Thomas "Jay” Martinez, Jr

Thomas James Martinez Jr. (Jay) passed away on May 5, 2022 surrounded by family after a sudden illness. He was raised in the beautiful Chama Valley by Flavio and Silveria Martinez who were not only his grandparents but his number one fans and supporters during his time on this earth. Jay was not a man of many words, however when he spoke he made sure he was heard by all those who were near. He had a passion for music and could always be found sitting on the portal playing some honky-tonk on the guitar or learning some modern country. Jay was a man with a lot of love for his friends and family although he would not show it, unless it was with his concentida Sonrisa.He often spoke of his time operating heavy equipment with Russom’s Trucking and the adventures he had with Ron. If he was not at home you might find him helping one of his Tia’s or a friend building or organizing their properties. He and his father were inseparable and if you saw one of them it was almost guaranteed the other was nearby. Although your family and friends were not ready for you to leave us physically you were called on by our Lord. You are now free, Soar with the Angels Jay.

Thomas James Martinez Jr. was born on November 26, 1984 in Espanola, NM, to Stephanie (Rash) Martinez and Jimmy Martinez; raised by Flavio and Silveria Martinez. He was preceded in death by his mother Stephanie Martinez, brother Patrick and Tia Robin. Surviving Jay are his children Riven Duran, Nadyalena Duran, Juaquin Duran, Jaylah Martinez and Thomas James Martinez III; father Jimmy Martinez Sr.; siblings Nichole (Miguel) Martinez, Brianna (David) Archuleta, Leanna (Adam) Gray, Leo J. Abeyta; paternal Grandparents Flavio and Silveria Martinez; maternal grandmother Rosie Rash; aunt (big sister) Adeline Martinez, uncle Andy (Margaret) Martinez, Ricky (Mary Ann) Rivas, Aunt Rose Rascon; special niece God-Daughter Sonrisa Martinez, nieces Amarisa Martinez, Aaleah Archuleta, Aamiah Archuleta, Addis Gray; Nephew Jacobo Martinez; Cousins Eric Gallegos, Nathan Rivas, Carlos Atencio, Adam Martinez , Kristina Elote, Mariah Elote and Alex Elote; special cousin Eduardo Jaramillo and Anthony Ray Torrez, Jr in which Jimmy helped care for; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Pall bearers will be, Nathan Rivas, Billy Rivas, Carlos Atencio, Jacobo Martinez, Miguel Martinez, Adam Martinez, Eric Gallegos, Ron Russom, Juaquin Duran and honorary pall bearer, Baby Thomas James Martinez, III.

A Rosary will be prayed on Saturday, May 28, 2022, 10AM at St. Patrick's Church in Chama followed by the Mass of Christian Burial.  All are invited to share in a meal afterwards in St. Patrick's Parish Hall.