Rich-I'm sorry to hear about your friend... I don't think I ever met Joe, but heard of his reputation on the Story Stage at the Clearwater Festival, and other Storytelling Festivals... All I heard were good things.
I've heard so many stories in my life, but I can only ever remember a few... I've been told I'm a good teller, but shy. If I think of anything appropriate, I'll certainly send / post it.
-J