Jesus "Chuy" Terrazas Jr.

Jesus “Chuy” Terrazas, Jr. beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on March 7, 2012. Chuy was a life long resident of El Paso, Texas born on October 9, 1933 and was preceded in death by his parents Jesus R. Terrazas and Francisca Marquez Terrazas. He graduated from Bowie High School with honors and received a music scholarship to attend Hardin-Simmons University where he traveled with the world famous Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band on Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidential campaign train throughout the United States. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and traveled extensively with the Special Services Army Band. Following his love of music, upon returning to El Paso he formed and led the “Chuy Terrazas Orchestra” for several decades.

A passionate educator and student of life, Terrazas received a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Texas Western College. His career began as a school teacher and band director. He later became a staff psychologist with Texas Rehabilitation Commission and taught Psychology with the El Paso Community College. In 1991 he was elected as a City Councilman serving four consecutive terms under mayors Tilney, Francis, and Ramirez. With a never-ending drive to empower others and serve his community he taught Cognitive Training and Anger Management at the Jesus “Chuy” Terrazas Center For Human Development through 2011. The golden rule, respect, kindness, compassion, faith, and always pursuing one’s dreams formed the foundation of what he taught and how he lived.

He is survived by his wife Rosa Anchondo Terrazas, his high school sweetheart who he married in 1957. He was a loving father to his two daughters Dr. Rosa Maria Terrazas-Montamat (husband Dr. Stephen Montamat), and Romelia, and son Jesus “Chuyito” Terrazas. Grandchildren are Marissa & Renee Montamat, and Nicolas & Isabella Terrazas. Also surviving are his six brothers: Gilbert (Ruth), Frank, Salvador, Johnny (Lucy), Manny (Carmen), Eddie, and three sisters: Isabel Crowell (John), Maggie Najera (Manny), and Cecilia Cobos (Manny).

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the Rosary at 7:00 pm at Del Angel Martin Central Funeral Home, 3839 Montana. Mass will be at 9:45am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 2709 Alabama, on Friday March 16, followed by a service at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 am. Chuy’s six brothers will serve as pallbearers. His son, grandson, son-in-law, and brothers-in-law will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to: “The Mighty Bowie Bear Scholarship Fund,” established in honor of Chuy Terrazas Jr. Address: Bowie High School – Attn: Business Office, 801 South San Marcial El Paso, TX 79905

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, El Paso, TX.