Jose Ramirez Jr.

In Loving Memory of Jose Ramirez, Jr. Matthew 7:18 tells us that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. We as family, witnessed the incredible life of Jose Ramirez, Jr, up close, and attest beyond a doubt that he was an extraordinarily good tree who bore good fruit for ninety-nine years. It is with profound sadness, ever-grateful hearts, and unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we announce that Jose Ramirez, Jr. passed-on on July 12, 2026. Jose Ramirez, Jr. was born on July 9, 1927 in Penitas, Texas, the third born to Jose Ramirez Ochoa and Clotilde Ramirez. Dad always made it plenty clear that he cherished and loved his father beyond anything else. Dad wholeheartedly believed that all of his blessings came from being a good son to both his father and beloved mother. Dad was a good brother and often spoke of deceased brothers Leobardo, Leonel, Leonardo, and Leopoldo, and fallen and favorite sister, Leonor. Dad’s love for his siblings was nothing short of remarkable. Surviving siblings are Marta Nichols, Maria Garcia Mora, Dalila Garcia, and Santos Ramirez. Jose Ramirez, Jr. loved The United States of America and proudly served in the United States Armed Forces – Army Division during World War II where he was stationed in Japan. Dad served in the Transportation Corp securing and transporting domestic and foreign ammunition and delivering supplies to those comrades in need. This past Memorial Day, dad was honored in his hometown for being the last surviving World War II veteran. He continued to wear his favorite WWII Veteran cap until the very end. Dad was an American soldier and a proud member of the United States Army and protector of the greatest nation on earth. On May 22, 1949 Jose Ramirez, Jr. married homegrown Maria Zamora and together began to build over the next sixty-six (66) years a life centered on Christian faith, a life lived with an uncompromising commitment to God the father, to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to the Holy Spirit, and to one another. They were blessed with seven sons and three beautiful daughters. Dad was not once too tired to be the provider of the family and did so willingly and lovingly and with the never-ending support of mom. Dad missed mom every day after her passing on May 21, 2015 and often thanked God for the way He took her from his grasp while comfortably sitting together at home. While it pains the family at the present, we are comforted knowing that dad and mom are reunited. This time for eternity. Ramirez Viejo Ranch was one of dad’s greatest joys and where his spirit will be felt for generations. It is on this ranch that his father taught him how to work and how to grow both crops and livestock. A place where dad passed on the identical teachings to both his children and grandchildren. Ramirez Viejo Ranch will miss Jose Ramirez, Jr. Jose Ramirez, Jr. worked in the agriculture industry for the majority of his life, lastly with Valley Onions, and Duda Farms where he was responsible for the management of over two thousand acres of farmland. The greatest source of pride for our parents, and their enduring legacy, will come from forming a family that trusts God in all things, a family that prays first in all things, a family known for having unwavering integrity, humility, and courage to do what is right. A family that works hard and strives for excellence while working for others or for self. Dad stood up every day from the time he could walk to two days past his 99th birthday and was a living example of all of this. On the third day, July 12th dad could not stand up anymore and God almighty called him home. Thanks be to God and thanks for your favor upon our father and his family. Jose Ramirez, Jr. was a respected member of the La Joya Independent School District Board of Trustees in the late 1960’s and believed deeply in the importance of education, often reminding his children and grandchildren that education was the greatest weapon a person could possess. He worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for his family and others and took immense pride in seeing each of his children obtained a college education. Above all else, Jose Ramirez, Jr. was a devoted family man. Nothing brought him greater joy than being surrounded by those he loved. His greatest accomplishment will be the family he nurtured and the generations to come who will proudly carry his linage and values. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he loved each of them with a steadfast devotion that never tired. He will be lovingly remembered by his nine surviving children, their spouses, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren: Irma Nelda Ramirez, and her children: Jennifer Alaniz-Zogby (great-grandchildren Quintyn and Carmen), Dr. Monica J. Alaniz-McGinnis (great-grandchild Michael G.), Jo Ann Hemphill (great-grandchildren Isabella and Lisa Ann), and Wallace Alaniz (great-grandchildren Ana Maria, Ava, and Alison). Jose Ramirez III and his wife Petra C. Ramirez; their children: Jose Ramirez IV (great-grandchild Jose V), Efrain Ramirez (great-grandchildren Melanie and Efrain II), Antonio Ramirez, and Vanessa Palacios (great-grandchildren Robin and Oliver). Fernando Ramirez and his wife, Gail Ramirez; their grandchildren, Carissa Dube, Jordan Holman, & Shelby Tovar. Servando Ramirez and his wife, Lucy Ramirez; grandchildren: Maria Susanna Ochoa (great-grandchildren Dallas and Memphis), Servando Ramirez Jr. and Taylor Ramirez. Gerardo Ramirez; his children: Anastasia Ramirez and Ivan Ramirez. Jaime Ramirez and his wife, Martha Ramirez; their children: Victoria Flores (great-grandchildren Elaina Grace and James Alexander) and Alejandro Ramirez. Lisa Ann Garcia and her husband, Dr. Hiram Garcia; their children: Hiram Garcia Jr. and Brianna Garcia. Dr. Anysia Roxana Trevino and her husband, Jaime Trevino; their children: Jamie Trevino, Anysha Trevino, and Christian Trevino. Cesar Ramirez and his wife, Illerette Ramirez; their children: Laura Ramirez, Cesar Ramirez, Gabriella Ramirez, and Fernando Ramirez. Oldest son Efrain Ramirez went to the house of the Lord on July 10, 1969. Jose Ramirez, Jr. was a man of deep and abiding faith. He trusted God through every season of his life and found strength in prayer, hope in God’s promises, and peace in knowing that his life was only the beginning of eternity. His faith shaped his character, guided his decisions, and served as the foundation upon which he built his family. At days end when he laid down to rest, dad would pray out loud thanking and giving all glory to God and passionately plead for continued protection, guidance, and favor upon his entire family. This was a very special time of the day to be able to hear him pray with such adoration. Jose Ramirez, Jr. lived a life of purpose and passion–with faith in God, love for family, devotion to country, and service to others. Dad will be greatly missed, and lovingly remembered. It will be both our joy and duty to speak, not of how he died because that was but an instant in time, but rather how he worked and loved for nearly a century. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love for us a gift that will forever remain in our hearts. Dad, we vow to continue to be who you were, good trees bearing good fruits. Service information and details are as follows: The visitation will take place at the Lord and I Funeral Home of Peñitas, TX in the large chapel, on Wednesday, July 15th from 5PM-9PM with a rosary to be celebrated as well at 7:00PM. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Thursday, July 16th at 10AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mission, TX. Followed by a brief graveside service at RGV State Veteran's Cemetery in Mission, TX at 11AM. In Lieu of flowers, the Ramirez family requests that a donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. These arrangements and services are under the care and direction of Lord and I Funeral Home of Peñitas, Texas. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Jose Ramirez Jr.

July 9, 1927 - July 12, 2026