Joseph James Aspaas

“None has ever reached Valhalla with cowardice in their heart”.
Joseph James (JJ) Aspaas was born on September 27th, 1973 to Lennda L. Aspaas (now Bauer) and Keith L Aspaas. On Friday 1/2/2026 JJ gave his final curtain call, passing away.
JJ resided in San Diego County for 52 years, living in areas like Clairmont, Serra Mesa and finally to Ramona where he graduated from Ramona High School in 1991.
Dedicated to his love for theater arts & singing, he leaves behind a significant legacy performing in over 17 plays and productions including; The Music Man, Bye-Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, and several others from 1987 to 2001. He performed at theatres such as the Mission Playhouse, The Pine Hills Lodge, Lawrence Welk Resort Theater, Ramona High School, and more. JJ also sang in Choirs, Ensembles and as a Soloist in many concerts including the 1000 Voice Choir for Point Loma Nazarene College and Lauren Salter’s California Youth Chorale. His talents were remarkable. He was always happy performing and often pursued life in song, whether he was riding his custodian cart at school or was going out for a fun night of karaoke.
He was successful at any job he worked and excelled in everything from sales to construction and mill work, but JJ didn’t really find his second home and family until becoming a custodian for the Ramona Unified School District. He took great pride and pleasure in assuring a clean and safe place for attending children and staff. He was known for great work ethics and for always going above and beyond for everyone he met. His work and his co-workers enriched his life daily and gave him such pride and happiness. He especially loved when the children would call him cowboy and he would come home from work daily talking about the amazing experiences he had.
JJ was always loyal to his parents and his family. He was very generous with his friends and acquaintances, providing a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on and any wisdom he could conjure in the moment. He loved profoundly, unconditionally and completely. When you spent time with him you knew you had his whole focus and attention making you feel like the only person around. He cared deeply for everyone he knew and would give the shirt off his back to anyone needing it. He truly was a great man with explosive love!
Joseph James Aspaas was preceded in death by his brother, Eric Lyman Aspaas (8/1971-11/1971), his sister Carlene Aspaas Periera (10/1965-3/1993) and his father Keith Leroy Aspaas (11/1940 - 3/2010).
JJ is survived by his mother Lennda Bauer, his sister Yolennda Kennedy (Buffy or Summer), and his brother Robert Bauer. He is also survived by many others in the Aspaas Family – and he loved them all dearly- JJ never married or had children of his own.

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