Joseph “Joe” Bourge, 63, of Bridge City, passed away on August 25, 2021, in Beaumont.

Friends are invited to a public viewing starting at 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 3, 2021 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on December 25, he was the son of Lee Bourge and Lillie Frances (Callahan) Bourge. Joe graduated from Lutcher Stark High School Class of 1976, and attended Lamar University in Orange. Joe had a passion for his job, he was a dedicated Department Learning Leader for International Paper in Orange for many years. He loved his second family at International Paper, and they loved him. Describing him as having a charming smile, contagious laugh, witty antics and most of all his generous heart. Joe was a big part of their team and will be missed greatly by them all. Some have said he made them a better person. He was also a very compassionate person always thinking of others. In his off time Joe loved to fish and listening to music, at one time having a collection of albums to enjoy all of his favorites. He was a “gentle giant”. Joe’s daughter Amber, had some of his best traits, one being his love of music, his music, that will live in her heart forever. Joe will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Bourge.

He is survived by his mother, Lillie Bourge of Orange, TX; daughter, Amber Bourge of New York, NY; sister, Janie Jeanis and husband David of Orange; brother, Mitchel Bourge and wife Mary of Orange; half sister, Mary Kendall and husband Mike of Oklahoma; nieces, Leah Johnson and husband Aaron, Stephanie Hufford and husband Justin, and Kristi Trosclair and husband Jared; nephew, Sean Jeanis.

The family would like to thank all who sent messages and call with their prayers, support and thoughts of love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org .