George Joestar I

George Joestar is a minor character appearing in the manga JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, by Hirohiko Araki.

Synopsis
George Joestar is Jonathan Joestar's father. He lost his wife Mary Joestar in a carriage accident where he met Dario Brando. After Dario's death, Dario's son Dio went to live with George and Jonathan at the Joestar Estate, because George thinks Dario saved his life (he incorrectly believes this for much of his life, though understands this to some extent, yet still honors Dario by taking in his child). Eight years later, George was struck ill. Jonathan suspected Dio of poisoning his father, and set out to Ogre Street for proof and to find a cure. When Jonathan returned proven correct, the two rivals had a confrontation. In Dio's attempt to stab  Jonathan, George acted as a human shield and was stabbed in the back. George's blood, which had splashed onto the mask, had caused Dio to change into a vampire. George died nestled in Jonathan's hold, commenting that "it isn't so bad to die in your son's arms".

Steel Ball Run


George Joestar I's counterpart in Steel Ball Run is an acclaimed horse trainer who had won the Triple Crown seven times and shares his name, but not his personality traits. Johnny's father is far more strict and severe with his sons, and even shamelessly favors his elder son Nicholas over his younger son.

Like his original universe counterpart, George reconciles with Johnny in the end, bringing Nicholas' boots as he watches Johnny finish the race in New York. He gives a speech about his mistreatment of Johnny and how proud he was of Johnny for making it across the United States. His fate is unknown at the conclusion of the race, but it is presumed that he survived.

Trivia

 * If "George" is considered to be pronounced with a "jo" in its first syllable, George Joestar may be considered the earliest known JoJo to date (in both timelines).