Jesus Carruth Sandoval, 77, departed this life on November 24, 2020 in El Paso, Texas, after a brave battle against COVID-19. He left his mark on this life as a devoted son, brother, drummer, voracious reader, trumpet player, Fulbright Scholar in Peru, husband, father, Air Force Captain, Intelligence Officer, lawyer, uncle, civil rights activist, museumgoer, professor, jogger, donut connoisseur, Certified Public Accountant, abuelo, sports fan, history aficionado, jazz lover, Three Stooges fan, teacher, theologian. He now rests in eternal peace.
Jesus (Jess to many) was born on July 1, 1943 in Placitas, New Mexico to Bernabe T. and Antonia Sandoval. His family lived for a time in Gallup, New Mexico, where he graduated from Gallup High School in 1962, then earned a degree in Political Science and Spanish and Mexican Literature from the University of New Mexico in 1967, followed by a law degree from Ohio State University. He was a serial student and would earn many more degrees during his lifetime. He was never without a book or a newspaper at his reach. Jess proudly served in both the Army of the United States and the United States Air Force.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Fidencio Sandoval, Eddie Sandoval, and Johnny Sandoval; and sisters Katie Bradshaw and Sally Dallago. His memory will be cherished by those who survive him: his wife Carmen Sandoval of New Mexico; daughter Jacqueline Sandoval Tahsuda and husband John Tahsuda III of Maryland; son Jesse Sandoval of Oregon; grandchildren John Tahsuda IV, Gabriela Tahsuda, Noconi Tahsuda, and Lucho Haack Sandoval; brothers Bernie C. Sandoval, Joe M. Sandoval, Orlando Sandoval, Mike Sandoval and sisters Cordelia Trimble and Aurora (Pat) Lavalle, all of New Mexico; many beloved nieces and nephews, and friends. Jess is remembered with love by many in El Paso, Texas, where he spent his later years.
We will remember him for his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, his insatiable curiosity, and his efforts to support young people in the pursuit of education. In honor of his memory, read a book, learn something new, go for jog, and wear a mask. A private burial service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. A celebration of life will be held when family and friends are able to gather again.
“La muerte no existe, la gente solo muere cuando la olvidan; si puedes recordarme siempre estaré contigo” — Isabel Allende
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