Jose I. Montoya

Eighty-Nine Summers: Son, Brother, Husband, Father.

Jose Isaac Montoya, 89 of Yuma, AZ, quietly passed away surrounded by his children on April 11th, 2017 at Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Jose was born to Isaac and Carolina (Valenzuela) Montoya in Tucson, AZ on October 26th, 1927. Amid the turbulence of the great depression, the family moved to Patagonia where Jose thrived under his mother's care until, after his only delinquent act (ever) involving a rotten egg and a traveling movie theater, he was shipped out to attend Brophy Catholic School in Phoenix, AZ so that his future might somehow be rescued!

Soon he returned to Patagonia, graduated from High school and in the closing months of World War II, enlisted in the Navy. He later served in the Army Air Corps and the Air Force Reserves.

After military service, he earned his degree at ASU where he met Guadalupe Soto whom he quickly endeared as "China!" Jose had a nickname for everyone, remember? Soon, wedding bells followed and they had seven children. His daughters eventually dubbed him "Papajo!" Haha, now he had a nickname that followed him for the rest of his days among the thousands who loved him!

Remember, Papajo could make anyone feel like an old friend with thoughtful compliments, and subtle humor? He joked "I'm not really this fat; I just puff up around beautiful ladies!"

Papajo is survived by his sister Carolina (Jess) Marable of Solvang, CA; his children David of Yuma, AZ; Dan (Sylvia) of Tucson, AZ; Irene of Yuma AZ; Alicia (Mike) Jorajuria of Wellton, AZ; Carmen (Rex) Green of Yuma, AZ; eleven nieces and nephews, thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren and many cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by China, his wife of more than fifty years, and his sons Estevan "Bilco" (Irene), Mike and Carlos Montoya.

The Reverend Emilio Chapa will offer a Memorial Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1815 South 8th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Vincent de Paul Society at 1815 S 8th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364.

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Published in The Yuma Sun on Apr. 18, 2017

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.