Michael Joy

Mike Joy went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, December 23, 2021.  Mike was born to Tom and Mary Joy on June 12, 1958, in Artesia, NM.  His parents proceeded him in death.

Mike and his family lived and worked on various ranches in Lincoln, Lea, Eddy and Chaves County. They also lived 2 years in Kansas.

Mike is survived by his wife Amy Joy of the family home. They were married November 28, 1986, and recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. Mike is also survived by his brother Dwayne (Joann) Joy of Carrizozo, NM, and their sons Travis (Shelley) Joy and their children Alex (Brad) Osler and their son Emmett, Marissa (Brad) Fortunato and their son Trenton, Shaina Joy and Trista Joy all of Vancouver, WA., Jared (Angie) Joy and their daughter Jewel of Nogal, NM, and his sister Kayla (Glenn) Clifton of Carrizozo, NM. Mike is also survived by his Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan Joy of Artesia, NM and his Aunt Luvina McGuire of Albuquerque, NM, and numerous cousins.

The apostle Peter told his readers to live in a way that reflected their lives in God and look to Jesus as their example.  He also told them to love and support one another, especially during trying times.  Mike took these words to heart.  He did not judge, he listened to what a person was saying, then would pray over them.  Mike would go around each Sunday morning praying over each teacher, classroom, student, minister, and song leader.  He had big hands and he would lay one on you and pray.

Mike was a talented Gospel Cowboy poet. He went to various schools here in the valley with his horse and do a horseshoeing demonstration and recite his poetry.  He received several letters from students that said he had inspired them to write poetry or stories.  You could give Mike a few details and 5 to 10 minutes later, he had a completed poem that fit the occasion. He did this for many friends, when asked.  If he read the poem, he had written 3 or 4 times, he had it memorized it and then could recite it on demand.

A friend and brother in Christ wrote the following about Mike.  He was a father to my boys when they moved from the ranch to go to college in Roswell. He was preacher, a poet, a horseshoer, a cattleman and a friend to all. The only thing bigger than his hat, was his handshake, and his heart with the love of Jesus.

Amy’s sisters wrote the following:

Mike

Looking at the sunset,

with orange, purple and blue

I had to pause – and think of you.

I can see you on horseback, with your big hat on your head,

Here is where you felt at home, and where the good Lord led.

Preacher, teacher, poet, husband, and friend,

Farrier, rancher, Me-Mike – the list has no end.

You would gladly rub our backs,

When we were feeling stressed-

Willing to listen, offering prayers,

Because of this – we were blessed.

You stopped and smelled the roses,

And found joy in life’s little things.

You always had a smile to share,

Hugs and love you’d always bring.

You loved Amy and those rug-rats she kept.

At first, you weren’t quite sure,

But soon they had your heart wrapped tight,

and then there was no cure.

You could take a horseshoe or a scrap of metal,

And art it did become.

You seemed to always love the land, and working in the sun.

If you were one of the lucky ones

That got to meet this man,

You would find him in his overalls, a Bible in his hand.

You would leave a little better off, from the wisdom in his words,

And know without a doubt – his first love was the Lord!

So, until we see those baby blues and that ornery grin,

We’ll do our best to follow Christ and run our race to win!

Amy’s brother-in-law wrote the following: During the Lord’s supper this morning it hit me that this was the first, first day of the week since Mike had passed and while I was communing with God partaking of the emblems as best we can here on earth, Mike and Papa David and Papa Clayton and Beth and all the saints that have gone on before us are actually sitting around his throne and having TRUE COMMUNION WITH JESUS. That just came to my mind during the Lord’s supper this morning.

Amy would like to thank everyone who prayed for Mike’s healing.  The question has been asked why when so many people were praying did GOD not heal him.  It is true Mike was not healed here on earth, but he was healed in heaven.  He is home, this world is only temporary.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Assurance Home, 1000 East 18th Street, Roswell, NM 88201, or the charity of your choice.