Joaquim Lee Bass

Joaquim Lee Bass – March 5, 1993 – March 12, 2026

Joaquim Lee Bass, 33, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away on March 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 5, 1993, in Norfolk, Virginia, Joaquim lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering love, and a dedication to family and community that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Joaquim grew up in Norfolk, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School and graduated in 2012. During his high school years, he demonstrated early the discipline and creativity that would define his character, participating in the 200+ Men program and earning membership in the National Honors Art Society. These formative experiences shaped a young man who valued both service and artistic expression, qualities he carried with him throughout his life. After high school, Joaquim continued to pursue excellence in all things. He became a proud member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles as a 2020 initiate, earning both the Bronze Wahatchee Award from the U.S. Army Signal Corps Regimental Association and the prestigious Order of Pershing Award from the National Society of Pershing Rifles, including the Public Service Commendation Medal. In 2023, he fulfilled a longstanding academic goal by graduating from Arizona State University with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning. That achievement, hard-won and deeply meaningful, reflected Joaquim's vision for building stronger communities and his commitment to seeing things through to completion. On April 12, 2018, Joaquim married the love of his life, Jaime Tyree Bass, beginning a partnership built on devotion, laughter, and shared dreams. Together, they built a home, becoming homeowners in 2020, and welcomed two beautiful sons into the world. Though Joaquim held many accomplishments close to his heart, he always said that his proudest achievements were being a husband and becoming a father. His boys were his world, and he poured into them the same love, intentionality, and warmth that defined everything he did. Joaquim was, by his own description, a very active introvert. He was a well-versed, quiet man who loved to explore the internet and social media to stay connected to the world, often observing from the sidelines with his signature side eye. He gravitated toward good people with good vibes who knew good music. Those closest to him will forever remember his infectious smile, his optimistic attitude, his love of hot sauce and chicken wings, his fabulous cooking skills, and his impeccable sense of fashion and self-care. He took particular pride in his skin and eyes, which he considered his favorite features. His drinks of choice were white wine, Riesling, and vodka lemonade, enjoyed best in the company of those he loved. Joaquim had a deep love of travel and exploration, with a special fascination for the downtown areas of every city he visited. He cherished late-night drives and found joy in decorating his home, tackling handy work around the house, and installing the latest technologies in both the home and his car. An artist at heart, he loved drawing and photography. He also enjoyed playing Xbox, with The Sims and GTA ranking among his favorite games. Known affectionately by those closest to him as "Boobear," "Juan," and "Spider Monkey," Joaquim brought light and laughter into every room he entered, even the quiet ones. Throughout the past twelve years, as his family moved from city to city, Joaquim remained a dedicated community servant. He was an active member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles and a proud participant in Soldier Family Readiness groups, always finding ways to give his time and energy to those around him. No matter where life took him, Joaquim made each community his own and left it better than he found it. Joaquim is survived by his beloved husband, Jaime Tyree Bass; his sons, J'Seidon Lee-Hiram Bass (Wyatt) and J'Siah Lee-Jesse Bass (Jesse); One child on the way (J'Sire or Joaquime`), his godson, Oenomaus Marcel Gavins; his mother, Lynn Antoinette Haliday; his father, Bartholomew Hudgins; his sister, Lyniah Audrey Haliday; his brother, Christopher T. Gavins; his grandparents, Lenwood Haliday Sr., preceded in passing by his beloved grandmother, Audrey Haliday, grandparents Barbara Hudgins, and Nelson Hudgins Sr.; his uncles, Lenwood Haliday Jr., Justin Haliday, and Nelson Jr.; his nephews, James Grafford and Declyn Grafford; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends who loved him dearly. Joaquim's faith in God provided him comfort and strength throughout his life, and especially during his final days. We trust that he now rests in the arms of the Lord, free from pain and filled with the eternal peace promised to those who believe. May his spirit shine brightly over those he loved and protected in this life, guiding his children and comforting his family until we are all reunited. Joaquim, you were an amazing man, and now you are a bright spirit we all love. You were a phenomenal husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Your love will live in our hearts and in the lives of your children, who will all know who Joaquim Lee Bass was and will forever be remembered as. Watch over us until we meet again. We love you always. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 759 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life beautifully lived and a love that will never fade.