On Monday, September 26th, 2022; in the early morning hours “Jon Jon” took his last breath here on earth. Jon was only 47 years old but the stories and memories that will be shared will last multiple lifetimes. He leaves behind two sons (Nathaniel Garcia and Jonathan Garcia) whom he loved very much.
Jonathan R. Garcia was born in La Jara, Colorado on October 27th, 1974, he was raised in Antonito, Colo. Jon was known throughout the San Luis Valley. Jon was just that kind of guy that made a lasting impression on the people he encountered. Jon rarely wasted any waking minute; he was always busy doing something. When Jon wasn’t working he was still working, much like his Dad (Virgil). Jon was very proud of all the time he served as a volunteer firefighter within various counties he had resided. When Jon had free time he spent it with family and friends doing the things he loved. One weekend he could be out fishing; kidnapping whomever of his choosing, or having a few beers with his Mom, Dad, and Brother. He enjoyed being outdoors, if the activity at hand entailed the mountains Jon was ready to go. Being outdoors and music was Jon’s therapy. Jon loved being with his family during the holidays, you could go months without seeing him but you always knew he would be home then.
It was only a few short months ago that Jon said his goodbyes to family and friends to begin a new chapter of his life. He took a chance and followed his heart to Elko, Nevada. He called and checked in with his family and closest friends. He assured them he was okay and everyone was saddened yet happy for him. No one could have known the “goodbyes” were real.
This world will be a smaller place without “Big Jon;” he was a kind, respectful, compassionate, and humble kind of person, but not the kind of person to take advantage of either. You knew not to mess with ‘Big Jon’ or you were going to learn not to, especially if you messed with his loved ones.
Jon was a dad, a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson and a friend. His life here was just short of half a century but it was full. Full of love, full of laughter, full of fun, full of family, full of friends and full of memories. He loved and was loved by so many!
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Evangeline Trujillo and Lionel Gurule (Antonito, Colo.), Tillie and Virgil Montoya (Antonito, Colo.); uncles Harlan Montoya and Antonio Sandoval (Antonito, Colo.); his first love Nannette Thomas (Sanford, Colo.), and Tia Ellen (Antonito, Colo).
He is survived by his sons Nathaniel Garcia (Sanford, Colo.) and Jonathan Garcia (La Jara, Colo.); parents Shirley Sandoval and Ramon “Virgil” Montoya (Antonito, Colo.); brothers Joshua “Chow Chow” Garcia (Antonito, Colo.), Jeremiah Sandoval (Antonito, Colo.), Daniel Montoya (Manassa, Colo.), Brian and Matthew Montoya (Antonito, Colo.), Jacob Garcia (Denver, Colo.), Jarret and Justin Garcia (Antonito, Colo.); Godparents Rocky and Diana Vigil (Antonito, Colo.); and girlfriend Trina Martinez (Elko Nevada)
Jon is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much; cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends. John 16:22 reads “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
A memorial service will take place Saturday, October 29, 2022, at noon in Conejos, Co; Burial of ashes following memorial service will be at the Las Mesitas Cemetery, and a Thanksgiving dinner “in memory of Jon” will be held in La Jara, Colo.
