victor and Ilinka Raguz. WWII shaped Joe’s early life, with the death of his father and displacement to European refugee camps to escape the violence of the war. At age 11, he immigrated to the U.S. without his family and settled in Chicago, where he attended school at Angel Guardian Orphanage. His mother and sisters were reunited with him in Chicago several years later.

A proud Army veteran, Joe earned honors, including the Marksman (Rifle M-14) Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He built a successful career as a painter and decorator, providing for his family in Niles, IL, before retiring in 2005. He later moved to Rome, IL, where he cherished the small-town life, formed lasting friendships, and became a beloved member of Pearce Community Center in Chillicothe.

Joe’s zest for life was evident in his love for sports and food—cheering for his Croatian Soccer Team, Green Bay Packers, Chicago White Sox, and the Dodgers. Joe was known for his competitive spirit, often making himself the player to beat with his lively trash talk and creative interpretation of the rules when no one was watching! He also had an enthusiastic love for food, particularly fine meats, bread, and cheese, and was renowned for uncovering the best tomatoes in town.

In 2024, Joe relocated to Jacksonville, NC, to be near his daughter Pamela and his son-in-law Minor Hilliard, living his final days with dignity surrounded by love and compassionate care. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Linda Frost of Egg Harbor, WI; grandchildren Alexander Coats, Ryan Coats, Minor A. Hilliard (Stephanie), Morgan Hilliard, Amanda Tomcheck, and Noah Tomcheck; and great-grandchildren Revy Herrick, Lilly Farris, and Harper Hilliard. He also leaves behind his sisters Mary Valcich (Stanley) of Clearwater, FL, and Sylvia Rozer (John) of Cape Coral, FL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will continue his stories, his spirit, and his legacy.

In lieu of services, the family invites you to share condolences, memories, and photos here .





A Tribute-through a daughter's eyes

   When writing this tribute, I started to think about words that best described my father from my perspective. As I sit and think about the 50 plus years I had the honor to spend with him, I look back and I am filled with a mix of emotions. Many might find this surprising but my father was a complex man. In some ways, he was fun loving, sweet, and big hearted.  In other ways, he was tough, critical, and a bit of a headache. I think that it is this dichotomy that drew so many people to him.  

So when I think about words that best describe my father, the first word that comes to mind is ornery.  Without a doubt, I think anyone that truly knew him would agree. He could be stubborn, fussy, and downright difficult at times. But "ornery" also captured his cheeky nature. He loved to stir the pot and was a master at it. His dry sense of humor and spirited personality often made you laugh or, at the very least, get a reaction out of you. 

 The next word that comes to mind is particular.  He was very exacting in certain areas of his life, namely food and his profession. Food was an art and not worth the time if not done right.  From the way a restaurant prepared his food to the quality of the ingredients used, he always seemed to have an opinion.  This was also evident in the work he did.  I was always in awe of his eye for detail when painting, hanging wallpaper and the like. From color matching to how someone cut in lines he expected the best in himself and others who worked with him.   During this past year, I attended many doctor's and hospital appointments with him and at 84 he still never failed to assess the workmanship of the paint job of the place we were in. 

Another word to describe him is generous.   My father was not a demonstrative man. He was never one to say many loving words, give hugs, or talk about deep and meaningful feelings.  However, he expressed his love through his generosity. He was generous with his money, but also his time, and his effort.  He loved to share a meal with those he cared about and he would consider it an insult if you dare tried to pay.  No one could leave his home without a stockpile of items he insisted your tried and take with you.  He always had time to help you out, from helping you fix your car, painting or building something .  He would help someone in need sometimes to a fault, being taken advantage of.  It was this generosity that made me know that despite it all, the arguments and disagreements fathers and daughters have, he would always there when I really needed him. 

Finally, the last word I would use to describe my father was vibrant.  He had a shine about him that could be intoxicating.  He was the pied piper to children. They would follow him around and always wanted to engage in some mischief with him or set out to beat him in some game or competition. His brightness, goofiness, and energy along with his wit made for great memories and some funny stories. You loved to be around his shine because it would radiate out to those all around him. He was adored by so many because of it.

This ornery, particular, generous and vibrant man was unlike any one I have ever known.  He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.  Words can not express my personal sorrow of losing him and the abundant joy of being privileged to have known him. His spirit, full of mischief and warmth, will live on in the stories we share and the memories we hold dear.  

PLEASE SHARE ANY PHOTOS AND STORIES ABOUT JOE ON THE MEMORY WALL BELOW.

Photo Gallery


Videos

Memory Wall




February 2, 2025
I worked at Community Pearce Community Center for 18 years in January. I cannot tell you the numerous times I would see Joe there even though we were not close. He often stopped and said hello to me as I was teaching swim lessons in the pool I would always get in the sauna and he would be there and we would always have to do three scoops of water on the rocks for the father, son and Holy Spirit, I still do it when I’m there and think of him.
Emily Dutton
January 12, 2025
Some of my favorite memories with my dad:

Every summer growing up, we would "compete" to see who could find the first ripe tomato in the garden.

Playing HORSE just about every night after work and school.

Losing to my dad in HORSE because when I got close, he would call hook shots, over the shoulder and other crazy throws.

Being pushed on the rope swing in the backyard, if I had friends over, he would be pushing us for hours.

The nights he cooked and made us all crepes for dinner. I got to add ice cream to the insides!

Fishing with him, and as soon as one of us got a nibble, the other would reel in their bobber and throw it over to "steal" the others fish.
When out to dinner, two things always happened, straw wrappers became projectiles, and bacon never stayed very long on your own plate.

My father building my amazing two story Barbie house from scratch , it included a deck, garage and stables.

My dad taking the family to Great America (Six Flags) and walking out with no less than 4 giant stuffed animals so big we had to attach some to the roof to get them home.

Our trips to Wisconsin to the Lake where I would catch frogs. I found out years later, he would steal my frogs and use as bait!
Playing "king of the mountain" on the lake platform with any kid that would take him on at the resort.
Pam Hilliard

Donate to Pearce Community Center

$ 100
Raised by 1 people
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to contribute to a not for profit organization ,Pearce Community Center, that was near and dear to his heart. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute to Joe.  

Pearce is dedicated to providing access to athletic recreation, fitness classes, youth programs, and senior activities for the Chillicothe community and surrounding areas. We take pride in our history of community involvement, and our ability to provide a place and activity for everyone.   https://pearcecc.com

Share

Secure payment

First Lastname donation
Order total: $ 0
Your host will receive your funds within 24 hours.