Juan Martinez

Juan Ian Martinez,

Let it be known that on Friday, July 5, 2019 another Soldier of God, Juan Martinez has returned home to our Lord in Heaven. Juan lived his life here on Earth in the city of Espanola, NM. He passed away at home and crossed through the Gates of Heaven at the young age of 37.

Juan was sent from Heaven and was born on January 24, 1982 to the loving parents of Jimmy Martinez and Odette Lopez in Los Alamos, NM.

As a youth Juan enjoyed spending much of his time playing with his brothers and his many cousins. They spent their time building forts and doing many outdoor activities together. Along the great journey of his life he acquired many friends that he also considered as part of his family. He was always ready and willing to help anyone that he could. Being a gentle soul, he had a laugh that could change moods and a smile that would lighten up any room he walked into.

Juan also enjoyed frequent visits to his grandparent’s ranch in Ojo Caliente, NM. During these years he learned how to survive and persevere. By working at the ranch and playing with family members he grew an affinity for the outdoors. This affinity for the outdoors would carry on into the adult years of his life.

He loved to hunt, fish, play paintball, shoot guns, and work on cars. He also loved to watch football and was a true Dallas Cowboy fan. Above all he loved spending time with his family, friends, and his children.

Juan was blessed with becoming a father 3 times during his adult life. His children were his pride and joy and the shining stars of his existence. He always put his children first no matter what life threw at him. As long as his kids were cared for that’s all that mattered to him.

He was not only a father but a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, cousin, and friend. His opened hearted nature will be missed by all that he left behind in this world. May he watch over us all and help guide us to Heaven when the time comes for us to see him again.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nora Voight, and Anita and Abelardo Martinez; aunts, Vicky Sealy and Kathy Martinez; cousins, Scott Sealy and Victoria Martinez; and uncle, Joseph Martinez.

Juan is survived by his daughter, Alexia Martinez; sons, Julian and Justin Martinez; father, Jimmy Martinez; mother, Odette Lopez; step-father, Mark Lopez; brothers, Joel and Jared Martinez; mothers of his children, Mendie Trujillo, Joelene Salazar, and many other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will begin on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 10:00 am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ojo Caliente. Burial to follow at the Ojo Caliente Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Depression Mental Health Facilities.

Special thanks to Father Joseph Tao, DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, Gary Martinez and Maurice Vigil for preparing the burial site, to everyone that sent their condolences and visited the family in their time of need, and to everyone that helped prepare the meal after the burial. Thank you all for everything. The family of Juan Ian Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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