Carlos Javier Salazar

McAllen - On February 25, 1952, Carlos and Evelia Guerra Salazar were blessed with the birth of their first son, Carlos Javier "Jav". On Thursday, June 16, 2022, Jav was called by our Lord to join our beloved mother for eternal life.

Jav graduated with honors from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo H.S. in 1970. In high school, Jav became an accomplished saxophonist winning local and state-wide competitions for his PSJA Bear Band. He continued his education at Harvard University earning his Bachelor's degree in 1974. Electing to continue his education, Jav completed his law degree at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in contract law. He had a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry retiring in 2007 from Anadarko Petroleum Corp. After retirement, he returned to his home in the Rio Grande Valley.

Jav enjoyed cooking for family and friends and became a self-taught gourmet chef. He spent much energy designing and growing his garden. His love of travel continued and he took several pilgrimages with Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. He always had time for daily walks with his loyal and faithful companion, Ivey, his miniature schnauzer.

Carlos is survived by his father, Carlos; his siblings, Chris (Jose) Reyes, Amy (Pedro) Barrera, Nina, Jaime, and Frank, Ivey (his miniature schnauzer), and numerous family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in San Juan. Inurnment of cremated remains will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.