- Date Of Birth: July 8, 1927
- Date Of Death: May 20, 2023
- State: New Mexico
George “Red” Jaramillo, Jr., 95, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
He is preceded in death by his father George; mother Avelina; brothers: Gregorio Jaramillo (Carmen), Tom Jaramillo; sisters: Molly Galindro (Joe), Priscilla Shattuck, Angie Tachias (Max).
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Maria Jaramillo, son Ron Jaramillo (Theresa); daughters: Cindy Jaramillo (Joseph), Debbie Sherred (Stan), Genevieve Jaramillo-Padilla (Phillip), Georgianna Martinez (Johnny), brother Ben Jaramillo, twelve grandchildren: Jessica Jaramillo, Carlos Jaramillo, Nicole Sherred-Delgado, Juliana Padilla, Joyce Porlas, Brian Sherred, Alicia Jaramillo, Renee Villanueva, Randal Sanchez, Elliott Padilla, Santiago Padilla, César Padilla; twenty-three great-grand-children: James Flores, Victor Lovato, Miquelita Lovato, Elena Jaramillo, Charlie Jaramillo, Gabriel Delgado, Abigail Delgado, Liana Padilla, Valentina Padilla, Esperanza Padilla, Toby Padilla, Judeas Jaramillo, Jackson Porlas, Brayden Sherred, Hunter Sherred, Reese Villanueva, Samson Villanueva, Sophia Sanchez, Randy Sanchez, Heidi Sanchez, Camila Padilla, Olivia Padilla, and Roman Padilla, and one great-great grand-daughter Lilah Belle Flores.
Ninety-seven years ago, George was born to Avelina and George Jaramillo, Sr. in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His younger years were spent in Tome, New Mexico. They moved to Barelas, where he attended Albuquerque High School and was in the first Albuquerque High School graduating class.
At seventeen, he enlisted in the Army, where he served two years in WWII. Upon returning to the states, he was drafted into the Navy. He served four years in the Korean conflict. He received many military commendations.
He met his wife Maria at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They settled in a North Valley neighborhood and became St. Therese parishioners. The family grew with their first-born son, Ron, followed with four daughters Cindy, Debbie, Genevieve, and Georgianna.
Red’s faith was prominent; he demonstrated his faith through his actions and taught us to love each other, give back, and taught by example! Red’s common looked forward and his common requests were daily prayer, la misa, and the Eucharist on Sunday’s. They were something that he looked forward to.
Red was a humble man and taught us by example; respect others, and taught us how to live life with character, showed us what a ‘servant leader’ is, he was/is our hero!
Family and fishing go hand in hand. Red’s love for fishing was passed on to all his children and grandchildren. Growing up and to give Maria a break, he would take his children on weekend getaways all summer long. In the last few years, fishing trips were offered often, and Red, was eager and ready to go! His fishing gear, rod, tackle and sleeping bag were always packed and he was ready on a whim.
Some favorite memories with Red are at the stream, river or on the lake with his fishing rod, Coca-Cola, and lit cigarette. If you were fishing with him, you had to put in your bets; dollars, who catches the first, most, and the largest fish. He was usually on the winning side. Growing up, there were many favorite fishing trips, on his Thursday days off he would head to the Pecos River with his son or daughters; there were also many great memories of camping and hiking into the Pecos wilderness.
Red was a meat-cutter with most of his career at Piggly Wiggly and later John Brooks. In his early Piggly Wiggly years, the meat-cutters went on strike! When younger, his children were there with Red, and his fellow meat cutters, holding and carrying the picket signs.
His meat-cutting skills easily transferred to his carpentry skills and general construction where projects were in abundance. He was also known as the project manager, boss man, ‘sup’-supervisor, and teacher—- Red was jack of all trades! If there was a project—any project Red showed up with his tools, ready to help in any way. He was there with you on the project from demolition to reconstruction, cement work, yard work, roofing, and cabinetry. He was there from beginning to end and in every one of our homes he has his stamp on it.
Red was the perfect confidant. He was the vault!
Red’s faith was strong. No matter where he was or who he was talking to, faith and Jesus were common words. Red promised that everyday would be okay, and when asked why you say your prayers in the morning (not at night), he would say, “…because I have to thank Him (Lord), for giving me another day.”
His life duties were to make his home and family a place of happiness and joy. Even in his last days, especially on Wednesday-Bean-Days, he shared, “full-house of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. That is the way it should be.” He wanted to make sure we were loved and to love each other.
Red will be missed immensely, but his memories and faith will keep us going. Within the 24 hours of his passing, and the abundance of rain that my Red brought, one of his great granddaughters was looking out the window, while raining, her nana asked, “what are you doing mijita?” With her innocent 4-year-old look, states, “I am talking to Tata Red.” What is he saying, “he is talking to my grandma (already in heaven)” …nana, “what is he talking about?” “us”. [Silence], she turns around to share, “did you know that Tata-Red has wings,” adult responds, “of course” great-grand-child then states with a smile, “but his [Tata Red’s] wings swirl.”
Whether Red has regular angel wings or swirling wings, he did his life work! And, for you readers, if he did anything for you or said anything to you that brought you closer to God or the Church, or God’s creation of our land, mountains, and rivers, then he accomplished his job on earth! In his last few days he stated, “now my job will be to pray for you [ALL] to join him in heaven.” One day but not today! We will miss you Daddy, Tata Red, brother, uncle, friend, confidant; but through your faith, and your teachings we know you are not far away.
Red’s Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm at the Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church located at 3424 Fourth St NE, 87107.
**Faith, Family, Fishing**
