Juan Jesus Martinez, Jr. entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 26, 2020 in Corpus Christi, Texas at the age of 83. He was born on December 24, 1936 to Juan D. Martinez, Sr. and Lilia Hinojosa Martinez in Falfurrias, Texas.
Juan started his first job at Gardner Chevrolet in the late 1940’s sweeping floors at the young age of 12. It was there that he painted his first car at the age of 13. After working several years for Mr. Gardner, Juan left his hometown to serve his country in the Army during the years of 1955, ’56 and ’57. While in the military, he was chosen in Hawaii for the All-Army Rifle Team. He returned home and married the love his life, Elva, on December 18, 1959. Also, upon returning from the army he continued to work as a car body-man at Gardner Chevrolet until the early 1970’s. In 1974 Juan began to work at Mobil La Gloria Gas Plant as an Operator until retiring in 1996. In the late 1970’s Juan also served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4 in Brooks County, Texas. An avid hunter and fisherman, Juan also worked as a hunting guide managing several hunting camps in the 1970’s and 80’s throughout the Encino, Texas area. He also served his community as an Alderman for the Falfurrias City Council and was a proud member of the Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department.
Juan enjoyed cooking for family and friends, and treasured a good conversation. He had a passion for photography and will be remembered by the many, many boxes of photos he left behind.
Juan’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved spending as much time as he could with them. He always made sure to surround himself with loved ones.
Juan was reunited in Heaven with his parents, many relatives and dear friends.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Elva G. Martinez of Falfurrias; son, Lamar David (Pat) Martinez, Sr. of Kingsville, Texas; daughter, Paula Lillie Martinez of Falfurrias; sisters, Grace (Rene) Vela of Corpus Christi and Diana (Isauro) Trevino of Falfurrias; three grandchildren, Lamar David Martinez, Jr. of Falfurrias, Candace M. (David) Nichols of Corpus Christi and Catarina Rae Tamez of Austin, Texas; step-grandson, RJ (Brynda) Pena of Corpus Christi; four step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Rosary will be recited at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the Funeraria del Angel Howard-Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Maximum of 50 guests will be allowed and services will be livestreamed at www.FunerariaDelAngelHWilliams.com.
