Jose Antonio Medina

1948 - 2021

Jose Antonio Medina obituary, 1948-2021, El Paso, TX

Jose Antonio Medina

1948 - 2021

BORN

1948

DIED

2021

Jose Medina Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 19 to May 23, 2021.
Jose Antonio Medina

El Paso - Jose Antonio Medina, 72 passed away Friday April 30, 2021. He was born May 03, 1948 to Mercedes Aguayo and Jose Medina. Although born in Mexico, he always considered himself a life-long El Pasoan.

He was the loving father of Diego Medina and Victor Medina.

He is survived by his wife Maila Garza, his sisters Queta Dominquez, Rosa Radspinner, Norma Williams, his Brother Jorge Terrazas, and his granddaughter Taryn Medina.

As a civil rights leader in the community, Jose was a true champion of the people, and he worked tirelessly to ensure all people had a voice. As the president of MEChA, he worked closely with other student unions at The University of Texas at El Paso to ensure fair wages and equal representation. Referred to by his fellow Alpha Betas lovingly as "Mad-dog," he was often seen helping others, organizing protests, and discussing politics with friends around a dinner table.

As an attorney, Jose worked in immigration and wrongful discharge. Continuing his pursuit of justice and accountability, he helped people make the transition to America, and helped those who have been wronged find retribution.

In his later years, he helped with the Save Duranguito movement, worked as a volunteer band parent, and spoke about the importance of being involved in your community and government.

Never one to deny a friend in need, Jose was often found working late into the night folding church pamphlets, making flyers, and writing briefs and proposals.

Also known to bark like a dog from time to time, when asked why he is so crazy, he used to simply reply, "I've never been accused of being sane."






José Antonio Medina, de 72 años, falleció el viernes 30 de abril del 2021. Nació el 3 de mayo de 1948, hijo de Mercedes Aguayo y José Medina. Aunque nació en México, siempre se consideró un Paseño de toda la vida. Fue el padre amoroso de Diego Medina y Víctor Medina. Le sobreviven su esposa Maila Garza, sus hermanas Queta Dominquez, Rosa Radspinner, Norma Williams, su hermano Jorge Terrazas y su nieta Taryn Medina. Como líder de derechos civiles en la comunidad, José fue un verdadero defensor del pueblo y trabajó incansablemente para asegurar que todas las personas tuvieran voz. Como presidente de MEChA, trabajó en estrecha colaboración con otros sindicatos de estudiantes en la Universidad de Texas en El Paso para garantizar salarios justos y representación equitativa. Sus compañeros Alpha Betas lo llamaban amorosamente ""Maddog"", y a menudo se le veía ayudando a otros, organizando protestas y hablando de política con amigos alrededor de una mesa. Como abogado, José trabajó en inmigración y despido injustificado. Continuando con su búsqueda de la justicia y la rendición de cuentas, ayudó a las personas a hacer la transición a Estados Unidos y ayudó a aquellos que han sido perjudicados a encontrar represalias. En sus últimos años, ayudó con el movimiento Save Duranguito, trabajó como padre de banda voluntario y habló sobre la importancia de estar involucrado en su comunidad y gobierno. Nunca alguien que negara a un amigo necesitado, a menudo se encontraba a José trabajando hasta altas horas de la noche doblando folletos de la iglesia, haciendo volantes y escribiendo informes y propuestas. Perro de vez en cuando, cuando se le preguntaba por qué estaba tan loco, solía contestar simplemente: "Nunca me han acusado de estar cuerdo".

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

Sign Jose Medina's Guest Book

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December 2, 2023

Estevan Flores, PhD posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2021

Laura Biggs posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2021

Irma Camacho posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Estevan Flores, PhD

December 2, 2023

To Jose Medina family, I just found out about Jose´s death, and I´m very saddened at his passing. A common friend of ours, Raul Armendariz, who knew him in college, is reading a chapter in my autobiography and saw Jose´s name, and said, I know that character. Jose played a very important role in my life as we both took on the state of Texas in the Doe v Plyler case which we won, all the way to the US Supreme Court in 1982. In fact, I wrote the report, Exhibit 219, which was submitted to the Houston federal District Court during the case, and Jose kept me up till 4 AM until I finished the report. He did so by telling me bad jokes that I had to laugh at, but he kept me awake.
Jose had a great heart and we last visited here in Denver some six or seven years ago. We reminisced late into the night, but we just didn´t keep up our contact.
The World has lost a peaceful warrior who gave so much to this world, his family, his friends, and his community. He lives in on in our hearts. May he rest in peace and power, and bark at us from above. Jose Medina, PRESENTE!

Laura Biggs

May 24, 2021

My condolences. I remember him from the Alpha Beta events while at UTEP. May he Rest In Peace

Irma Camacho

May 24, 2021

Joe was an inspirational leader at MEChA, UTEP. It was an honor to work with him on Chicanx initiatives both on campus and in the community. I will also remember his good nature and sense humor. As a social justice advocate, he will be missed. I am proud to have known Joe. May he rest in peace.

Raul Armendariz

May 22, 2021

I knew Joe from our days at Austin High School and then UTEP. Mad Dog was the appropriate name because he had such passion, intensity and unconditional commitment to the underserved in El Paso and other places. He also had a marvelous sense of humor and he made me laugh many times. A true warrior that will be missed. My condolences to his family. Peace,

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Sign Jose Medina's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 2, 2023

Estevan Flores, PhD posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2021

Laura Biggs posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2021

Irma Camacho posted to the memorial.