My dear Brother Jim.  You have been heavily in my thoughts these last couple of weeks, thinking and remembering your last days with us.  I am so sorry that you were in discomfort those days.  I do so hope and believe that you are in a better place now, comfortable and devoid of pain, and again with our loved ones whom you referenced frequently in your last days with us.
     For us left behind, we are doing our best.  Vita and I communicate with Prapai on a regular basis.  And, we have arranged for a caregiver to visit and assist her at least once a month for a couple of hours, so she can have regular assistance in reviewing her mail, assistance in getting her prescriptions and doctor appointments filled and set, and some assistance and companionship with a few house chores.  Although she doesn't feel it necessary, Vita and I feel it important for her to have some regular communication (although minimal) with an outside companion.  I think Prapai is beginning to appreciate those visits and is becoming accustomed to them.  She visits your often and almost always on the 15th of the month.  We reminisce about our family reunion cruise, and she, you, and we all so enjoyed that family experience.
     Please continue to be the wind at her back.  She so misses you, but has been surprisingly strong in many respects.  We also employed a life alert program with an emergency wrist band and portable alarm for her when she is away from home.  This gives her some comfort and reassurance as well.  
     We so miss you, Jim.  God Bless you.  Pray for us, as we pray for you, Ted, Gordy, Mom, Dad, Auntie, Uncle, Janie and all.  
    I send my love, until we all meet again.  Your Loving Sister Rose.

Hi Jim:

Just continuing my memory from yesterday.  I started to tell you about my book: "Twice in a Lifetime, and Then Some -- A Zest for Life".  I was in the midst of writing the book when I came to see you at Bamce before you left this earth a year ago January.  The book is a motivational, inspirational book, hoping to inspire persons suffering from serious illness to look for ways to build emotional strength within themselves. Having suffered cancer twice, I wanted to share my inspiration. I'm so sorry I was not able to share the finished book with you, since I only finished and published it in August after you died. 
 
But, I did include a chapter in the opening of the book describing how Dad escaped the Bataan Death March and was able to sneak through the jungle and bushes to see Mom at the house where you and she were staying.  I believe you were about 1-1/2 to 2 years old and were the only companion of Mom at the time.  I realize now why she was so close to you.  You and she shared a most frightening, memorable experience during that time.

I also talked about our cruise and shared in my book  your trials and experiences with Prapai as you both travelled from place to place, readjusting to different environments and cultures as you served our country  during your military career.

I again spoke of and honored you in my book by posting your obituary at the end of the book.  I showed Prapai the book and read the chapters to her.  She purchased three of the books to give to Newton, Tina next door and to a very special friend of hers who has been very helpful to her this last year.  She wants her friends to read about you and our family.

I will be calling Prapai again this evening (Friday).  We've decided that I would call her on Wednesdays and Fridays, and Vita will call her on Mondays and Thursdays; and any other days we wish to call.  

I know Prapai sends you her love and knows that someday you and she will be reunited again.

My love to you, Jim
Sis Rose  

My dear brother Jim.  How we miss you.  I recently visited Prapai for almost four weeks.  During that time, we visited you at the Fort Sam Houston International cemetery several times, at least 4 times a week.  Prapai and I also went to temple to celebrate "Tambong" for you , first on January 19, then again on Saturday, January 25 and February 1st.  We were not able to have the Tambong on Wednesday, January 15, because there was a big celebration for a recent death on that day, and the next available date was January 19.  I tried and successfully got Prapai to feel a little more optimistic about going to temple, since she realized that almost all the attendants at the Temple are also widows.  Prapai is doing as best she can, but misses you terribly and, of course has her moments of deep depression.  You must be the wind at her back, as I know you have been. 

Prepai reminisces about our family reunion cruise, and she has a Carnival Cruise beach towel, which reminds her of our great cruise.  She wants to visit New York, as she indicated to me that you and she had talked about coming to visit me in New York.  I so wish that you had voiced that desire to me, as I would have been so happy to help bring that desire to fruition.  Anyway, unfortunately, once we lose a loved one to this life, we, as survivors, must continue on and try to live an adjusted life as we live on.  Prapai looks forward to coming to California with me the next time I come to San Antonio, and even may consider coming to Hawaii when we go.  I hope that she really will come and join us.

Also, Vita and I are now calling Prapai weekly, each of us twice a week, to keep on top of her goings on.  She very appreciative to hear from us.  

I'll close for now.  Know that we are all doing our best to watch out for our lovely sister-in-law.  Continue to be the strong wind at her back.

I have good news about my book.  I included you and some family in the book.  Also, I included your obituary.  Love, Rose
 

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JIM is survived by his wife of 44 years, Prapai Villanueva, daughter Siripon Phoijai and son-in-law Rex, granddaughter Katherine and grandson Kevin; sister Jovita V. Downing and husband Barry, sister Rosie Q. Ryland, brother Manuel Q. Villanueva and wife Lucy, and sister-in-law Josefa Villanueva.  He is also survived by nephews Kenneth Gomez and wife Maria, Vincent Villanueva and wife Laura, nieces Kimberly Gomez, Deanna Villanueva, and Jennifer Villanueva; grandnephews Alec Fraser and Jonathan Gomez, and grandnieces Katharine Fraser and Malia Gomez.

OBITUARY

Jim Q. Villanueva

May 19, 1940 – January 15, 2019

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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