Jimmy S. De La Garza

Born in Beeville, TX in 1941 to Luciano De La Garza and Tanis Luna, he is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Luciano Jr. (Mamie), Edward (Mary), half-brothers Joe Luna Jr., Arthur De La Garza and sisters-in-law Belia De La Garza and Jean De La Garza.

Jimmy was raised in Kenedy, TX, and overcame a tough childhood due to his determination to succeed. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade to pick cotton and also shined shoes to earn money. In the summer of 1961, Jimmy laid eyes on Mamie Monsivais at a church dance and it was love at first sight. He was drafted into the Army in 1963, and in 1965 they were married. They spent their first year of marriage in Augsburg, Germany, followed by Ft. Riley, KS until he left for the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam, Mamie gave birth to their first daughter, Michelle, who was born in San Antonio in 1968. After his return from Vietnam, their second daughter, Lisa Renee, was born in Ft. Benning, GA in 1969. Christy Lynn followed in 1974 (Ft. Polk, LA) and in 1985, they welcomed their fourth daughter, Jamie Danielle, who was born in Landstuhl, Germany. While in the Army, he earned his high school GED and Associates Degree, of which he was very proud.

After serving in the Army for 24 years and 7 months, Jimmy retired in 1988 and began working for the U.S. Postal Service from which he retired in 2003. After retirement, Jimmy enjoyed going on cruises, traveling to the casinos (he had very good luck on the slots!) tinkering around the house and eating breakfast with his wife and friends at his favorite spot, El Sabrasitos.

Jimmy was very proud of the strong, intelligent, daughters he raised, and his heart burst open with pride when he was blessed with 9 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons. Family meant everything to Jimmy and he lived for the holiday gatherings and the summer swims in the backyard oasis that he created for his family.

He is survived by Mamie, the love of his life for 57 years, daughters Michelle Turney (Clint Williams), Lisa De La Garza, Christy Wisely (Rob), Jamie Hill (Paul), grandchildren Marcus (Basilia), Ryan, Michael, Isaiah and Ethan Turney, Jakob and Ella Wisely, Eli, Leah, Lucas and Evan Jimmy Hill, and great-grandsons Cole and Roman Turney. He is also survived by brothers James De La Garza, Juan De La Garza, Paul Luna and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jimmy's heart was as big as his personality. A friend to all, a stranger to none. His passing leaves a huge void but his family takes comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is reunited with his loved ones in Heaven. His family will live the rest of their lives honoring and remembering their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

A visitation for Jimmy will be held on Monday, March 6th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at Colonial Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be at St. Monica Catholic Church in Converse on Tuesday, March 7th at 11:30 a.m. followed by a burial at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery at 1:15 p.m.