Joseph Francis Berry

Joseph Francis Berry, also known as "Big Joe", passed away peacefully in his sleep at 80 years old on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was born March 26, 1945, in Mojave, CA to Joseph and Ellen Berry. Big Joe was an avid cattleman, starting his career in the ranching and dairy industry at the young age of 15 years old as just your ordinary cow clipper and colt breaker. He was mentored by some of the best analyzers in the cattle industry which led him to creating his legendary, world renowned Bull Stud business, Central Valley Dairy Breeders. Not only was Big Joe a cattleman, he was a true grit cowboy. As the true cowboy that he was, Big Joe moseyed on into the Crow's Nest to play a hand of cards and that is where he met his match and the love of his life, his to-be future wife, Nancy Berry. They had a brief courtship and as always Big Joe knew what he wanted and that was to be with his best friend for the rest of his life. Shortly after being married, they started to expand on their family having three children together, but five in total; Kimberly Brosseau, Carol DeArman, Sheri Cogburn, Joseph Berry and Ramsey Berry. While Big Joe prided himself on his dairy business, he decided he wanted to be the best at everything. He got into the American Paint Horse business and so began the Lazy JN Ranch. Joe, implementing his cattle breeding skills in the horse business, he quickly rose to the top of the industry. Showing halter horses across the United States became one of Big Joe's most cherished hobbies to do with his family right by his side. At the height of Lazy JN Ranches career, Big Joe dominated the nation's Paint Horse scene- owning, breeding and showing more paint horses than anyone else in the country. As if that wasn't enough, Big Joe and Nancy got into the commercial real estate business and owned several motels in Pismo Beach, CA and many properties here in Visalia. This was just one of the many endeavors Joe had set out to do in his lifetime and he accomplished everything he set his mind to. The work ethic and perseverance were unmatched as a single sole but was even stronger when he had his wife by his side. Big Joe wasn't just a hardworking man, but a provider for his family. He showed his love not only through grand gestures, but through quiet, unwavering devotion. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, often sacrificing himself to ensure they never went without. Joe was a firm believer in Christ, and we know that he is renewed and dancing with the Lord. He was met at the Heavenly gates by his wife, Nancy Berry, daughter, Sheri Cogburn, son, Joseph Berry, grandson's, Colt Berry and Mark Cogburn, parents Joseph and Ellen Berry, sister, Lynne, as well as his brother Pat. Big Joe is survived by his son, Ramsey Berry, daughters Kimberly Brosseau and Carol DeArman, granddaughter's; Kelsey, Chloe, Karley, Sara, Lauren, Andrea and Megan, grandson's; Braden, Matthew, Joel and Joseph and his great grandchildren; Slater, Evangeline, Enoch, Aria and Beau. Visitation will be held 10 AM - 11 AM Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Funeral services will bfollow at 11 AM. Graveside services will be held 1 PM Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joseph Francis Berry

March 26, 1945 - April 20, 2025