Traverse City, Michigan - Joseph S. Aja passed away on his 97th birthday on July 20, 2026. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Western High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from the Detroit College of Pharmacy (Wayne State University). An Army veteran of the Korean War period, Joseph attained the rank of Sergeant and served in the pharmacy at the U.S. Hospital in Osaka, Japan, before receiving his honorable discharge. He built a meaningful career as a retail pharmacist in Detroit prior to working for over 30 years for Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals as a detail representative in Traverse City, Michigan beginning in 1972.

Outside of his professional life, Joseph had a deep passion for staying active and giving back to his community. He was an avid golfer who continued playing the game he loved until the age of 92. He also found great joy in woodworking and spent many rewarding years coaching youth basketball, sharing his knowledge and mentorship with young athletes.

He was the deeply loved husband of Gloria (Seiwert) Aja, with whom he shared 71 wonderful years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his devoted sons: Joseph Aja and his significant other, Julie Campbell; Michael Aja, MD and his wife, Barbara (DeBruyn); Daniel Aja, DVM and his wife, Shannon (Dolan); and Thomas Aja, CPA and his wife, Judy (Cairnduff), CPA, and Rhonda Aja.

He is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Jessica (Aja) and Mike Filicicchia; Nicholas and Sara (Pfeiffer) Aja, PharmD; Emily Aja and her husband, Kris Kojian; Alec and Mamie Aja; Hayley Aja; and Meredith Aja.

He was the cherished great-grandfather of Evelyn, Henry, and Chloe Aja; Glorya, Ransom, and Immanuel Filicicchia; and Marin and Miles Aja. He will be deeply missed by his entire family and all who knew him. Services are private. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the Traverse City Junior Golf Association. His family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service. www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.