June 25, 2020.
José grew up in Superior, Arizona, where he developed lifelong friendships. His commitment to
his hometown was recognized through his induction into the Superior Hall of Fame in 2017. He
was an Army Veteran - an Airborne Ranger (Ranger Class no.8, 1964, Fort Benning, Georgia).
After graduating with a BA in 1962 and an MA in 1970, he affirmed a family commitment to
Arizona State University that runs deep. He still drove a 1969 Ford Bronco he bought new. He
rebuilt jeeps, could fix anything, was an avid hunter/fisherman, and loved going ‘out to the
sticks’ for camping or hiking. He hiked the Grand Canyon four times; once with his son
rim-to-rim in one day.
He was a lifelong educator and unapologetic supporter of education as the change agent for
students. He started as a middle school teacher at Scottsdale’s Tavan Junior High School and
with a commitment to higher education served as a History faculty member at Mesa Community
College from 1971 to 1996 when he retired.
José loved teaching class and only missed one class session in his career. In 1986, he and two
colleagues started an international education trip to Guanajuato, Mexico, mostly due to his love
for travel, adventure, and to teach students about Mexican History. He fought for diversity and
inclusion and helped establish representation goals for faculty diversity at Mesa Community
College.
José is survived by his wife of 55 years, Teresa Jorquez Torres, his three children, María
(Juan), Jose (Sylvia), and Tamara (Chris), seven grandsons Diego, Mateo, José Fernando,
Agustín, Maximino, Gavin, Aiden and his favorite granddaughter, Solana. He is also survived
by his sister Armida Torres Sainz and his brother Manuel Torres. He is preceded in death by his
beloved family members Lazaro Lomeli Torres (father), Flavia Macias Torres (mother), and
Otilia Torres Gonzalez (sister).
To honor his demonstrated and unwavering advocacy for education, the family established the
José I Torres Memorial Scholarship to support first generation Latinx students at the Maricopa
Community Colleges through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.
Donations can be made at https://mcccdf.org/give/ (under Designation tab please select "Other" and type in José I. Torres Memorial Scholarship) or donate by check to Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation 2419 West 14th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 (payable to: MCCF).
In addition, during his long time battle with Parkinson’s Disease he benefited from and
supported many organizations such as the Michael J Fox Foundation (501c3).
https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/baehrchallenge/Donate
The family appreciates donations to support these non-profit efforts.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18