Founder of JBL passes away

[captain]

Joseph Benjamin Lamonica passed away on Monday January 23, 2005 at his home in Carson City Nevada. He had been in failing heath for some time. He was 74 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years and three sons.

JBL, the company he founded was noted for a very fine line of spear guns, which were originally marketed by Voit, later Mares and for the past 20 + years by JBL. The company was sold about a year ago, but continues under the JBL banner.

In his younger days Joe was an avid spear fisherman. In his later days he was a world class "adventure traveler."

Some of you may recall the article in the now defunct Discover Diving Magazine about Joe and JBL titled "The Man with the golden Gun." It presented a little history of Joe, his company but was directed towards the serialized gold plated 25th anniversary edition of his very popular "Sawed off Magnum" Spear gun. Only a few were made and presented at that time to diving notables of that era.
Joe Lamonica, diver,spear fisherman, inventor gone at the age of 74.

 

[ONESPEED]

R.I.P. I've had a "Sawed Off Magnum" for years ( I think almost twenty?) that still works like a charm. He built a great gun for the money.

 

[JustinW]

Joe, Thank you for your genius and for your contribution to the sport. I hope you have wireless internet access in Heaven.

 

[daniel f aleman]

I have a JBL Shotgun as well - I eat what I catch.

 

[JustAddWater]

I hunt most often with my JBL 38 Special. Except for occaisional broken shafts it has been very dependable. Now I know what JBL stands for. RIP

 

[rigdiver]

JBL guns are workhorses. I've used several over the years and they are dependable. Met Joe many years ago @ DEMA. He was a breath of fresh air even at an advanced age.
Stoned a 94lb Cubera snapper with a 450 magnum. Took out a 7' bull shark with the same gun. Put a 91lb AJ in the boat with the same gun. JBL guns last and last and last. I know people with guns made by JBL over 2o yrs old.
Bill