Javier Ernest Carranza Jimenez (Ernie), 57, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away in Utah on December 9, 2025, and entered heaven on December 12, 2025, following his selfless gift of organ donation. Surrounded by family and friends, Ernie was a beloved husband, father, son, tío, athlete, and friend who passed after a courageous journey with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Diagnosed in January 2019, he faced his illness with extraordinary strength, tenacity, perseverance, and quiet dignity.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Gonzalez, his sister, Lorena Jimenez, his brother, Enrique Jimenez, and his grandparents.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jimenez, who remained faithfully by his side throughout his illness; his father, Ernest Jimenez; and the greatest joy of his life, his daughter Abbagaile Ida Jimenez-Colbert, who was truly the center of his world. Ernie is also survived by his first daughter, Alyssa, and her two sons.

Ernie shared a special bond with his chosen extended family of nieces and nephews, embracing each of them with the same loyalty, care, and quiet devotion he gave to those closest to him. He took pride in being present in their lives, offering encouragement, humor, and a steady presence they could always count on. Whether through shared laughter, thoughtful conversations, or simply showing up when it mattered most, Ernie made each of them feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. They were not just family to him by choice, but by heart.

Ernie's greatest love story was with Betty, whom he reunited with after many years during the week of their 20-year high school reunion. Although time had passed, their connection remained steady and familiar, which led them back to one another and quickly grew into a life they chose to share. Betty later moved to Utah, where they built a life side by side and were married on December 29, 2012.

His daughter, Abbagaile Ida Jimenez Colbert, was the heart of Ernie's world. Beyond being his pride and joy, Abbagaile lovingly helped care for her father throughout his illness, offering him steadfast love, comfort, and strength beyond her years. Ernie rarely missed a moment in her life, faithfully volunteering and attending school functions, dance, gymnastics, and volleyball practices, and most recently proudly cheering her on at her wrestling matches from his wheelchair, a powerful testament to his deep love, unwavering pride, tenacity and constant presence in her life.

Ernie was known for his sharp wit, quick humor, and perfectly timed jokes that could light up any room. A devoted Rams fan, he once traveled with Betty to Texas for a football game and, in a true act of love, chose to sit on the Cowboys side in his Rams jersey simply to make her happy. He loved creating memories with Abbagaile, from trips to the aquarium and family road trips to outdoor adventures that ranged from backyard camping to a memorable stay in a yurt. His well intended shortcuts on road trips almost always turned into "long cuts", a family joke that never grew old.

Despite a healthy fear of the ocean, Ernie bravely endured two cruises in 2023 and 2024, adventures he never wanted to take, one with Betty and another with Abbagaile, Betty, and close friends, simply because it made the people he loved happy. Equally impressive, and perhaps even more heroic, he calmly tolerated endless Kenny Chesney music and concerts even though it was not his favorite, never once complaining. He also genuinely cherished attending University of Utah football games with his Utah buddies.

A gifted athlete, Ernie distinguished himself as an exceptional wrestler and scholar. During his senior year at Pueblo High School, he was recruited to wrestle for Western Colorado University in recognition of his outstanding wrestling career. From 1986 to 1991, Ernie competed at the collegiate level with remarkable success. He was a three time All American, three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Champion, four-time Academic All American, and a four-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete. He also broke the school record for the most career falls, an achievement that reflected both his discipline and competitive spirit.

Ernie graduated from Western Colorado University in 1992 and later served as an assistant wrestling coach for one year, continuing his dedication to wrestling and to mentoring young athletes. In 2013, he was inducted into the WCU Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame, a lasting testament to his impact on collegiate wrestling.

In the final chapter of his life, Ernie made the selfless decision to become an organ donor and research participant. Through this generous gift, his legacy continues, bringing hope, healing, and possibility to others while contributing to advancements in medical research.

Above all, Ernie will be remembered for his fierce love for his family, his humor, his loyalty, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him.

In honor of Ernie's lifelong devotion to the Rams, family kindly invites attendees to wear yellow or blue as a celebration of the team he loved. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Ernie's memory to support ALS research and organ donation efforts, continuing the spirit of generosity and selflessness that defined his life. Dedicated to Finding a Cure for ALS | The ALS Association