Jose Perez Jr.

On Saturday, April 28, 2018, God called upon his faithful servant, Jose R. Perez, Jr., to enter into the dwelling place of heaven, where there is everlasting peace. A void now fills our hearts, but we are comforted with the faith that only God can give and that will carry us through this period.

Jose was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, steadfast and champion advocate for education. Jose R. Perez was elected to the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees for District 7 in November, 2008, and served as President of the Board January, 2012 to December 2012. A former LISD educator of 36 years, Perez received a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&I University in Laredo. He also holds a double master’s degree, one in Educational Administration from Laredo State University and another in Spanish. He began his career with the district as a teacher at Daiches Elementary and Lamar Middle Schools. He served as assistant principal at M.S. Ryan Elementary School. Perez also worked as an administrator with the Division of Operations and was Director of Transportation. Most recently, he was the Director of the Fixed Assets Department with the district until his retirement in 2008

He also served as a member of the Laredo City Council from 1990 to 1998 as well as having served as Mayor Pro-Tempore after Saul Ramirez.

A man of great faith, he served his heavenly father at San Vicente de Paul Catholic Church and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at the parish. He gave his all to his family, his community and his faith. He also was a longtime board member of The South Texas Family Planning.

“Our students deserve the best education possible,” stated Perez in an interview and completed his mission that he promised in that same interview: “As a member of the board, I promise that I will work tirelessly with the district’s administration, faculty, and staff to help the students achieve their goals.” Mr. Perez was the current school board trustee for District 7, which includes Kawas Elementary School, Ligarde Elementary School, Santo Niño Elementary School, Zachry Elementary School, Cigarroa Middle School, and Cigarroa High School.

His most recent endeavor was to renovate Cigarroa High School, Cigarroa Middle School, Kawas Elementary, and Ligarde Elementary Schools. He encourages everyone in District 7 to vote yes on the LISD Bond Election.

Having grown up in a ranch, his favorite past time was to visit and work at his “heart”, his beloved El Milagro Ranch.

He joins his parents: Jose Reynaldo Sr. and Ines Perez and brother: Noe Perez in heaven.

Left behind to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his spouse of 45 years, Mrs. Idalia M. Perez; children: Maria Monica (Miguel Angel) Salinas, Jose Reynaldo (Marisela) Perez, III, Rebecca (Juan Antonio) Renteria, Agapito (Nubia) Perez, Gerardo Gabriel Perez; grandchildren: Angela Salinas, Jose Reynaldo Perez IV, Joseph Riley Perez, Juan Enrique Renteria, Juaquin Jose Renteria, Andrea Perez, Aidan Jonathan Perez, Robert J. Perez; siblings: Elsa P. (Juan) Saenz, Minerva P. (Hector) Casarez, Ivan (Cordelia) Perez, Alvaro (Linda) Perez, Oscar (Blanca) Perez, beloved best friend and pupil: Marco A. Escamilla as well as his beloved pets: Bonnet and Gaby, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., from 4 to 9 in the evening with a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary being recited at 7 p.m.

Funeral procession will depart on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from the funeral chapel at 8:20 a.m. to San Vicente de Paul Catholic Church, 2710 Boulanger St., for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Jose Reynaldo Perez III, Agapito Perez, Gerardo Gabriel Perez, Miguel Angel Salinas, Juan Antonio Renteria, Juan Enrique Renteria, Ivan Perez Jr., and Marco A. Escamilla.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ivan Perez, Alvaro Perez, Oscar Perez, Hector Casarez, Juan Saenz, his god-daughter, Maria Cristina Mata and his honorary niece and nephew, Esmeralda Schoonveld and Marco Cuevas, Jesus Francisco Rodriguez, Jose Luna, Saul Gonzalez, Jose Salinas, Sergio Gonzalez, Ricardo Gonzalez, Myrna Wise, Juan Ramon Gonzalez, Jesus Cisneros, and his fellow Board Members at Laredo Independent School District.

You may extend your condolences to the family online at www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78043, 956.722.8850