Jose Burnias

Jose Burnias Jr. passed on October 11, 2026, he was 83 years old. Born on May 8, 1943 in Weslaco Texas. Jose lived a long and fulfilling life filled with pride and determination. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Many knew him as ‘Mexican Joe’ the agricultural crew-leader; the respected farm worker who quickly started building his legacy when he purchased his first brand new GMC truck in 1974. With a vision and a hunger to succeed, his passion turned this ordinary street truck into a Grain Trailer that would also be used to harvest rice, cotton seeds, fruits and vegetables. It was then and there that he penned Mexican Joe where one truck turned into six and his recognition and respect came quickly from his beloved people of South Texas.

This legacy was built alongside his four sons, whom he is survived by today, Jose Burnias III, Ricardo Burnias, Michael Angel Burnias and Mark Anthony Burnias. Days would start by getting up before the sun and end by staying up late till the last harvest was loaded. A determined father desperately trying to show his children the way of life – he taught each one how to drive his trucks. Giving each one of them a gift they will forever be grateful for. Jose not only taught his boys the value of working, but what it meant to get back up again the next day to work those calloused hands. It is through his four boys that this foundation he built will continue to live on in his memory.

Jose is survived by his wife of 25 years, Amalia Maganas Burnias and her two children Nancy and Jose Jesus Perez. (Preceded in death by her oldest † Cynthia Marie Perez; Jose and Cindy carried a bond with each other that was so special and irreplaceable) Throughout these last years of his life, Jose was often found selling fruits and vegetables in fruit markets around the Rio Grande Valley. This was a pastime that he enjoyed and quickly turned into collecting rare items such as handmade, iron-made collectables. He saw the value in things because he knew the value of making a dollar. He knew what it was to provide for a family and put food on the table.

From his humble beginnings came an extended life of pride, love, happiness and family. His life and memory will live on through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren – whom all so dearly adored him. Memories they carry of early mornings watching grandpa get ready for a day out in the fields. Jumping into his truck to spend the day with him selling fruit at flea-markets and getting to spend a little of grandpa’s profits on coloring books and toys. Relaxing on a quiet Sunday morning, eating sweet bread with him while watching him carefully sip a nice hot cup of coffee. These are the memories that will be carried and cherished for as long as possible. 24 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren withhold the quality of his life’s work and the sacrifice that made it worth it. Memories that will be multiplied as the years go by and shared alongside the remembrance of their dear grandmother † Yolanda Jasso Burnias (by whom he is also preceded in death).

Jose is preceded in death by his mother † Angela Garcia Hernandez, whom he dearly adored and would often fill her grave with flowers and sit at her tombstone telling her how much he missed her. It was in these times when you would no longer see a grown man but a child weeping for his mother – something that is so rare and intimate. His heart was so big that it wasn’t easy to live life without reminiscing on the good ol’ days. He would regularly share dreams he would have about his brother, † Eliberto ‘Chacho’ Hernandez, by whom he is also preceded in death. With a smile on his face and a glimmer in his eye, Jose would sit and remember of the times he spent with his siblings (Frances ‘Panchie’ Salinas, Roberto ‘Rove’ Hernandez, † Paulita ‘Huicha’ Rivera, Manuel ‘Meño’ Hernandez, Rogelio ‘Roy’ Hernandez, Javier ‘Jito’ Hernandez, † Orfelinda ‘Orfe’ Ipiña and Armando Hernandez). This unconditional love would show until his last days when his sister would constantly show up to his bedside. Panchie would often show up to hold his hand and keep him company. She would share conchas and empanadas with him and wipe the crumbs away from the corners of his lips. An inevitable truth of losing a loved one would be fought till the end of his days.

In the 83 years of his life Jose was able to accomplish so much. It wasn’t always a smooth road to travel on, but he kept moving forward and didn’t allow any trials and tribulations to hold him back. This is only but a portion of a life story that will forever be cherished and talked about. His voice will always echo on, and his laughter will forever be missed. Mexican Joe, until we meet again your memory will keep rolling on.