Jose Angel Escamilla

JOSE ANGEL ESCAMILLA

August 2, 1952 – November 20, 2024

 Jose Angel Escamilla, 72, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

“Joe,” as he was known by most, began his journey through life on August 2nd, 1952. Raised by his parents, Pedro and Carmen Escamilla, Joe lived a humble beginning along with his siblings in which the values of faith, family, and hard work were instilled in him. These foundations were the guiding principles that Joe carried throughout his life.

Joe met the love of his life, Ana Maria Lopez in 1973. After many years of courtship, Jose Angel married “Annie” on December 14th, 1984. Their life was filled with numerous lifelong friendships. They enjoyed dancing and singing while being amongst their friends at social and life events. On September 20th, 1991, Joe and Annie welcomed into this world their only son, Joseph “Angelo” Escamilla, who became the center of their world.

Jose Angel joined the workforce from a young age. He worked numerous jobs throughout his life before ultimately finding employment with the City of Laredo Bridge System. In sticking with his humble upbringing, Joe started his career with the City of Laredo at the bottom. Through the values instilled by his parents, Joe was an honest and loyal employee that was noticed by his superiors. He worked his way up the ladder through the many different positions at the Bridge System before becoming the Superintendent of Operations in which he was responsible for overseeing the operations of the four international bridges. His dedication to the City of Laredo was his service of more than 40 years. Along the way, he managed budgets and staff. Though a firm leader, Joe valued and deeply cared for all of his subordinates.

One of Joe’s favorite past times was his love for the game of golf. He shared this love with his son, Angelo. Both of them enjoyed playing every weekend. Through the sport, Joe taught his son the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He enjoyed seeing Angelo take up the game competitively and took his son all over Texas to compete in junior golf tournaments. He constantly pushed and encouraged Angelo to follow his dream of playing professionally. Joe was blessed and fortunate to play golf all over the United States and Mexico. Some notable courses that he played were TPC San Antonio, TPC Summerlin (Las Vegas, Nevada), TPC Scottsdale (Scottsdale, Arizona) Poppy Hills Golf Club (Pebble Beach, California), and many courses throughout the United States and Northern Mexico. As an avid golfer, Joe joined the elusive Hole-In- One Club by making his first and only hole-in-one at Casa Blanca Golf Course about a year ago. He loved the sport, but above all, the many friendships he made on the links. His favorite hole was the 19th hole where he enjoyed his cold beverage and the company of his friends.

Another thrill for Jose Angel was his love for the open road. Joe was an enthusiast of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He owned several throughout his life and frequently would take road trips all over the United States. He traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada; Sturgis, South Dakota; Mount Rushmore; Big Bend, and many other landmark places on his bike. Again, enjoying the company of his friends.

Joe was the pillar of strength for his family. He was the person you could call when you needed advice or a helping hand. His death was sudden and unexpected, but we take solace in knowing that he rests in the presence of the Lord along with his family and friends that have gone before him. He was a man of faith and through faith, we will meet him again.

Jose Angel was preceded in death by his parents; Pedro and Carmen Escamilla; siblings Ben, George, Diamantina, Beatriz and Francisca. Father-in-Law, Oscar Lopez Sr., Mother-in-Law, Josefina A. Lopez

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 39 years; Ana Maria Escamilla, son; Joseph Angelo (Alexia Nicole) Escamilla, sister; Maria Ortiz, and many other family and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Monday evening, November 25, 2024 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday morning, November 26, 2024 departing at 9:00 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Joseph Angelo Escamilla, Joaquin Escobar, Jose Luis Alvarado, Jaime Velasquez, Manuel “Meme” Garcia, Conrado Villarreal, Eduardo Lozano, and Steven Gonzalez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Oscar Lopez, Jr., Rolando Lopez, Gilberto Lopez, Jr., Arturo Lopez, Jr., Charlie Wilson, Ramiro Benavides, Jr., Manuel Garcia, James Roycroft, and Homero “Red” Gonzalez.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.