On March 24, 2015 the world lost a great man, a true modern day Superman; my father Juan M. Valenzuela, 78. He was born on January 2, 1937 in La Union, New Mexico to my grandmother Romana M. Valenzuela and grandfather Juan D. Valenzuela. My father was the last remaining male to survive his large and proud Valenzuela family. He has now gone to join his siblings in heaven: Adam D. Valenzuela, Jesus M. Valenzuela, Alfonzo M. Valenzuela, Salvador M. Valenzuela, and Genova M. Valenzuela. He is survived by his honorable sister Eva M. Valenzuela, Lucy B. Valenzuela, and Pauelin N. Valenzuela who now mourn the loss of their baby brother. In 1961 my father was drafted in the United States Army and served with honor and distinction. He served in defense of this nation in Frankfort, Germany and was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged on March 15, 1964. My father would mention to me many times that he married the most amazing woman in the world, my mother Jessie H. Valenzuela on August 8, 1964. Soon after my brother John A. Valenzuela was born and about 3 years later I (James E. Valenzuela) was born. My brother and I would often mention how fortunate we were to have the BEST parents in the world. They showed us how to be men of honor, dignity, respect, courage and to spend our lives in service of others. My parents had the recipe for success on how to raise children down to a science. My brother (my hero) was a South Tucson Officer that was killed in the Line of Duty on May 17, 1993 and my mother (my protector) died August 18, 2009. My father was so heartbroken but the love for his granddaughter Briana E. Valenzuela (his heart), his grandson John A. Valenzuela (his soul), his son James E. Valenzuela (his baby), and his special daughter-in-law Rosario Valenzuela who he loved like a daughter, kept him going and alive. They were always on his mind even to his last minutes on this earth. My father would often mention how much he missed my mother and brother. He would say "Son, I do not fear death because I know when I die I will be reunited with your mother and brother in heaven. I will face death not with eyes closed but with his eyes wide open". My father, I feel did not die of his physical disorder and challenges; he died of a broken heart for the loss of my mother and brother. Now that my father has gone to be with them in heaven, I can be assured that he is now at home with them. His journey is complete, no more suffering, no more pain, and no more sadness. Just joy and happiness in heaven. God has granted my father the reward of eternal life in heaven for being a man that put his family first and sacrificed for them so they could have a better life. A true role model of what a man, father, and husband should be while on earth. I would personally like to thank the people who helped my father in his last days. To my aunt Eva, you put your life on hold to help my father and dedicated your life to him, for that I will always be grateful and I know God will have a special place in heaven for you. To Dan and Janet Snyder, you both provided light and support to my parents in their darkest hours, you have both become more like parents to me over the years. To the care givers of Soulistic Hospice Care Agency, you all provided amazing care for my father and made me believe that angels do walk this earth by the work that you do. To Francisco Nuez, you provided support, friendship to both my aunt Eva and father. A special thank you to my cousins Vicki Valenzuela, Irene Valenzuela, Patty Meza (Valenzuela) for giving my aunt and father added special support and assistance. Another special thank you to Jessie Pallanes (my friend's mother who I love like a second mother) who provided home cooked meals for my father in his later days in life. And a big special thank you to all my aunts/uncles/cousins/friends on my mother's side of the family for their dedication and love for my father. To the John Valenzuela Youth Center and to their Director Gloria, you all gave my parents a special place where their son Officer John A. Valenzuela could be honored and remembered by the entire community and provided a special place for the youth of South Tucson to grow and learn. I love you all and may God bless you all for the service you gave my father in his last days. In lieu of flowers, please send a monetary donation to the John Valenzuela Youth Center at 1550 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ. 85713