Jose "Joe" Garcia

Joe is survived by and missed by his loving wife of 64 years, Gloria (nee’ Cruz); and his children Joseph (Toni), Veronica (Edward), and Philip (Emily). Forever cherished and remembered by his four grandchildren Nicolas, Alex, Sebastian, and Mia. Loved and missed by his siblings Guadalupe Alaquinez, Rosa Chandler, and Alex Chandler and their families. His memory will be forever etched into the hearts of Gloria’s brothers, sisters, and their families.

Joe was born in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Santos García and Guadalupe Balle. He grew up in San Antonio, graduating from Brackenridge High School in 1958. While a junior at Brackenridge, Joe enlisted in the Texas National Guard, and entered active duty in the US Army shortly thereafter. Upon his graduation from high school, he married his beloved, Gloria.

He served 7 years enlisted prior to attending and graduating from Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA, in 1965. After graduating from Airborne School, and the US Army Language School, Joe deployed to South Vietnam and was assigned as an advisor to a South Vietnamese infantry unit in 1966. As a First Lieutenant, Joe served with distinction, earning the Bronze Star for heroic service in a combat zone. After his return from Vietnam in 1967, Joe ascended through the ranks as an officer, serving at posts throughout the United States and overseas. He completed more than 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Major in 1980.

Upon his retirement from the Army, Joe became the Business Manager of Laredo State University, which joined the Texas A&M University System as Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in 1993. Joe served TAMIU for 30 years.

He would serve in several leadership positions, notably as Vice President of Finance and Administration, where he oversaw the University’s primary construction of Phases I – IV. Joe served as Interim President in 1996, shepherding TAMIU through a difficult transition. Many have benefited from programs and systems that he put in place.

He served on numerous Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board committees and as president of the Texas Association of State Senior College & University Business Officers, president of the Southern Association of College & University Business Officers, and on the Board of Directors of the National Association of College & University Business Officers.

Upon his retirement, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents designated him as Vice President Emeritus, Finance and Administration. After his retirement, he would go on to serve as Special Assistant to the President at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where he and wife Gloria relocated -- while also serving as interim vice president for Finance and Administration at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

A former president of United Way of Laredo, Laredo Kiwanis Club and Lt. Gov. of Division 26, Texas-Oklahoma District, Kiwanis International, he was a member of the Laredo Development Foundation, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, Laredo Chamber of Commerce Board, and founding member of Laredo’s BorderFest.

García obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Columbus State University and was a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program, LBJ School of Public Affairs, and The University of Texas.

ROSARYWEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 20237:00 PMPORTER LORING CHAPEL1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE 78212

PROCESSIONTHURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 20238:00 AMPORTER LORING CHAPEL

MASSTHURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 20238:30 AMIMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH617 S SANTA ROSA AVE 78204

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JOSE “JOE” GARCIA TAMIU STEM SCHOLARSHIP