Jose Ignacio “Joe” Espin

Jose Ignacio “Joe” Espin, age 75, Inverness, Florida passed away on January 5, 2026 under the loving care of his family at home.

Joe was born in Havana, Cuba on March 28, 1950 to the late Leonardo C. Espin and Esther S. Espin and came to this area in 1986 from Miami, Florida.  He was a respected outdoors writer for many notable publications, including Florida Sportsman Magazine, Flyfishing in Salt Waters, and Citrus County Chronicle.  Joe produced and hosted Florida Angler Television Program for thirteen years. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sarah J. Espin; 1 daughter, Jody Ann of Inverness; 2 grandchildren: Coral and Cameron Batten; his siblings: Mercedes (Jose) Sanchez and Martha (William) McDaniel; sister-in-law, Mary Whalen; his nieces and nephews: Madeline Martinez, Margarita Gonzalez, Jose Sanchez Jr, and Daniel Fernandez. 

Joe was a Cuban “croqueta” expert, a cigar aficionado, and Cuban coffee was never too far from his reach. He was a wordsmith, a storyteller who lived through countless adventures. He had a deep voice with a big heart and kind words. He served his country proudly as member of the USMC.  

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Inverness, FL with Fr. Mike Suszynski, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.  Family and friends may visit at the funeral home Monday morning from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at which time the procession will depart for the church.  In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations to: American Lung Association, https://action.lung.org