Juan Francisco Velasco

Juan Velasco Jr., beloved father and brother, passed away on Saturday, July 27th at age 60. A New Mexico native, Juan was known for his huge smile, signature voice and giving heart.

Juan was born in Nuremberg Germany in 1963, while his dad was stationed there with the US Army. The family returned home to Alamogordo, NM shortly thereafter. Juan was a 1982 graduate of Alamogordo High School where he played trumpet in the Tiger Band and ran cross country. During these formative years, he developed a deep love of music and became a life long fan of the band Earth, Wind, & Fire. After studying recording engineering, Juan got his first job as an on-air radio personality at 94 KYEE in Alamogordo. He used to joke that he tripped, hit his head on a microphone, and became a radio DJ.

In the early 1990's Juan moved to Albuquerque where he continued his career in radio at 92.3 KRST. A beloved on-air personality for the station for more than 30 years, he was the New Mexico Broadcasting Association DJ of the year in 2022. Juan was a staple at live music events throughout New Mexico and was blessed to interview some of the biggest artists in country music. Also an entrepreneur, Juan owned and operated JFV Entertainment. Thousands of newlyweds and event goers across New Mexico were blessed to have Juan as their Master of Ceremonies.

In his down time, Juan enjoyed rebuilding his classic 1964 Chevelle Malibu and 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, and shooting. Juan was also a frequent staple at live music events throughout the country. Above all, Juan enjoyed spending time with his beloved family and friends.

Juan is survived by his children, Juan and Gabriel (spouse Alyssa) and his grandson, Joey. He is also survived by his brothers, Alonzo and Saul, and his sister, Yolanda. He leaves many cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Presiliana, and his sister, Isabel.

Juan's family is extremely thankful for the outpouring of condolences. As his family, friends, and listeners know, Juan was truly "Juan in a million", and the "Juan and only"!

Services will be August 17, 2024, at 9:30 am for close friends and family at the Church of Immaculate Conception, in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

A celebration of life will be held in Albuquerque, dates to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to the following organizations that Juan continuously supported.

1. St. Judes Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-donatenow&frequency_selected=0

2. Toys for Tots - https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/donatetoday?_gl=1*56wwja*_ga*NDk2MDkzNDEwLjE3MjI1NzAyMzA.*_ga_4SS7PGWH6L*MTcyMjU3MDIyOS4xLjAuMTcyMjU3MDIyOS42MC4wLjA.