Dear Javier,  I will miss you like a brother, but more as a steadfast friend.  I remember as if it was just yesterday but 33 years ago I walked into your family and we never looked back.  You welcomed me with open arms and the best brisket anyone could ever eat.  
It is with a sad heart I say goodbye or maybe I should just say adios.  You fought the battle with every ounce of courage.  
Now I will miss your smile, your cooking, and above all your love.  You never ended a call without saying "I Love You".  So my wonderful brother I say "I Love You" and bid you farewell on your next journey.

Javier,
My name is Jesus.  Ceasar Javier is my brother. Most of you knew him as Ceasar.  Some by Javier. I will use both. 
This year Javier and Marta would have celebrated 39 years of marriage. Our family would like to share some of our memories. 
FAITHFUL, Marta! Caesar's wife said, I like "FAITHFUL .
Then a couple who came over to visit MARTA at their home after learning of Cesar's passing with tears of great sorrow said " hay, no not Cesar!

They said, “we connected with Javier from the moment we met". We made green beer, we tried to jackhammer the tile in bathroom". CRAZY was the word to describe Ceasar.

Our Tia Tillie, who loved him dearly when we talked we cried together.   She shared, "Javier and Marta took me to see my sister who was in Las Cruces.  My Tia offered to pay for gas, Javier wouldn't even consider it"  my Tia continued " he is a GOOD MAN". That was the word she used to describe the many times he helped her. Whenever she asked Javier for anything he was there to help. We will miss him. 
He was a combat medic during Vietnam. A service he faced with courage, physical and mental pain but always to serve and for love of country.

When Cesar was talking to his doctors in the hospital, his understanding of medical procedures, the use of technical medical terms, percentages, and the effect of medications and procedures to others.  At the end of that visit, the doctor looked at Javier and said, “it is evident you were a great medic!”

One special friendship that has endured from his time in Vietnam to today is with Dr. Fred Pereira. When Marta asked Fred to be a pallbearer, he replied to Marta, "It would be my HONOR". HONOR is the word he used to pay respect for Ceasar. 

And then there were sports! He loved sports! "He lived each day with JOY". I remember hearing the laughter when Antoinette, Eric and Javier would all be yelling during several sports games. Or when Yvonne, Antoinette, Eric, Tony, Margie, Javier and I cheered  at the Sun Bowl games. 
Did you know he made, the best barbecue sauce in the world" and the best brisket. But it was not easy to get him to share his recipes. Later, as he started having health issues, Marta said he started sharing his recipes ...maybe it was so you would remember him.  If you were one of those lucky people, think of him often…because you were special to him. He offered his home and cooked for us, he nourished us with the consistency of a true friend, an uncle and a brother. The word to describe him is CHEF with a GENEROSITY of heart and Spirit. 

Javier was a Precinct Judge.  The election commissioner said,  “with  Javier we never had to worry about someone trying to tamper with the ballots.”   INTEGRITY is a description that fits him well.

When we thought Javier was getting better he held my hand and said, "I am so happy you are here.”  Many of you received phone calls last Wednesday perhaps he was saying "goodbye.”

He came into this world a premature 3 pound baby, fighting for life and left our lives to filled with many wonderful memories. For my sister, Margie and I we have stories about Javier that fill a lifetime.  I know that this is true for many of you that are here tonight.

We loved Javier. I know that this is true for all his nieces, nephews, godchildren and all of us here tonight.

Then he left us in an instant! He was gone! But Marta, with her great faith and love said, "He didn't suffer. He is asleep!”

As our hearts are aching, yet Javier still brings us HOPE by leaving a legacy of a MAN who cared more for his fellowmen than his own.  

For me the word I will use to describe my brother is HERO.  
So let's continue his journey that was cut short.  Let's be more aware of the people around us who may need that extra helping hand.  Javier is my HERO.

When Javier and I were very young we would often get in trouble together.  One time Javier and I decided that we would cut each other's hair.  We found some scissors and gave each other a new hairstyle.  Needless to say when our mother found us, we were properly reprimanded.  My father got home he also punished us, but first he tried to repair the damage to our hair.  First he shaved Javier's head and then tried the best he could to save what little hair I had left.  Yes, Javier and I had many adventures. 

So the word I would use to describe my brother is CONSTANT.  Though we would get angry at each other, I always knew he was at my side.  He was that constant “good morning or hi beautiful,” each morning.  If I knew that I was going to be busy with something at work I would call or text so that I would get my “good morning.”  If I forgot my lunch it was Javier to the rescue…constant.  So, for all the tomorrows I have left I will say “good morning, Javier” my life-long protector and champion.  My days will never be the same.  Javier, I love you FOREVER. You are my CONSTANT.

Memories of My Brother

How well I do remember
All the special times we had
As we were raised side by side
Sharing good times, sharing bad.

Sometimes we would disagree
But always made up in the end
But as we grew to be adults
We became the best of friends.

Then you heard the voice of Jesus
Gently calling from on high
He was holding out His loving arms
But I could not say “goodbye”

So I say “ see you later”
Dear Javier, wait for me
In the beauty of God's Heaven
Where the best is yet to be.

Stephan-
Mike and I were sorry to hear about the passing of your uncle...may he Rest in peace.

Ceasar was a good man with a true heart,  He was always willing to help others.  A bright light has left us.  Marta and family, I am so saddened.  My prayers are with you.   Carol Holguin, Dallas, Tx

Everywhere Javier went people would greet him.  He was not only well liked but was a leader in his community. I will miss his humor and his excitement at sports events.  Our deepest of sympathy to his family and his wife.

Mr. Cortez,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

My love and prayers to all of you. You are a wonderful family and extended your hearts to include me. I will always cherish that love. Javier was a true friend. God bless. Love you, Linda (Casas) Allala, Houston

Jesus, Margarita, javier's wife and family. Barbara and Manny Sanchez are saddened by your loss of a wonderful brother, father and a dear friend to all of us from the Morehead Elementary days and EPHS Tigers. Please know that he is now home with our Lord. Jesus (Chuy), both of us offer our very dear friend who we miss from El Paso, our most sincere sympathy for the loss of your little brother. God Bless you and your family, your EPHS 65' classmates, Manny and Barbara Rey-Sanchez.

Dear Jesus, Margie and family, Our deepest condolences in the lost of your brother Javier. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely, Jessie & Lupe

OBITUARY

Ceasar Javier Cortez

November 29, 1949 – January 22, 2014

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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