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Jacob "Jack" Garcia passed on to his eternal reward on October 7, 2019 surrounded by his children. He was born on January 9, 1918 to Militon Garcia and Antonia Gutierrez. He is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Aurelia; parents; brothers, Father Camilo Garcia, George Garcia and infant, Carlos; sisters - Otila Howsley, Sofia Johnson and Pauline Richardson. Jack is survived by his daughters, Olga [Richard] Montesdeoca and Gilda Ibarra and son, Joseph Camilo Garcia; Granddaughters - Suzy [Cid] Nolan, Lisa Long, Julie [Richard] Reyna, Dina [Carlos] Cortez, Amy Montesdeoca, Jessica [Chris] Flores, Lexee Garcia and Grandson, Andrew Ibarra; Eight great-granddaughters - Maya Reyna, Ava Reyna, Katalina Ibarra, Sasha Cortez, Angelica Nolan, Neka Osborn, Gianna Cortez and Stella Reyna; Seven great-grandsons - Tristan Cortez, Kannon Ibarra, Elijah Reyna, Kruz Ibarra, Michael Nolan, Lucas Cortez and Kaison Flores; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Jack lost his mother at age five and since his father was unable to care for the family, the children were separated among relatives and the orphanage. Jack credits his uncles, Adolfo and Eduardo [Paulita] Gutierrez, for his upbringing. He graduated from Espada Mission Elementary and attended St. Henry's High School. He became interested in auto mechanics and apprenticed under a local mechanic. He eventually earned enough money to buy a Model-T and rebuilt it. In 1938, he joined the "Tree Army" and worked for a short time in Medford, Oregon. He returned to San Antonio to court the love of his life, Aurelia Menchaca Diaz. After their marriage on August 30, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. army for three years and raised their three children together. Aurelia complemented the marriage with her domestic expertise in housekeeping, cooking, sewing, gardening and thriftiness. She was serious, disciplined, prayerful and had a great memory. They were both very active in the Church and participated in the Altar Society, Holy Name Society as well as the annual fall festivals. Jack was employed by Joske's Department Store for 33 years as a refrigerator repairman. Later, he excelled as a repairman for the newly invented television and thoroughly enjoyed this challenge. After retirement, he continued to maintain his home and lawn. At age 97, he was still climbing ladders and cleaning out roof gutters. He was hard of hearing and legally blind, but these did not deter him from enjoying life. He particularly loved his wife's cooking and had a very sweet tooth but he managed to keep most of his teeth. He also enjoyed his favorite team, the Spurs, on TV. Jack loved beer, playing pool [He was quite good in his prime] and was known for wearing hats. His beloved wife, Aurelia, died in 2015. For four years following her death, Jack was the star of the family and remained living in the same home he and Aurelia had built together when they married. He will be missed for his work ethic, humility, positive attitude and his love of God and family. Although he had a poor and sad childhood, he remained content with life and was grateful for God's blessings. Jack’s family extends their appreciation and gratitude to extended family and friends for their love and support especially for those whose regular visits lifted Jack up including Father Sergio, Janie Garza and Jose, Carlos and Maria from Generation Hospice and Anchorage Hospice. Reception to follow the Rosary service on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Please contact the family for more information. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=39209&mfc_pref=T&39209.donation=form1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrfvsBRD7ARIsAKuDvMOWELpAITFxfzEuFq7tD-15pzzdKiwmoTazFuo3pj0I3C56J1dZxjYaAngMEALw_wcB

Tributes

Jacob "Jack" Garcia

January 9, 1918 - October 7, 2019