Juan Jiron

Juan F. Jiron - 92 of Pojoaque, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away in his home; as he always prayed for and was welcomed into heaven on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.  Juan was preceded in death by his adored wife of 58 years, Arabella Jiron, daughter, Sharon Lujan and son-in-law, Joe Lujan. His parents, Beatrice and Frank Giron; brothers, Pedro, Benigno and Arturo Giron; sisters Mary Maestas, Elvira Lujan, Rosina Gallegos, Celia Lujan and three infant siblings.

Juan was born in Pojoaque in the fall of 1928, prior to The Depression.  Instilled in him was humility, pride and a hard-working ethic that he carried throughout his life. One of four boys in a family of eleven children, he left school in the 8th grade to help support his family and young siblings.  At the age of 16, he headed to California and Chicago where he learned the trade of drywall taping.  He traveled the state of New Mexico and Arizona, working away from home in order to care for his family.

In 1960, Juan married Arabella and built their home out of 1,800 adobes in the evenings after working all day. An extremely hard-working man, they grew gardens every summer, harvesting chile, peas, corn and melons.  He and Arabella taught their children and grandchildren how to roast chile, make ristras, tortillas, tamales, empanaditas and sopaipillas, as well as pray the rosary, attending church every Sunday.

He was strong in his Catholic faith, praying his rosary daily, attending or watching mass. Juan and Arabella were life-long members of the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque Church, where they participated in and led the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They were also devoted members of the Holy Family Society.

Juan had a commanding presence, with a large voice all recognized and adored, especially his booming laugh and jokes. His nickname was "John the Baptizer" as he nicknamed most every family member or friend that he adored.  He was extremely wise and could share so much about his family tree and the Pojoaque valley history that he could have certainly been a Historian. He retired in 1990 and helped care for his grandchildren, traveling to Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Salt Lake City to do so.

He took pride in his faith, his hometown, his land, the hispanic food he ate daily; tortillas he rolled himself, potatoes, beans, atole and red and green chile.  He enjoyed eating at La Mesita and visiting Santuario as often as possible. He loved Taco Bell burritos, all desserts, reading his horoscope, watching favorite cop shows, always had the radio on the Country channel, loved sharing stories and cherished his family. He welcomed any and every person into his home. He would say, " Come inside, pull up a chair and sit on the floor."  His "Juan-isms" are a part of our daily vocabulary such as "Don't worry your battery, “you’re sleeping your life away" and what he is probably telling us right now, "Don't be "cwing" for me."

Juan is survived by his two daughters that cared for and adored him: Carmelina Jiron Anderson, Paula Jiron Ewy, the best son-in-law, Sean Ewy. Only surviving sister, Lorraine Abraham; sisters-in-law Emma Herrera, Frances Gallegos and brother-in-law, Leo Archuleta.

He was the best "Grandpa J" to Estevan Lujan, Megan Ewy, Dominik Anderson, Devon Ewy and Coby Anderson; just like a grandson, Kegan Malec. Special nephews Paul Gallegos and Pancho Sena; nieces, Brenda Gallegos, Frances Romero, Gloria Chavez and Kamille Sanchez who always took the time for him no matter what. Special friends Brenda Vigil, Julian Valdez, Paula Padilla and Natalie Ulvevadet, each helped him in their own loving ways.

Serving as pallbearers will be Estevan Lujan, Dominik Anderson, Devon Ewy, Megan Ewy, Coby Anderson, Paul Gallegos and Kamille Sanchez.

Due to COVID 19 there will be a private rosary and family Memorial mass.

The family of Juan F. Jiron has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneralhome.com/ (505) 747-7477