Career
He was an organiser of the Jarrow March and the first signatory of the petition handed to Parliament. One of 21 children, Joe served with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) in India, reaching the rank of Sergeant Major. From 1946 onwards the family lived at Hedworth View in a three-bedroomed council house.
As well his elected status, Joe held many other offices during his lifetime, including Councillor and Mayor of Jarrow, and Chair of the National Housing Committee.
He was awarded the O.B.E. for services to the disabled and was a strong influence in the building of the Tyne Tunnel crossing in preference to a bridge, the construction of which would have required the demolition of many good quality council houses.