JOSE JUAN RAMIREZ

On Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by family, Mr. Jose Juan Ramirez gained his heavenly wings and departed from this world. As a public servant for many years, Juan advocated for the betterment of his community while remaining a pillar for not only his family but also the many individuals with whom he crossed paths.

Jose Juan Ramirez was born to Manuel and Inocencia Ramirez on November 12, 1942, in Laredo, Texas. Juan attended Urban Elementary, L.J. Christen Middle, and later graduated from Raymond and Tirza Martin High School. From the age of 14, Juan worked diligently to support
his family after the untimely passing of his father, Manuel Ramirez. He would sell newspapers, shine shoes, distribute produce to restaurants in the downtown area during his school lunch hour, and eventually begin supporting the family business by selling flowers in our local plazas.
Despite these numerous responsibilities, Juan was able to remain an active participant in school activities. During this time, he worked on the La Pitahaya as head photographer and editor. After graduating high school, he left Laredo to live with his mother's family in California. While
living there, he worked as a dishwasher and bartender and spent some time working on a turkey farm. Never abandoning his roots, Juan would return to Laredo, where he could continue supporting his family and community.

Juan and his brother Manuel 'Chaca' Ramirez encouraged members of their barrio to protest unfair working conditions. These demonstrations caught the city's attention, and after several years of protesting and boycotts, they were able to help bring the food stamp program to Laredo
before it was established statewide. In the 1970s, Juan started working as a photographer for Uniroyal Tire Company, photographing many of their tires. He also started his import-export wrought iron, pottery, and woodwork business. During this time, he met the love of his life, Yolanda Ramirez. After several years of dating, they finally married on November 25, 1972. During their fifty-two-year marriage, the couple had five children. Juan always encouraged his children to pursue higher education and other passions throughout their youth. Whether it was a small recognition, a performance, or needing a ride to practice, Juan was a loud support for many years, always making sure to be there for his children. He taught them the values of hard work, dedication, and dependability. After working at Uniroyal for eighteen years, Juan pursued his passion for photography and opened a studio on historic San Bernardo St. His business prided itself upon capturing meaningful moments in time. Ramirez Photography offered its services to many events and clientele, most notably by being the sole contractor for the Laredo ISD high school graduations. Juan ran and was elected as a District 8 City Council member, serving his community over two
terms. His improvements for the city were so well received by his constituents that he is forever immortalized in the form of having a park dedicated to him and being recognized by his alma mater as a tiger legend.

Juan spent his later years enjoying the retirement lifestyle, including vacations to theme parks in Texas, California, and Las Vegas with his children and grandchildren. When at home, he would always be sure to attend any events that his grandchildren would partake in so that he could support them in the same way he supported his children. Ever the family man, Juan was known to host social gatherings at his home so that he could have his family all together under one roof. Jose Juan Ramirez was able to gather his family for one last time on March 14th, 2025, and he will be dearly missed.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Inocencia Ramirez, brother Manuel "Chaca" Ramirez, and his daughter Guadalupe Ramirez. Mr. Ramirez is survived by his beloved wife, Yolanda Ramirez, with whom he shared 52 beautiful years of marriage.

His legacy lives on through his children Jose Juan (Candy) Ramirez Jr., Zulma Yolanda Ramirez (Alex) Carrillo, Linda Griselda Ramirez, and Manuel (Cindy) Ramirez, as well as his 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Juan is survived by his brothers and sisters Roberto (Angelica) Ramirez, Arturo Ramirez, Margarita (Juan Alberto) Ibarra, and Raul (Blanca) Ramirez.
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also remember him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a vigil of the deceased, officiated by Manuel Ramirez, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez, Lopez and Sons,Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. on San Bernardo Ave . Funeral services will begin departing the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.