José de Jesús Vega

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José Vega Obituary

José de Jesús Vega, a leader in the Hispanic academic and religious community for over sixty years, Dr. José de Jesús Vega died on October 23, 2006 at the age of 95 from complications arising from Parkinsons. Born in Mexico and most known in Arizona for his scholarship and activism, Dr. Vega was the author of various books and articles on Mexican history and culture - including a weekly series for several years in the Spanish-language Prensa Hispana. He received numerous recognitions for his work, including Arizona's Profiles of Achievement, Historian of the Millennium Award in 1999; and the Director's Award from the Arizona chapter of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) in 1990. Dr. Vega received his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and taught at Arizona State University and Phoenix College for many years until his retirement in 1976. While at Phoenix College he inaugurated academic study tours to Mexico and organized some of the earliest academic conferences focusing on the then-blossoming Chicano Movement. Dr. Vega also served as vicar for San Pablo Episcopal Mission Church for several years, building a vibrant spiritual community in that Phoenix parish. Together with his wife, María Luisa Vega, Dr. Vega was a pioneer in Latino civil rights. In 1951, he was recognized by Time Magazine for his work in establishing child care - including medical services - or children of migrant workers in Texas. In 2002, the newest public elementary school in McKinney, Texas was inaugurated and named 'Jose and Maria Vega Elementary' in recognition of their contributions. He is survived by his wife María Luisa, his three sons José de Jesús, Jr. (Krystyna); Luis Alfonso (Paula); and Carlos Alberto - together with four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A vigil will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuaries, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, Arizona [602-249-2111]. The Bishop of Arizona, the Rt. Reverend Kirk Smith, will celebrate a service of thanksgiving for his life on Saturday 28 October 2006 at 10 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Oct. 26 to Oct. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for José Vega

8 Entries

Saul Saulson

November 14, 2006

I got to know Dr. Vega when I went to Central High with Carlos, and then was privileged to be invited to go with him to tour Mexico. I have many memories of the trip as well as visiting with him at home, helping to redecorate the house while he was out of town, helping to rescue his newly-printed copies of his book Nuestra America (mine is still in my bookcase) from a flood, and meeting his plane from Peru at an outdoor terminal in the pouring rain. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Vega, Carlos, and the rest of the family.

Roy Almansa Romo

November 12, 2006

I remember Mr.& Mrs. Vega from my years as a student at Phoenix Union High School.
I remember how very gracious they both were and how I had great respect for them both.

Señora Vega,
La acompaño en su sentimiento !

Roy Almansa Romo

Heidi McDonald

November 1, 2006

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Vega. He was a wonderful man.

Lorraine Cripps

October 29, 2006

Dr. Vega has a very special place in my bank of memories. He was a historian par excellence and helped me understand and love the history of Mexico first through his classes at Phoenix College and even more extensively as a tour guide on one of his Mexican train trips. He packed more history and more enthusiasm in the adventures he took us on than anyone could ever imagine, and it was an experience I will NEVER forget. The graciousness of his wonderful wife Maria during the Mexico trip will not be forgotten either. I have the greatest respect for the accomplishments of these two wonderful people. My condolences to Maria and the rest of the family who will certainly miss their husband and father. We were all very lucky to have known this great man.

Richard Cadriel

October 28, 2006

The Cadriel family extends its sympathy to the Vega family. Your family was a big part of our family as we carpooled together when we were kids in elementary school in the Phoenix area. Greetings to Sra. Vega, Joe, Luis, and Charlie from Pearl, Richard, and Patsy.

October 28, 2006

Our
sympathies go out to the Vega family. Special prayers to Laura, for the
loss of her Grandfather. May God help ease your sorrows, Skip & Deb
Haas

John and Carolyn

October 27, 2006

Carlos, With heart felt sympathy, Carolyn's and my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. John and Carolyn

Teresa Valdez

October 26, 2006

My deepest condolences to the entire Vega family, especially Sra. Vega, who holds a very dear space in my heart for many years. May Gods love help you find peace.

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