Juan M. Perez, our beloved husband and father, peacefully passed away at his home on December 6, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Brownsville, Texas in 1945, Johnny, also known as the “Juan and only”, to his friends and family, briefly resided in Tucson before settling in Douglas. Our Dad first met our mother, Virginia, during their middle school years at 12th Street Junior High and they later married in 1965. He joined the US Navy Reserves while still in high school in 1962. Upon graduating from DHS in 1964, he was stationed in Long Beach, California on the USS Kearsarge, carrying out missions on the outskirts of Vietnam waters.
After his military service, he returned to Douglas with his family and began working for the Savings and Loan Company. He later worked at Valley National Bank, where he dedicated over 25 years of his life. Subsequently, he worked for Compañeros and Southeastern Federal Credit Union. Following his retirement from the credit union, he continued to serve on their board. Johnny was a true advocate for making Douglas a better community. He oversaw the Jerry Lewis Telethon (Muscular Dystrophy) in Douglas and was an active member of the Noon Lions Club, Salvation Army, and Wall of Faces. Johnny was a true family man, his greatest love was our mother, his children and grandchildren. He was a friend to all and his absence will be deeply felt.
His passing is preceded by his parents Juan R. and Margarita Perez and Sister, Eva Gomez. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of 58 years, his children, Barbara Salmon, Christy Camargo and Johnny Perez, 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and his sisters, Dolores Stuppi, Maggie Tamayo and Frances Hill.