Jaime Guzman

“The heart is a place where one can meet God. He who follows his heart follows God.” Ole Martin Hoysted (1947) On September 10, 1954 in Pharr, Texas, Juan Guzman, Jr. and Maria A. Guzman were blessed with their eldest son, James. He was the 4th of 12 children. He has now returned to his Heavenly Father after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his time here he loved being in the outdoors. When he was fishing, hunting and camping in the Uintah Mountains with his family, his “Comp” Jake Dominguez and his “Bros” – he was at his finest. His greatest joy however was when he was with his loving wife, Anna, daughter, Vanessa, son, Oliver, and granddaughter, Sienna – whom he lovingly referred to as “Punk”. James was a man of many talents. He was the king of the BBQ grill and even shared some of his secrets – which we will forever treasure. He took great pride in his yard and tended to his garden with care. We thank Jake’s Yard Maintenance for helping James sustain that pride. James enjoyed good food. Fresh homemade tortillas and “bean cakes” were among his favorites. James was a man of great faith. He never wavered in knowing that his God had bigger plans for him. Many a time he was a strong shoulder to cry on and was great listener if a friend or family member needed him. Even in his pain, James gave those around him the strength to help him through this difficult journey. All who knew him became better people because of him. He inspired others by his caring, laughter, and love for all. He is survived by his wife, Anna, daughter, Vanessa (Omar) Sanchez, son, Oliver Del Rio, granddaughter, Sienna Sanchez; parents, Juan and Maria Guzman, brothers and sisters, Marcy Guzman, Maria (Michael) Rivers, Toni Diaz, Johnny (Zulema) Guzman, Karen (Johnny) Hernandez, Oscar (Brenda) Guzman, Amanda (Johnny) Garza, Selma (Ray) Saenz, David (Mari) Guzman, Rhonda (Leo) Artega, Kris (Ralph) Carlin; mother-in-law, Carmen Montoya, brother-in-law, Albert (Kelly) Montoya, sister-in-law, Nancy Wright and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Mr. Jonathan Lee, Anna Jane Arroyo, Dave McClellan, S. Tracy, and Father Cummins for their spiritual guidance. Yolanda and Anna, thank you for bringing the weekly Eucharist. Thank you to numerous family, friends, neighbors, Riverdale 8th Ward, Humana Inc. and Mountain Alarm Inc. for their continual support, prayers and home-cooked meals. We couldn’t have asked for any better. For their help in fundraising: JBT Aero Tech (his employer), Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Cash America. Your generosity is boundless. To Hearts for Hospice and James’ Medical support (Dr. C. Gray, Dr. Harris and staff of Gamma West, Dr. G. O’Brien) – your care comforted James and brought him peace. For that we are eternally grateful. If there is anyone omitted, please know that it is not intentional. All acts of kindness, great or small, are immensely appreciated and made a difference in the well-being of our family. A funeral mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4050 South 3900 West, West Haven, with Father Charles Cummins, officiating. Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, where Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations be made to Alliance Credit Union, in memory of James Guzman. E-mail condolences to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com