Peter James Gonzalez

Peter James Gonzalez, 21, was born in San Antonio, Texas. While his work here is done and his mission complete we take great comfort knowing he is reunited with his great grandfather, Frank Esquivel; his grandmother, Nina Esquivel and his beloved uncle Ret. Maj. Enrique Guerrero, Jr. who served as his mentor and friend. They shared a love for the military among many other things.

James grew up surrounded by love and was a happy and healthy child who explored all life has to offer. As a baby, he won a baby contest and was carried in his mothers arms across the stage with his crown, cape and scepter. It was very much how his mother carried him in her heart- he was her prince. His passion for learning gave us many years of dinosaurs- as he loved to read about them, go see them in museums or dig up fossils in the back yard. He would tell anyone who would listen all about them and include the fact that he was going to be a paleontologist.

As a young adolescent Star Wars and Legos were arguably one of his favorite pastimes. James trained in martial arts and could break a board so clean he earned the nickname “little Bruce” as his instructor said he not only was a future black belt but he looked like Bruce Lee too.

James attended school in the Alamo Heights school district. While in junior high he played percussion in the band. He especially loved playing the tippany drums. Ever the musician James took piano lessons, then taught himself to play the guitar. He became so musically inclined that he went on to teach his baby sister Olivia to play guitar as well.

During this time in his life he showcased his tenacity as he went on to establish a lucrative lawn mowing business that went on well into his high school years. With determination at the forefront he worked hard to earn a JROTC letterman jacket as a freshman in high school. He could be described as the quiet and shy type but when it came to challenges, James was ready to go and meet them. This led him to the front door of the superintendent of Alamo Height school district. When the superintendent opened his door he heard, “Hello I’m Peter Gonzalez and I’m selling these cards for our Alamo Heights ROTC fundraiser” to which the superintendent replied, “Son, do you know who I am?” James brave and respectful response was, “yes sir, you are the superintendent of Alamo Heights, how many cards would you like to buy today?” He sold him 4 cards that day. James wore that letterman jacket with pride. Peter James was never comfortable just waiting, he was always seeking new things to learn and do. He enjoyed learning about investing and the stock markets, video gaming, magic, card games and tricks. He was so crafty and skilled that oftentimes his card tricks would leave us scratching our heads.

He thrived on his time spent with family and friends. James had a heart that was big and kind, he was never one not to express his gratitude to his family and teachers who believed in him and helped him along the way. We often wondered why James wasn’t captain of the debate team. He would smile when we told him he should be a trial attorney- he did not like to see injustices in the world. He loved intellectual conversations, yet always managed to keep his wonderful sense of humor.

Who he was to us was beauty, he brought a smile to your face no matter the mood he found you in. Maybe he would do a funny Nacho Libre impression that would make us laugh out loud or tell you an inside joke that he knew would do the trick. If you were blessed enough you might come home after a long day to find he made you one of his delicious homemade chicken pot pies. If you were sick, he would bring you soup, read to you or help you find a good movie to watch while he went to pick up your medicine. He was love.

As most young men do he loved cars and motorcycles. He liked working on all things mechanical and electrical. Perhaps that’s why he was such a great biomedical technician. We got to see his talents first hand as he repaired his car by himself after it had been damaged by a hit and run driver- we were impressed.

After completing boot camp he finally learned how to make his bed. Or did he? “Beasts don’t Make Beds” FLT 48. Yet, there he was, A-flight guide Gonzalez leading his flight on the graduation field, making his momma proud. A dedicated airman, he was excelling in his Air Force career as a BMET and well liked by his peers. He was so happy when he took over the “snack bar” responsibility at his work. And who could forget him volunteering for a job no one wanted where he got to meet the Chief of Staff and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. A happy moment that earned him a much coveted coin. You can believe that coin took first place among the many other coins he earned while enlisted. Small victories that we celebrated every chance we got.

James also had a new and blossoming relationship with his beloved Daniella. She brought him joy in his last days here and they enjoyed sharing time together talking about their Air Force future. Ever the philanthropist, James also helped raise money for a family in need during the COVID pandemic and had volunteered throughout his life at places such as the JCC, Hientz School, SAMMs shelter, and the Humane Society. His gift of serving others will continue as even in death he helped families in need by being an organ donor. He was lovingly saluted during his honor walk by the staff and surrounding military family at the hospital.

Finally, the thing James might be most proud of was his fur baby Bear. He rescued him from a U-Haul parking lot and vowed to love and care for that beautiful little puppy all shiny and black. Bear grew to be such a lovable and well behaved dog. James even taught him to say “I Love You.” Everyone who meets Bear cant help but love him, much like his owner- a reflection of James and how he raised him.

How fortunate are we to have known this young man Peter James Gonzalez, a beautiful soul who never hestitated to help those in need. The love and light that shined from him will live in our hearts and our world will always be darker without him.

James leaves behind his mother, Gina Nelson and husband Schuyler, with sisters, Olivia and Catherine; father, Pete Gonzalez and wife Debbie, with siblings Peyton, Pilot and Penley; grandparents; loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends who will miss him forever, like the stars miss the sun in the morning sky.

If you choose not to send flowers, he would be happy to know you reached out to help someone in need, be it a human soul or a furry friend.

He was the definition of love in the best way possible. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above”

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

PROCESSION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

9:30 A.M.

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

MASS

10:00 A.M.

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL

Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

A recording of his service from Wednesday, December 16, 2020, is available below: