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Jose Agapito (J.A.) Garcia, 90, a resident of Albuquerque since 1975, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on Monday, January 3, 2005. He was surrounded by love and prayers with his daughters, son, and grandchildren. He lived a full life and will be remembered by everyone whose lives he touched with his music. J.A. was a talented musician whose music was well known and enjoyed throughout the state. In 1933 he married his beloved Antonia Otero who preceded him in death. From their marriage were born 14 children: ten daughters, and four sons. Two daughters and two sons have preceded him in death: Louisa Luna, Esquipula, Lincoln, and Ray Garcia. He is survived by daughters: Juanita Ortiz, Pauline Gurule, Berlinda Garcia, Lucy Bibiano and her husband Leroy, all of Albuquerque, Bea Brooks of Westminster, California, Lila Gonzales and her husband Juan of Willard, Christine Storey and her husband Frank of Rio Rancho, Rita Chavez and Joe L. Chavez, and Louella Gauna and husband Joe, all of Vaughn, NM. He is also survived by sons: Sal Garcia and his wife Vera from Albuquerque, NM, and Sidro Garcia and his wife Susan from Las Vegas, NM. He and his wife also assisted in raising several grandchildren, including Richard Ortiz and Viola Madrid. He was especially proud of his 40 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. J.A. was retired from the AT & SF Railroad for over 30 years. He spent over 40 years with the company working in various positions. He also served as Mayor of Willard NM for several years, between 1950 - 1964. He served as the Vice-President of the Estancia Board of Education, between 1960 - 1964. He was well known for his music as Joe Garcia and his Orchestra during the 1940s and 1950s. Services will be held in Willard, NM, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 6 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held at the Willard Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Fernanda Harmon, Antoinette Gonzales, Ruth Butler, Viola Madrid, Rachael Bibiano, and Debra Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers are: Juan Gonzales, Frank Storey, Leroy Bibiano, Joe Gauna, Sal Garcia and Sidro Garcia, and Joe L. Chavez, Jr. Arrangements entrusted to Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Mountainair, NM. 847-2331
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