Joel Gibbs Stites
March 23, 1973-Feb. 20, 2023
Los Angeles, CA

Joel Gibbs Stites, 49, of Los Angeles, CA, passed away February 20, 2023 peacefully at his home. He was born on March 23, 1973 in Elgin, IL. Joel was the oldest child of David Stites of St Petersburg, FL, Linda Stites of Elgin, IL, and the awesome "big" brother of sisters, Tessa Copeland of Elgin, IL, Jane Stites of Lake in the Hills, IL, and Susie Stites, Roseville, CA. He is survived by the above mentioned and his grandma, Shirley Minster of Elgin, IL, niece, Hadley Copeland, and nephew, Brandon Copeland of Elgin, IL.

He attended school in Pleasanton and graduated from Amador Valley High School of Pleasanton, CA in 1991.

His love and passion for music and arts started at an early age, playing the piano as a child. He performed in several plays as well. It didn't take long to see that Joel was gifted musically, and he picked up many instruments and indulged in various genres. While excelling in playing the piano and keyboards until present day, he also sang with a cool, raspy vocal. Joel performed with many bands, live in concert and in recording studios. From backyard or garage bands in his younger days to larger venues from Chico to Los Angeles, Joel played and recorded with Force 7, Scapegoat Wax, Tribal Disco Noise, Grant Hill.

When Joel wasn't playing music, he worked in multiple restaurants including Garlex Pizza and Cabana Daves. He also worked in catering venues in Southern California. Always an enjoyable learning experience when in the kitchen with Joel, and you ended up with something delicious.

He will be remembered as a beam of light by his family, countless friends, fellow musicians and coworkers.

He held the friendships he made throughout his life close to his heart and he had a way of keeping in touch and remembering the important days for each one of us.

For more information and an opportunity to post stories and pictures, you can visit https://www.forevermissed.com/joel-stites/about.

If you are interested in donating or learning more about how donations in Joel's name will help to benefit children in music, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-celebration-of-life-for-joel-stites