Dr. Joseph Carter Cain, III

Joe Cain was born on Halloween, 1930 in Georgetown, KY, and died July 13, 2022 at his home in Tallahassee. Joe earned his PhD in Geophysics from the University of Alaska and spent much of his career at NASA in Greenbelt, MD creating spherical harmonic models of the Earth's magnetic field using measurements from Vanguard 3, OGO 2&4, and MAGSAT II satellites which were equipped with proton magnetometers. In 1975, Joe relocated his research to U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, CO where the family learned to love camping, skiing, and simply enjoying the wonderful mountains and people of Colorado. After retiring from the federal government, Dr. Cain joined the FSU Geology Department and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute to teach and continue his research, including the magnetic field of Mars. As a budding curmudgeon in Tallahassee, Joe acquired a small following due to his letters to the editor of the Tallahassee Democrat. He was also an active supporter of the Tallahassee Scientific Society (TSS), the Center for Inquiry and the local Democratic Party. Joe fathered six amazing sons: Richard Kahle and Jeffrey Cain (Sandra) from earlier marriages, as well as sons Joe Cain IV (Stephanie), Roger Cain, Tom Cain (Jessica) and Tim Cain (Anna) whom he had with his loving wife of 54 years, Shirley. Joe also leaves behind his grandchildren Phillip, Stephanie, Summer, and Ava as well as one great-granddaughter, Rayden. From childhood, Joe was an avid fan of science fiction and (logically) followed the advice of the inimitable Dr. Spock; "Live long and Prosper!" His was a life well lived and he would wish you the same. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice (bigbendhospice.org), Tallahassee Scientific Society (tallysci.org), the Alzheimer’s Project (alzheimersproject.org) or alternatively, to the Democratic Candidate of your choice. But to fully express an appreciation of his life, be sure to vote! In the eternal pursuit of scientific research, Joe has donated his body to the University of Florida Medical School. Per his wishes, a party to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Dr. Joseph Carter Cain, III

October 31, 1930 - July 13, 2022