Juan Perez

"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mr. Juan Jose "J.J." Perez, 76, peacefully entered into the arms of the heavenly father on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Nuevo Laredo, he was raised in Laredo, attended local schools, Laredo Junior College and Laredo State University.

J.J. married Josie Montemayor in 1961 and together shared 54 years of a beautiful and happy marriage.

In 1960, he joined and proudly served in the United States Army. In 1969, J.J. joined the Laredo Police Department (LPD) and graduated from the 1st Police Academy in the City of Laredo. During his term with the LPD, J.J. worked in numerous departments including: Traffic (Motorcycle Unit); Records and Identification; Spokesman for LPD; as well as several Undercover Operations. J.J. was also instrumental in starting the Christmas Toy Drive (currently known as the Blue Santa) for needy children. During his law enforcement career, J.J. worked as Assistant Chief for the Webb County Juvenile Department, was the director for the first Federal Detention Center for the Sheriff's Department in the state of Texas and later joined the Drug Enforcement Task Force. In 1984 he joined the U.S. Customs Service retiring in 1999.

J.J. excelled in his law enforcement career receiving numerous awards including the Texas Narcotics Officer of the Year & International Narcotics Officer of the Year award. In his younger years and as a proud product of the Laredo Boys Club, he joined the Laredo Boxing Club. During his term as a boxer he won several Golden Gloves Championships including State Golden Gloves Welterweight Regional Champion finals in Dallas, Texas. While stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky, J.J. won the U.S. Army Middleweight Championship. In 2010 he was inducted into the World Pugilist Hall of Fame.

J.J. was very active and well known in his community. He and his family are part of the original 49 families of San Martin de Porres Church, commonly known as the 49ers. In addition, J.J. served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 209 for 16 years. After saving the life of a boy, J.J. received the Carnegie Hero Medal. It is the highest award given for heroism.

As a man of faith, J.J. instilled the values of religion, humility, and education to his children and grandchildren who he loved dearly. He will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor and invaluable friendship.

He is preceded in death by his grandson: Gerardo Javier Perez Jr., his parents Honorato & Maria Luisa Perez, brothers Javier, Luis Edmundo, and Claudio Perez. In- laws Adrian & Delfina Montemayor, Adrian Jr., Alfredo V., Javier Montemayor and Magdelena Gunnoe.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Josie Perez, children: Juan Jose (Heather) Perez, Jr., Gerardo Javier (Diana Ramirez) Perez, Anna Laura (Luis) Raines; grandchildren: Luis Eduardo Jr. and Brianna Christine Raines, Sydney J, Alexis J Perez and Aldo, Amanda and Amando. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters: Honorato Jr., Maria Luisa, San Juanita, Cristina, Roberto, Joe, Juan and sisters in-law, Delia Ayala, and Catalina Montemayor.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Monsignor Alex Salazar for his spiritual guidance. Dr. Carlos Hornedo and his staff for their undivided attention and compassionate care. Merida Hospice Care - Joyce, Alexandria and Ms. Raquel Estrada. Las Palmas Home Health - Anna Laura Rodriguez, Veronica and Margie. Dr. Randall Bell and Dr. Sherwyn Schwartz of San Antonio and Dr. Diego Menchaca.

The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041 from 4 pm to 9 pm with a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary scheduled to be recited at 7 p.m.

Funeral procession will depart the funeral chapel on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 8:40 a.m. to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment with Full Military Honors will follow to the Veteran's Section at the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be J.J. Perez Jr., Jerry Perez, Luis Raines, Luis Raines Jr., Javier Montemayor Jr. Tony Montemayor, Marc Montemayor, and Jorge Salazar.

You may extend your condolences online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850