Juan Carlos Martinez, age 63, entered into eternal rest on the evening of September 24, 2022 in El Paso, Texas after bravely battling cancer for nine years. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be dearly missed. Juan Carlos is preceded in death by his brother; Fermin Martinez. He is survived by his loving parents; Javier Martinez Villegas and Eugenia Becerra; his dearest wife; Nuria Martinez; his loving daughters; Carla Martinez, Nuria Valilis (+Nick) and Gladys Martinez (Omer Koc); his siblings; Javier Martinez, Julietta Martinez, Ricardo Martinez, Rafael Martinez, Maria Eugenia Martinez, Rogelio Martinez, Angel Martinez, Liliana Martinez and Laura Martinez; and his dearest grandchild; Jade Martinez. He is also survived by many extended friends and family who cherish and honor his memory.
Juan was born and raised in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua where he attended Preparatoria del Chamizal and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Tecnológico de Juarez in Industrial Engineering. Always passionate and dedicated to his work, he began his career in the maquiladoras from a young age and continued to co-found his company selling equipment for industrial lines in the food and beverage industry. His work allowed him to travel extensively throughout Mexico, the US and Europe, where he touched the lives of numerous people and formed many close and life lasting friendships.
His passions included running and wine, he was also an avid walker and adventurer. He competed in yearly marathons and other various races throughout his life. After his diagnosis, Juan proceeded to walk the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that traverses Northern Spain and became a repeat pilgrim, returning four more times with friends and family.
He embraced every day with a passion for life and delighted in the simple things - early morning sunrises, maininating an immaculate car, friends around a dinner table, crusty bread and a Rioja bottle of wine.
Ultimately, his utmost devotion was to his family, for whom he worked tirelessly and who were gifted with his love and teachings. We will carry his example of discipline, generosity, integrity, simplicity and organization with us every day. He is with us always.
We would like to express our thanks to everyone who loved and supported Juan throughout his life and the course of illness. And a special thanks to Dr. Valilis and his family for years of care, love and who became our extended family. In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital, the charity that he contributed to for most of his adult life.
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