Joe Jackson -- Alert and Cracking Jokes After Stroke, Heart Attacks

Joe Jackson is doing well after a series of medical emergencies ... so well he's cracking jokes in his hospital bed.

A Jackson family rep tells TMZ ... Joe's speech is not impaired and his vision is restored. As we reported, a artery burst behind his eye, causing temporary blindness and possibly triggering a stroke.

Joe says he's aware how close to death he was and is grateful to be alive.

As TMZ first reported, in addition to the stroke ... Jackson suffered three heart attacks while he was hospitalized and his heart actually stopped for 10 seconds. He had a pacemaker implanted.