Jose Jimenez

Jose (Joe) S. Jimenez, born September 28, 1924, Jose Jimenez of Tesuque passed away on September 3, 2017 following a prolonged illness. He was called home to Heavenly paradise and reunited with all the beloved that have gone before him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Filomeno and Martina Jimenez of Chupadero, his son Henry, first wife of 48 years, Adela Griego and second wife of 7 years Susie Vigil. Brothers, Gustavo, and Rosendo. Sisters: Elviria Trujillo, Adelina Ortega, Maria Alicia, and Barbarita.

Joe attended Elementary School in Chupadero, Jr High at Harvey, and partway through High School he joined the Army, and after the war, attended carpentry school in Pojoaque. In 1954 he attended the Coyne School and trained as a TV, Radio Electronics Technician, then in 1964 he graduated from the National School of Meat Cutters in Toledo, Ohio. In 1974 went back to school and received his High school Diploma from Santa Fe High School.

He served his country with the U.S. Army in a tour of duty during World War II. He was a highly decorated soldier, wounded three times and received the Purple Heart, as well as, a Bronze Star, for valor and bravery. In addition, he also received numerous combat metals and wartime citations. On June 30, 1943 he enlisted in the Army and was part of the Headquarter Company, 2nd Battalion 501 paratrooper of the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles”. He did his Basic training at Fort Bragg and Jump School at Fort Campbell. On June 6, 1944 he made his first of three major battle jumps in Normandy France on “D-Day”. On September 17, 1944, he jumped in “Operation Market Garden” in Holland, the largest airborne operation in military history, and on the 16th of December 1944 he parachuted in “The Battle of the Bulge” in Belgium in the town of Bastogne. On November 30th the 101st Airborne Division left Germany for training in England for the invasion of Japan. When the Japanese surrendered two weeks later the 101 was deactivated.

As a young man he worked in the CC Camps before joining the Army. After the Army, he worked for Los Alamos McKee & Zia co and in Mercury Nevada Test site from 1946 to 1953. From there he worked for the NM State Penitentiary as Correctional Officer and District 5 of the Highway Department. He was the driving force for establishing the Tesuque Water Association and maintaining it for many years.

He was a member of the Guadalupe Church in Santa Fe, Fraternal Order of the Purple Heart (Chaplin), Disabled American Veterans Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He enjoyed talking, mostly about his military adventures, but he had the knack of bringing families together with his knowledge of his genealogy of his Spanish and Native American heritage. Family members would come from all over or call him to get more information about their ancestry. He kept in touch with immediate and extended family on a regular basis. He enjoyed the casinos, both for entertainment and for socializing.

He is survived by his son, George Jimenez (Celina) of Santa Fe, Veronica Lujan of Huachuca City, Az. Stepdaughter, Suzanne Kash of Santa Fe. Brother Isidro, Sisters, Vicenta Trujillo, Lucia Jimenez, Margarita Roibal (Rafael). In-laws, Natividad Jimenez, Julian Nieto, Nellie Griego, Rita Griego, and Mike Vigil. Grandchildren, Tara Jimenez, Jennifer Jimenez, Anthony Vandersomen, Patrick Lujan III, Laura Elwood and Aaron Kash, and great grandchild, Joseph Jimenez, and many relatives.

A very special thanks and gratitude to Angelica Ortega for being his caregiver for the past 10 years. The Presbyterian Hospice Group and the Staff of St. Christus Vincent Hospital.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 9th at 7 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Fe followed by a Rosary at 7:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am on Monday September 11th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, followed by interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 372, PO Box 364, Tesuque, NM 87574