Jacobo "Jake" Martinez

Jacobo "Jake" Martinez Jake Martinez, 80, of El Paso, Texas passed away December 31, 2012 with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Ortega and father, Adolfo Martinez. He was a surviving widow to his wife, Paula A. Martinez, who passed away several years ago. Surviving are his three children Jacob Martinez with wife Hilda Martinez, Leticia Martinez, and Susana Martinez with husband Chuck Franco; four grandchildren Michelle Tarango, Christina Saenz, Jacob Martinez, and Carlo Franco; and three great-grandchildren Nathaniel Tarango, Andrew Tarango, and Vianae Saenz. His family also includes five siblings Victor Martinez, Oscar Martinez, Adolfo Martinez (deceased), Yolanda Sanchez (deceased), and Carolina Perez. Jake was a Korean War Veteran and served proudly as a Marine. Jake was the Sheriff Deputy for El Paso County and was also a retired owner of Texas Security Guard Service, an honorable business he began with is wife. Prior to this career, Jake was a successful boxing champion. His impressive winnings include an All Marine Corps Championship, three Golden Gloves Championships, and an alternate to the National Golden Gloves Team. Jake also served as the El Paso Golden Gloves Director where he offered continuous guidance to young boxers. Under his leadership young fighters have obtained six Texas State Golden Gloves Championships, eight Texas USA State Championships, one USA National Boxing Title, a PAL National Title, and one National Golden Gloves Title. Due to his achievements, he was selected to coach the US at the Olympic Festival and has been inducted into two Hall of Fame organizations in El Paso County. Jake was proud of his accomplishments and dedicated his time to mentoring and training the youth in the community. Jake lost his life battling Alzheimer's disease. Though this disease affected his memory, he continued strong and remained a notable presence to those around him. Through his life Jake offered his love and support as a father, grandfather, brother, friend, and mentor. He was loved by many and appreciated for his life's successes. He will be greatly missed and his legacy will live in the hearts of those who love and respect him. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made to the . Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina, 1060 Carolina Dr., El Paso, TX 79915 with Vigil Service at 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 am on Monday, January 7, 2013 at St. Raphael Parish, 2301 Zanzibar Rd., El Paso, TX 79925. Rite of Committal will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home. 1060 Carolina Dr. 598-3332 Published in El Paso Times from Jan. 4 to Jan. 19, 2013