Name: Visitation for Jose Maria Martinez Jr.
Start: 2017-01-27T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-01-28T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery

Jose Maria Martinez Jr.

Corpus Christi, TX

Jose Maria Martinez, Jr., 82, of Corpus Christi, Texas, entered his eternal rest on January 30, 2017 surrounded by his family and their love and prayers. Jose was born April 6, 1934 on a farm, in Cruz Calle, Texas. He was the seventh child born to Jose Maria, Sr. and Gregoria Guerrero Martinez.

"Choma" or "Joe" as he was affectionately known by family and friends, lived life with a simple purpose. He learned the value of hard work from his years on the family farm. He met the love of his life Guadalupe (Lupe), on a school bus, while attending Premont High School, and together they raised four girls and two boys. Family was the cornerstone of his greatest achievement and legacy.

Joe devoted 39 years of continuous service with the Corpus Christi Army Depot. He also sold real estate throughout his life and took great pride in helping first-time homebuyers. Interacting and meeting with people was one of his greatest assets. Joe's free spirit could light up a room at any given time. He looked forward to dancing, listening to music, and socializing with family and friends. He had a passion for the Dallas Cowboys that made organizing football pots worth the risk.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Guadalupe Rodriguez Martinez of 63 years, his children: Olga Garza of Corpus Christi, Mary Lou Gonzalez of San Antonio, Annie Martinez of Dallas, Joseph Martinez, Robert (Elaine) Martinez of Corpus Christi, and his sister Natividad Martinez of Premont. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Melissa Valenzuela, Leo Garza, Christina Gonzalez, Andrea Gonzalez, Orion Martinez and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Irma (Mimi) Martinez, his parents, brothers; Eloy, Luis, Juan, Laurence, Roosevelt Martinez, and sister; Esperanza Martinez Sanchez.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Your condolence can be offered at www.memorygardensfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times from Feb. 2 to Feb. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jose Martinez

Sponsored by Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery.

13 Entries

Annie Martinez

September 25, 2017

There has been nothing in my life harder than saying goodbye to Dad. As difficult as the approaching reality was, I could have never been prepared for his loss.

His influence on my life was immense, and the special bond between my Father and I will be something I cherish for the rest of my life. The wisdom and love he shared and imparted, the examples he set for all of us were the qualities of a loving Father, husband, and true head of household.

Dad had principles. He was always respectful of others and taught us that very lesson. Little things, small acts of kindness, silly little gestures like laughing at his own jokes, will be the things I remember. Mostly, I will remember Dad as an extremely proud, kind hearted person who gave of himself generously and never expected anything in return. Dad was someone who left an impression on all who met him.

Dad took so much pride in everything we did or achieved. He was quick to brag about our accomplishments. We always knew that whatever we attempted in life, Dad was always there to support us and cheer us on. Through good and bad, I always knew Dad was there for anything life threw our way. He was a trooper and a beacon for us all.

I will carry my love, respect and admiration for Dad throughout the rest of my life. Life without him will never be the same. But I will always have the memory of a Father and daughter's bond to hold on to, until we are together again. Someone as special as Dad can never be forgotten.

I miss you Dad,
Annie

September 24, 2017

In Loving Memory of Our Dad~

He never looked for praises,
He was never one to boast,
He just went on quietly working,
For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken,
His wants were very few,
And most of the time his worries,
Went unspoken too.

He was there--A firm foundation,
Through all our storms of life,
A sturdy hand to hold on to,
In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to,
When times were good or bad,
One of our greatest blessings,
The man that we called Dad.

Love,
Olga, Lulu, Annie, Joey, and Robert

August 20, 2017

DAD,
You are--
~pride in a hard day's work.
~the world's best realtor.
~a jokester.
~a devoted Democrat.
~Thanksgiving without turkey.
~the spinning, stomping, and dancing of a Mexican polka.
~a proud father.
~the hot sauce in all your food.
~as handsome as can be in a tie and suit.
~pride in every child, grandchild, and great grandchild.
~the encouragement that we feel.
~the devotion of a true Dallas Cowboy fan.
~the grito (yell) during a favorite Mexican song.
~the homemade potato and egg taco for breakfast.
~homemade tortillas at every meal.
~a celebration of holidays and party gatherings.
~the scrunching-face pill swallower.
~the sweetness in candy Orange Slices.
~an expert at organizing football pots.
~a Christmas tin of peanut brittle.
~the smell of fresh rain irrigating the lawn.
~a nap before the six o'clock news.
~a Serrano chili pepper with every bite.
~not a complainer, unless Mom was spending money.
~an occasional swear word in Spanish.
~the smell of Old Spice aftershave.
~the sound of sniffles when watching a heart-felt movie.
~the voices of an accordion by Tony De La Rosa's Conjunto.
~down to earth.
~the life of a party.
~a friend.
~a cup of coffee at mealtime.
~sensitive to other people's feelings.
~a smile on your face.
~a pristine 1965 white Chevrolet Impala.
~a hat wearing gentleman.
~warm fuzzy socks and a soft cuddly blanket at bedtime.
~a midnight glass of milk.
~the sound of your voice when the T.V. was too loud.
~the devotion to one true love.
~the piece of advice we will never forget.
~the source of our strength.
~a man who values earning vs. taking.
~a man who shows his love rather than speaks of love.

