Jim Martinez

Jim Martinez, 54, a devoted husband, loving father, and an awesome musician, went to be with the Lord on May 28, 2020 in Albuquerque NM.

Jim was born in Española, NM to Teodoro Martinez and Dora Fresquez on July 27, 1965.  He graduated from Española Valley High School in 1983.  He worked as a Machinist for 30 years.  He played lead guitar and sang for Oldzkool for 12 years.  He married Cecilia Velasco on September 28, 1996 in St. Edwins Parish, Albuquerque NM.  They went on to have three children.

Jim is survived by his wife of 23 years, Cecilia Velasco; his children Mercedes, Diego, Joaquin; his Goddaughters, Cecilia and Carmen Bergs; his sisters and their spouse, Dorothy and Phil Wells, Marge and Ross Gurule, Linda and Elmer Herrera, Susie Hensley; his brothers and their spouses, Richard and Debbie, Dennis and Barbra Martinez; his mother-in-law, Maria R. Velasco; his sister-in-law and her spouse, Maria and Chris Bergs; his bother-in-law; Ricardo Velasco; his bother-in-law and his spouse, Cesar and Lupe Velasco; his nieces, Helena Rivera, Ana Velasco, Lanette Garcia, Jackie Davidson, Danielle Miller, Renee Gurule, Sandra Gurule, Angelina Flores; his nephews, Mateo Velasco, Rickie Velasco, Nathan Garcia, Adrian Herrera, Eric Roybal, Denis Jr. Martinez, Nathan Martinez, Ted Montoya and Joe Montoya.

Jim is preceded in death by his brother Lonnie Martinez, nephew Diego Herrera, father Teodoro Martinez and father-in-law Cesar Velasco.

He was everyones favorite uncle, brother and friend.  He played and joked around and made everyone’s day. He loved playing his guitar and performing with his band.  Our hearts break that the world will never get to hear him sing again, but heaven will.  He was such a special person, he touched so many people and was a genuine soul.  We honor a great musician and even greater human being.  He will be missed.

Jim's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 8:00 am at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St SW, 87102. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am at San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church located at 2005 N Plaza St NW, 87104. Mass will begin at 10:00 am also at San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

The funeral home has a maximum occupancy of 50 people for the Visitation. The church has a capacity of 70 people during the Rosary and Mass. NO children under age 3 will be allowed into the church, people 65 and older are discouraged from attending, and masks are MANDATORY to attend services per the church. Restrictions for the cemetery will be posted shortly.

Pallbearers will be Diego Martinez, Joaquin Martinez, Richard Martinez, Dennis Martinez, Ricardo Velasco, and Dan Romero.

The family of Jim Martinez wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Father Andy, family, friends, San Felipe Parish, Salazar Mortuary, and everyone and anyone who sent prayers and condolences.