Juan Leija, Sr.

Juan Leija Sr, born January 16, 1953, went to be with our Lord on January 29, 2018 at the age of 65. My Dad, Juan Leija, loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved to play his Christian music and either read the Bible, write his favorite scriptures in his journal, or sing along daily. He was a man of great faith that prayed daily for his family. I believe this is why he never took life too seriously and was able to enjoy each day. My dad loved all his family and friends. He enjoyed going to Church on Sunday mornings and meeting up with his brothers and sisters for breakfast afterwards. He loved the holidays because it meant the whole family would get together. We would all hold hands in a big circle before eating and my dad would lead us in prayer. My dads other passion was sports! Growing up he loved to play softball. He always talked about how good of a pitcher he was; How he put a spin on the ball so no one could hit it. He liked to fish and was a good bowler. He even bowled a perfect 300 game once. My dad passed his love of sports on to us, his kids and grandkids. He transferred that love of sports into coaching his sons and daughters in soccer and softball. Later in life, he especially enjoyed watching all his grandchildren play sports. He was their biggest fan. He would call his boys and grandsons and bet on games. The loser would have to buy tacos for the winner. My dad loved to laugh! He had a smile and laughter that came from deep inside that you knew it was real and you couldnt help but laugh too. Oh how he loved to laugh a lot and joke around. He was always finding ways to make you laugh. Im gonna miss your smile, your laughter, your voice, your love! Juan was preceded in death by his parents, Benito and Josephina Leija; brothers, Alex Leija and Joe Leija; and nephew, Baby Angel Leija. He is survived by his wife, Anita Leija; children, Norma Valdez (Joe), Leticia Leija Martinez (Alfredo), Juan Leija, Jr. (Adelina), Samuel Leija, Monika Leija Valdez (Angel); siblings, Joe Louis Leija, Rosie Leija, Lupe Leija, Liz Leija, Janie Luna, Victoria Mendoza, Joseph Mendoza, and Larry Covarrubias; grandchildren, Amanda Preciado, Juan Valdez, Benny Rodriguez, Alfredo Martinez, Jr., Jolynn Martinez, Amerika Leija, Tyara Leija, Annia Leija, Azalia Leija, Chayzton Leija, and Kingston Leija. Juan is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and many friends. Juan will be greatly missed by all who knew him.