You are--
~our DAD, and we will remember you always.

In Loving Memory--your children,
Olga, Lulu, Annie, Joey, and Robert

Joseph Martinez

August 20, 2017

Dad always taught me that life's important mission was to work hard and to promise to always be there for your family. He raised us to be the best at whatever we chose to do in life.

I will always remember the times Dad and I spent driving to and from work. He loved telling corny jokes about the Dallas Cowboys to make the time go by a little faster. But as I look back, many of the conversations we had left an impression on my life, more than he'll ever know.

There are so many things that make me think of Dad, and the times we've spent together. With his hectic schedule, he found time to coach my little league sports teams. Dad might be surprised to know that one of my favorite memories of him was when he coached my baseball team. I remember when Dad was an announcer at my games; he loved taking advantage of having the microphone in front of him. As I came up to bat, he cheered me on and continued to coach me as I ran the bases. His words of encouragement gave me the confidence to improve my game.

Dad taught me a lot over the years. He taught me that everyday tasks like washing cars, polishing shoes, and mowing lawns were important. But through these, one of the greatest gifts he passed on to me was the value of a strong work ethic, and to make sure I developed good habits to help me get through life's biggest challenges.

I couldn't have asked for a better role model than Dad. I hope he is as proud of me as I was of him.

Dad, I will always miss you.
Joey

Mary Lou Gonzalez

July 17, 2017

Dad loved and lived life for his family! He always spoke highly of us and beamed with pride at our accomplishments. He was a PROUD father and gave us the very best in life.

Dad's life with us will always be remembered. He was a warm-hearted person always ready to help his family and friends. He was incredibly generous and offered our home and a warm meal to anyone in need. He also spent countless hours as a real estate agent, making it possible for first time home buyers to move into their new home. That was Dad; always an optimist, always willing to pitch in and do whatever was needed, all the time truly believing that things would work out in the end. He was the perfect gentleman to everyone he knew.

I will always remember Dad's strength during the toughest time in our family's life--losing a daughter, Mimi, while battling Leukemia. I saw this same strength as he handled other situations throughout our lives.

Dad loved the simple things in life: listening to music, gliding across the dance floor with mom, cracking a beer to celebrate a good day, or just looking out the window admiring the rain. Coincidentally, on the day of his burial, there was a torrential downpour. Being a practical joker, he probably loved watching us scramble around to find shelter to keep from getting wet. As we huddled together, I KNOW he was grinning from ear to ear and found it quite amusing!

Dad was the most incredible father. I thank him, along with Mom, for showing me a path in the right direction.

My dad will hold a special place in my heart. I love and miss him more than I can say.

Love you Dad,
Lulu

Andrea Gonzalez

July 17, 2017

Grandpa,

I will never forget the special moments we spent with you; watching football on TV, gathering around Grandma's beloved Christmas tree, and sharing holiday feasts (especially our favorite--the cranberries!) together.

Love you and thinking of your bright and shining smile always,

Andrea

Jim Tschoepe

February 7, 2017

Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Joe was well liked by everyone at CCAD. Our sincere condolences to your family. Tschoepe Family

Angela Cisneros

February 4, 2017

Our deepest condolences and prayers to your family. God be with you during this difficult time. - Viera Family

Maria Ramon

February 4, 2017

I you will always be in my heart and prayers Tio Jose. I love you. My you rest in peace in our Lords Kingdom.

Kathryn Joey Galvan

February 3, 2017

Uncle Choma, You were such a sweet and loving man. I will always remember you joking and working on your beautiful yard. You were just like my grandpa Juan- a hard worker. You will be missed and always loved. Please give my Grandpa Juan, Grandma Gloria, Uncle Johnny and cousin Marcus & other family members hugs and kisses. Please watch over our family.

Savannah Tagle

February 3, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the Martinez family at this difficult time. May the God of all comfort be near you.

February 2, 2017

Dear Annie, Our thoughts and sympathy are with you at this sad time. We know how close you were to your father, and recall your many loving comments about how helpful and supportive he was to you and the people in his life. He was a good man blessed with a very fine daughter. Please convey our regards and best wishes to your family.
Love, Jimmy and Carmen Clark

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results