Jose Elizondo Gomez

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jose Elizondo Gomez. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, realistic and also a person who had an enormous heart. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jose was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jose knew him as a well-respected man who was strong minded yet caring. He also had another side to him. He loved pulling pranks and joking around. Jose’s laugh mimicked the laugh of the 70’s cartoon character Mutley.

Jose was born on September 28, 1960 at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Jose and Ernestina Gomez. Jose was raised in Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

Jose was raised with three sisters, Corina, Monica and Yadira. Jose had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility.

Jose would tell stories of his childhood and how he would play outside with his childhood friends and the antics they used to do. He loved spending time with his father and he used to help him in the kitchen in the family business. Jose also built model airplanes and would hang them in his room so they looked as if they were in combat.

He attended Montgomery High School and graduated Sun Desert High School in 1979. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was ROTC. He earned his Associates in Civil Engineer from Platt College in 1983.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jose reveled in the love of his family. On August 21, 2000 Jose exchanged wedding vows with Kimberly Kay Morrison at the The Calafia Point of Calafia, Mexico. Not only did Kimberly love Jose, but her family loved him and he quickly became part of the family. One of Jose’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Jose was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jose would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jose was blessed with three children and 2 step children, 3 sons, Christopher, Jonathan, Cian and 2 daughters, Sabrina and Megan.

Jose was in the USMC Reserve 1979 - 1985. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. Jose was very proud of being a Marine which he carried throughout his life. The discipline and order sparked his interest in becoming an officer.

In both his personal and professional environments, Jose upheld his high standards. His primary occupation was as a Law Enforcement Officer, which he took great pride in. Jose started his law enforcement career in Nevada when he joined the Nevada Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer where he enjoyed being a K9 Officer. He was employed for the City of North Las Vegas where he started off as a Corrections Officer and Retired as a Marshal. In 2000, while working at the North Las Vegas Detention Center, Jose started working part time for the United States Marshals as a DSO. He continued to work for the USM’s and during his retirement years he became a CSO. Jose took great pride in being part of the law enforcement community and built lifelong friendships.

Jose approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were spending time with the family, and the dogs, power lifting, working out, travel and smoking cigars. Jose was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also enjoyed sharing his interests with others.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jose used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jose had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Greece, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Playa Del Carmen, just to name a few.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jose to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included US Powerlifting Association, 10 gold medals and 2 silver medals where his best Bench Press was 237 lbs and his best Deadlift was 352.7 lbs. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer, football and Las Vegas Golden Knights (Hockey).

Jose was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jose’s favorites was Gunnery Sgt Gomez AKA "Gunny”, his English Bulldog. Jose loved spending time with his Pitbulls, Loki and Thor and enjoyed taking them to Lake Mead for walks.

When Jose’s retirement finally arrived in 2013, he found pleasure in working part time for the US Marshals. He loved to travel and experience the local foods where ever we went. He enjoyed power lifting and smoking cigars with his friends and spending time with his family. In many ways, Jose loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his family and friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jose passed away on February 6, 2022 at Las Vegas, Nevada. He fought a long hard battle for 7 ½ months against COVID. He is survived by his wife Kimberly, his children Christopher, Jonathan, Sabrina, Megan, Cian, his mother Ernestina, his sisters Corina, Monica and Yadira. A memorial service for Jose will be held Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123. Following the memorial service will be a committal service at 3:00 PM at Palm Eastern Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123.

All who knew him would agree that Jose was a generous and kind man. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jose Elizondo GOMEZ did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.