Joseph “Joe” Benton Self, born March 2, 1966, in Hobart, Oklahoma, passed away at the age of 60, at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, after a courageous two-year battle with ALS. 

Joe spent his early childhood in Oklahoma, cherishing memories with his grandparents and life on the countryside. Later, in early elementary school, his parents relocated to Kansas, where he grew up in the Overland Park and surrounding areas. He was a distinguished student and athlete at Blue Valley High School, from which he graduated in 1984. During high school, Joe worked for his father’s commercial development company, performing various tasks and learning the family business firsthand. After high school, he pursued further education at Harding University, where he played football during his freshman and sophomore years. Seeking a stronger focus on film and communications, Joe transferred to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications in 1988. After graduation, Joe remained in the Los Angeles area for several years, working as a fitness trainer while pursuing work in film production, acting, and modeling. He was featured in several men’s fitness magazines, calendars, and Hallmark cards. He also contributed to widely known Pepsi commercial productions involving notable stars while in LA.

 In 1992, Joe married his first wife, Nikki Palese-Richards, and returned to Kansas. The couple had two children: Zachary and Sophia. 

After returning to Kansas, Joe partnered with his father and built a long, successful career in commercial real estate, contributing to numerous developments across Overland Park and the surrounding areas. As ALS complications grew, Joe was forced into an early retirement in 2025. He was working for CARR Inc. as a commercial broker, specializing in healthcare development and leasing negotiations for medical practices in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro markets. In addition to commercial real estate and brokerage, Joe had devoted much of his time over a span of nine years, pursuing an entrepreneurial venture he ultimately has now entrusted to his family for completion. 

In 2019, Joe met Erica Jungk-Self. They were married on September 17, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. Their union brought two families together and a home rich with love and lasting memories. Together, they welcomed three grandchildren and treasured the bonds they forged. Joe will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, stepfather, and grandfather. Erica now carries Joe’s memory and survives at their home. 

In addition to his love for family and his career, Joe was widely known throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area for his business acumen and his generous, fun, and warm spirit. He was a familiar presence in both professional and social circles, and he had a gift for making friends laugh wherever he went. Those who knew him remember his lively and funny spirit, along with his genuine and loyal heart. 

Joe is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Leon and Ruby Jones, and his paternal grandparents, Paul and Marie Self. He is survived by his wife, Erica Self; his children, Zachary Self, Sophia Self-Tillman and husband Michael, and Emily Weston; stepchildren Keifer Martin and wife Anna, Conner Martin, Mattie Martin and partner Jacob Charay; three grandchildren, Malcolm “Mac” Weston-Self, Reznor Martin, and Lainey Martin; his father, Clyde “Pete” Self; his mother, Connie Jones-Brunsky and husband Mike; a brother, Daniel Self and wife Jeanine; two sisters, Susan Self-Mills and husband Jeff, and Madison Self and fiancé Cory Duvall; along with many nieces and nephews, three great-nieces, and a great-nephew.

The family wishes to thank all who have offered help, countless prayers, love, support, monetary donations, and meals during our difficult journey. A very special thank you to the amazing God sent team from Luminous Hospice; Sam, Matt, Angel, Andy, and Karma, you will forever be remembered for your gentle, graceful and compassionate loving care of our beloved Joe. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Joe’s name to Luminous Hospice. 

Memorial services, honoring Joe’s legacy, will be held at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Prior to services, the family will receive guests beginning at 12:00. Burial will follow services at the same location, Johnson County Memorial Gardens.