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On July 17, 2025, James Garcia Jr. entered eternal rest, reunited in heaven with his beloved wife of 67 years, Martha Garcia. James was lovingly raised alongside his siblings: Fernando, Margarita (affectionately known as Cuca), Carlota, and Sylvia. He was the cherished son of Maria Mancha Garza and James Garcia, and the proud grandson of Reyes Mancha and Maria C. Gonzalez, as well as Aurelio Garcia Sr. and Margarita Del Refugio. His family roots ran deep, and their legacy lives on through the many lives James touched. James first met his future wife, Martha Cobarruvias, in the seventh grade in 1947, in their hometown of Laredo, Texas. At just 17, he left to serve his country in the Korean War, asking Martha to wait for him. She did, and four years later, after the war ended, they were married in 1952. Together, James and Martha built a life grounded in love, faith, and devotion, raising 12 children in the Catholic tradition. Their bond became a lasting example of commitment, and the legacy they leave behind continues to inspire all who knew them. Their children are James Garcia III, Wanda Cordaway, Roel Garcia, Hector Garcia, Ruben Garcia, Belinda Garcia-Crain, Efrain Garcia, Gabriel Garcia, Marietta Garcia-Ottaway, Elisa Garcia-Vidaurri, Rachel Garcia-Babcock, and Conrad Garcia. Grandchildren- Rebecca Garcia, Victoria Danner, Richard Cordaway, Jason Cordaway, Joseph Cordaway, Daniel Cortez, Jared Levi Crain, Kristina Marie Garcia-Crain, Amanda Moore, Andres Garcia, Antonio Garcia, Mathew Garcia, Olivia Garcia, Blake Ottaway, Mason Ottaway, Marco Viduarri II, Adrian Viduarri, Avrey Viduarri, Jacob Suchart Babcock, Christopher Thomas Garcia, Alisha Jackson, and Kristopher Jackson. Great-Grandchildren- Genelle Bernal, Jenna Cordaway, Nicholas Cordaway, Mason Cordaway, Caiden Thomas Crain, Warren Abrahm Crain, Faye Harper Crain, Sawyer Belle Crain, Maddox Moore, Isla Rae Garcia, Henry James Danner, Amelia Jackson, and William Jackson. James was a devoted and faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church since 1953. His deep spirituality was reflected in his active service through the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent DePaul Society, where he played a significant role for many years. Always generous with his time, James volunteered in countless ways to support the church community. Professionally, he was a civil servant welder at Kelly and Brooks Air Force Base, dedicating over 40 years to his craft with steadfast commitment and skill. Above all, James was a loving and devoted husband as well as a source of unwavering support to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in his family and cherished every opportunity to visit and spend time with them. His presence was a gift, and his love was constant. Visitation will begin on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Mission Burial Park South. The rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated by his son, Father Ruben Garcia, on Saturday, August 2, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, South San. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South.

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James Garcia Jr.

March 8, 1931 - July 17, 2025