Juan Marquez Espinoza

Juan Marquez Espinoza (Johnny)
Born March 8th, 1947, passed August 20th, 2022.
Born in Leon, Guanajuato and raised in San Juan De Los Lagos, Jalisco. He is preceded in death by his parents, Magdaleno (Segoviano) Espinoza and Aurelia (M rquez) M rquez as well as his siblings Leon, Santos, and Joaquina.
Juan was filled with love and generosity. Juan had several passions including cooking, soccer and politics.
He was incredibly engaged in his local community and provided aid to locals and newcomers who sought the American Dream, like himself when he arrived in the United States at the age of seventeen. He was granted the honor of becoming a U.S. citizen in 1995. His activism also led him to help create and preside over a nonprofit organization called ADEMESA (Asociaci n De Deportistas Mexicanos En San Antonio) in partnership with the local Mexican community and Consulate.
His love for soccer also led him to form The Latin League with Manuel De La Rosa in 1969. He coached and managed youth and adult soccer teams in the Greater San Antonio area for many years and was a certified FIFA referee.
Juan owned and operated Johnny s Mexican Restaurant for 40 years, as well as Johnny s Seafood Restaurant for 15 years. Proud accomplishments of his include being featured in Texas Monthly for his cabrito and in The Tex-Mex Cookbook featuring his combination plates. His restaurants were a neighborhood staple and community center in Government Hill until their closures in 2015.
He leaves behind his wife of 39 years Kathleen Valdivia Espinoza. His children Johnny Jr., Miguel, Tomas, Diego, Gabriel, and Jennifer. His grandsons, Blas, Jacob, Cameron, Elijah, Gabriel Jr., and Julen. He will also be missed by his siblings, Benigno, Aurora, Carmela, Maria Concepcion (Kica), Maria De Jes s (Chuy), and Angelina, as well as his numerous nieces and nephews.