Jose Angel Medellin

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jose A Medellin, a beloved Spanish broadcasting and journalism figure, a former soccer player at Indiana University Bloomington, and a distinguished TBS Spanish language sports broadcaster.

Medellin passed away on May 10th, 2023 at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and lasting inspiration to countless people in the Latino journalism and broadcasting world.

Born on March 1st, 1962, to parents Pedro Medellin Garcia and Maria Cruz Reyes in Matehaula, San Luis, Mexico, he was the youngest of 9 children.

From an early age, Jose displayed a natural gift for oration and enjoyed writing and competing in various local oratory contests. In 1973, he placed first in a recitation contest among several hundred competing children in the state of San Luis Potosi and was awarded a Diploma of Honor from the Department of Education.

In 1975, Jose arrived in America, where he attended Koisciuszko Junior High and South Division High School in Milwaukee. At age 17, he was recruited by an Indiana University Bloomington soccer scout and offered a full athletic scholarship. He completed high school exams early to earn his diploma, joined the team for spring training in 1980, and subsequently declared a major in criminal law.

Jose later suffered a knee injury in 1982, halting his athletic pursuits. He then transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he rediscovered his passion for journalism while acting as Senior Editor for "El Universitario - a Council for the Spanish Speaking, Inc," one of the oldest Latino advocacy non-profits serving the Latino community in Milwaukee.

Medellin embarked on a successful broadcasting career, first in radio and later in television. His career as a sports broadcaster spanned over four decades, during which he covered some of the most significant events in sports. He was the official voice for the 1995 Braves World Series Spanish broadcast, a Spanish language radio host for the 1996 Olympics Games, and an official Spanish broadcaster for the inaugural Georgia arena football team "Georgia Force." He was Fox's first Spanish Language announcer for its Major League Baseball "Game of the Week" via SAP. Medellin's impressive resume also included stints covering the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks for Spanish language papers from 1998-2001. His insightful commentary and passionate delivery endeared him to Latino sports fans and radio listeners worldwide, and he was regarded as one of the best in his field. He brought his unique perspective and expertise to every game he covered, earning the trust and respect of millions of listeners worldwide.

Beyond his contributions to sports broadcasting, Medellin had an influential career in radio. He produced renowned morning shows for the Latino community, like "A Toda Banda" and "La Hora Sabor" in San Antonio, Austin, and Atlanta. He was well-known for his on-air personality, creating scripts, and discovering talent.

He was sought out for his advice and support by many musicians, songwriters, and radio managers. One of the most noteworthy contributions is that of Award-Winning Singer Songer-writer Ramon Gonzalez Mora. Jose Angel Medellin played a pivotal role in helping this artist get his first big break by sharing a composition he had a "feeling" about with José Guadalupe Esparza, vocalist of BRONCO. The song: "Si Te Vuelves A Enamorar", a theme that became a great success and earned Ramon the nomination for

Song Of The Year at "Premio Lo Nuestro" in 1991. Virigillio Canales of Liberacion also maintained a lifelong friendship with Medellin and was considered one of his closest and dearest friends.

The passing of Jose A Medellin is a significant loss to the sports and Spanish broadcasting communities and to the many people whose lives he touched. He will be remembered as a trailblazer and dedicated champion of Spanish journalism whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His kindness, generosity, and dedication to his community and his craft were an inspiration to many.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to all his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jose A Medellin. Thank you for all you have done and the lives you have touched and inspired. You will be deeply missed.

Jose A Medellin is preceded in death by his father, Pedro Medellin Garcia, his brother Pete Medellin and nephew Alberto Medellin. He is survived by his mother, Maria Cruz Reyes Medellin, wife Beatriz Solis Medellin, and their children Pedro Medellin, daughter Veronica Aracely [Chris] Bair and grandchildren Theadora Rae Bair and Augustine “Cruzito” Bair, daughter Yesenia Medellin [Edward Anastacio] and grandson Nathaniel Medellin, and son Leonardo Angel Medellin.

Siblings and their spouses– Susy [Manuel] Martinez and their children Manuel, Lupe, Jesse, Adan and Laura, Rosa [Candelario] Valdez and their children Emma, Rosa, Imelda, Rey and Nieves, Janie [Hector] Rosales and their children Armando and Ricardo, Licha Medellin and her children Monica and Martin, Francisco [Olga] Medellin and their children Sylvia, Claudia and Olga; Ana [Mario] Escareno and their children Ruby and Mario Jr., and Alejandro [Irene] Medellin and son Alejandro Jr. As well as their grandchildren and many of his loving friends and extended family members.

A visitation for Jose will be held Friday, May 19, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084, followed by a wake service from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Private Burial will be at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Saturday May 20, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Medellin family.