Elias James Garcia

It is with a heart full of joy and gratefulness, tinged with the sadness of farewell, that we announce the life of Elias James Garcia, a man whose humor could light up the darkest room. Elias, or as he preferred to be called by those who knew him best, stepped onto the grand stage of life on May 18, 2000, in Riverside, CA, and took his final bow on January 12, 2025, in the very same city that had the honor of his birth. Elias, a proud graduate of Rubidoux High School's class of 2018, carried the spirit of commencement in his every step and every joke. He was a beloved package handler at FedEx Ground, where it was rumored that not only the packages but also the spirits were handled with care. Elias's colleagues at FedEx Ground as well as all who worked alongside him, will miss the sounds of his laughter between the conveyor belts and trucks. In his twenty-four years, Elias lived a lifetime of joy. His interests were as colorful as his personality; a staunch advocate for quality family time, he was often found deep in strategic contemplation over a board game with his brother Ian and sister Olivia. The music trivia battles with Dad were the stuff of legends, and the laughter shared in those moments echoed through the house, leaving memories that will continue to resonate for years to come. Elias, a true sports enthusiast, could reel off stats and players with the ease of a professional commentator. Not just content with watching sports, he brought the same competitive edge to church activities, where he navigated the balance between faith and fun like a true pro. And when it came to the digital world, his appetite for YouTube and TikTok content was insatiable – always up-to-date with the latest trends and ready to share a laugh.

One of Elias's quirky and endearing habits was his love for scouring the aisles for the perfect scrub daddy and dish soap for his Gram Linda Olivares. It was a small act, but it spoke volumes about his attention to the small joys and his selfless heart. Elias was the embodiment of generosity-always the first to offer help and the last to ask for anything in return.

Elias's family was the cornerstone of his life. He is lovingly remembered by a close-knit circle that includes his father Steven Garcia, his mother Tanaya Sandate, siblings Ian and Olivia, his beloved Gram Linda Olivares, Auntie Adela & Uncle Ray Zaragoza, Uncle Sam, Aunt Rhea Sweeny, and Uncle John & Chasity Kennon. His cousins Teddy III, Cheekie & Kyle, Ariel, Amber, Anthony Jr, Joseph, Jaylah, Jaiden, and London, along with many more, will miss his playful spirit and infectious laughter. He was a cherished member of the Mennes Brothers & Sister Family and a friend to countless others who were lucky enough to cross his path.

Describing Elias is simple yet profound – he was funny, selfless, and faith-filled. His humor was a beacon of light, his selflessness a blueprint for kindness, and his faith a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It's been said that comedians are the philosophers of our time, and Elias was certainly a philosopher in his own right – a thinker who pondered the deep mysteries of which dish soap best complemented a scrub daddy.

As we celebrate Elias's life, let's remember the laughter, the joy, and the love he brought into this world. His was a life that may have been short in time but was immeasurable in impact. To the man who could turn a simple gathering into an uproarious event and a quiet moment into a cherished memory: Elias, you may have left the stage, but your audience will be applauding for a lifetime.
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