Joseph “Joey” Paul Counts

Joseph “Joey” Paul Counts, a vibrant soul and dedicated servant, joined our Lord at the age of 31 on November 27, 2024, at his home in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Born into a life of divine purpose, Joey was deeply committed to his faith and dedicated to sharing its warmth with everyone he encountered.

Growing up in the East Valley, Joey was a force of nature, excelling in football, baseball, and wrestling. A dedicated athlete, he pursued victory with strong determination and was selfless on and off the field.  Joey’s commitment to faith and service extended beyond athletics, as he actively participated in Best Buddies programs and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout his collegiate years.

After graduating from Desert Ridge High School, Joey furthered his education and athletic career at the University of Montana, earning a bachelor’s degree while proudly representing the Griz football team and leaving a lasting impact on the program. Upon returning to Arizona, he continued to inspire and mentor others through his faith and dedicated himself to training athletes of all levels, pouring his heart and soul into their development.

In 2021, Joey joined the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department.  He served with honor, enthusiasm, and steadfast dedication.  Joey found purpose in teaching at the fire academy and was a beloved brother. His immense love for his family, fellow firefighters, friends, and everyone he met was evident in his every interaction.

Joey’s unique ability to understand and connect with people on a profound level was a testament to his compassionate nature.  He also conveyed his heart through the strums of his guitar and songwriting.  With his playful spirit and unwavering faith, Joey reminded us all of our inherent capacity for love, forgiveness and greatness.

Joey’s love for his family was boundless.  He had a special place in his heart for his parents and his two younger sisters, whom he adored and protected. Joey is survived by his loving parents, Clint Counts and Leija Counts (Garcia), his precious sisters, Alexis and Savannah, his grandparents, Steve and Marcella Tully (Garcia), Carolyn Woodyard, Don Counts and Jennie Shaw, as well as his uncle Scott Vogler and aunt Nikki Vogler (Counts), uncle Richard T. Garcia, aunt Aries Garcia (Cook), and cousins Holden Garcia, Kate Vogler, and Gwen Vogler.

Joseph’s radiant smile, deep never-ending love, and enduring friendship will forever be cherished while his faith carries us forward.  A funeral service celebrating Joey’s life will be held on December 7, 2024.