Julio Sterling Laguarta was born in Galveston, TX and went to be with our Lord and Savior on January 3, 2020. Julio passed away peacefully at the age of 86 years to join his wife, Susie, of 64 years in Heaven. Julio is survived by his seven kids: Julio (Julie), Doug (Alice), Linda Adams (Charlie), Kirk (Teri), Graydon (Brenda), Jennifer Jones (Jay), and Sterling (Stephanie), 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. As well as his brother Robert Laguarta and many nieces and nephews. Julio is preceeded in death by his wife, Sue Katherine Kirk Laguarta and his parents, Julio Praxades Laguarta, Aseneth Sterling Laguarta and his brother, Don Laguarta.
They moved from Galveston to West University at an early age and he attended West University Elementary, Pershing Middle School and Lamar High School, graduating in 1951. Julio was All-City in football in 1951 and his prowess in football landed him a scholarship to Texas Christian University, where he began the Spring Semester of 1952. He eventually transferred to the University of Texas at Austin where he entered the business school, graduating in 1956 with his BBA.
While at UT he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. More importantly, his fraternity brother, Jon Kirk, introduced him to the love of his life, Sue Kirk (Susie). After a short courtship they were married on December 17, 1954. After graduation the couple moved back to Houston. Following his father’s suggestion, Julio began work in commercial real estate. Times were lean so Julio worked at a liquor store in the evenings and a paper route in the morning while working full time getting his real estate career off the ground.
In the early years he forged relationships working with Joe Russo, Jim Shindler and other commercial real estate pioneers. Some early clients were Gerald Hines, Trammel Crow along with many major corporate clients like Exxon and Texas Eastern Corporation. In the early 60’s he joined with Coach Gavrel and George Bolin to create Laguarta, Gavrel & Bolin (LGB). Commercial real estate boomed in the 60’s and 70’s and Julio and his partners excelled. in 1969 and 1970 Texas Eastern hired LGB to assemble 32 blocks comprising 75 acres in downtown Houston, which today is home to Houston Center. This transaction still stands as one of the largest land assemblages in Houston history. In 1971, the firm added Jon Kirk, Susie’s brother, and thus changed the name to Laguarta, Gavrel & Kirk (LGK). These firms were early proving grounds for many who began their professional real estate careers in Houston.
Julio was very active in the real estate community. He achieved his SIOR and CCIM and was very involved in the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). He became President of HAR in 1967 and was Houston Realtor of the Year in 1968. In 1975 Julio became President of Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) and in 1982 he became President of National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Julio co-founded the Houston Realty Breakfast Club in 1967 which is still in service today. Julio was also a key figure in founding The Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M in 1971 where a scholarship was established for his achievements in his name. Julio remained active in commercial and residential real estate forming Neighborhood Classic Homes.
Julio was active in youth sports coaching his kids in football and baseball including FUN Football and Post Oak American Little League. He impacted the lives of many young folks in these endeavors. Julio loved the outdoors, sharing this love with his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. Julio loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren to play golf, tennis, ski, travel and, most of all, wade fish in Port O’Connor, TX. These activities forged a family bond providing a legacy of love for family, sports, the outdoors, and laughter providing thousands of stories for generations.
Julio enjoyed staying connected with friends from all stages of his life. Including coordinating a monthly lunch with his fellow Lamar High School graduates, including Tom Siragusa, Eddie Rayburn, Joe Russo, Carl Davis, Kenny Paul and Bill Van Wart.
His later years were spent with his wife Susie. They were often seen hand-in-hand on their daily walks. He diligently cared for Susie, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2007, admirably taking on the role as sole caretaker of Susie until her passing in June, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Julio Sterling Laguarta for his devoted care of his wife, Susie.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m., at Bayou City Fellowship, 1400 Brittmore, Houston, TX 77043. The Family will have a reception at the church following the service.
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