His nephew had an idea.Bring men—who once worked in the fields, the factories—to the green.Because there they could dream up ways to bring brown youth to brighter days.To give new seeds hope where once these men had to do it all in the rough.It was just a simple golf outing.And Jr. was there from the beginning – 9 years he played as if he were praying.Praying for brown youth—like himself back in the day—to have opportunity.Each time he placed his ball on the tee it was as if he were lifting another bright mind up to the ladder of success.He did what so many never do – he put his green where his mouth was.Once upon a time the only Mexicans you would see on the golf course were the workers. And maybe he remembered the fieldwork well – because he was still a worker of fields – a planter. But now he cultivated life, hope and prosperity for his people.He believed in his nephew’s ideaAnd each year we watched them brown men come – Jr. in the leadSymbolically resurrecting this space once reserved for whites only into a holy space for breeding new growth for La Raza youth to succeed. He stood there each year – like a beautiful reminder of how far we had come and how far we still can go.Iron and wood in hand – wielding them as only a Mexican con fuerza could. He was our family rock.Like the years he brought us together for Garza family reunion and Garza family communion built on the solid foundations of his home.All of his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and their children I call him my Great Tio – not only because he is my grandmother’s brother but because of his legacy.Ever increasing understanding of his importance in our lives.He gave us the space to be a family.And maybe as he watched us children play – he remembered how he used to work the fields at our age.Maybe he was grateful in the end for learning how to tend to the earth and maybe I am grateful too.Because Jr. knew how to make everything grow. He is the saint of holes-in-oneBecause he taught us that within our one – our family, our selves – we must remember to remain whole and holy so growth can continue to be our family legacy.~K. Brook Flores~

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shelby,Spenser,Fred,and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Tia Mary and the family at this time. We are so sorry for your loss and may God's warmth shine upon you at this most difficult time,and know that Tio J.R. is no longer suffering. God Bless the family.

Tia Mary and Cathie,Our sympathy & sincere condolences in the passing of a great man. A line in the movie "Braveheart" states "All men die, but not all men really live". Tio JR truly lived.I will miss his emails, they were funny, thought provoking and just his way of staying in touch. Our love and prayers, Fernando and Gloria Valdez

To the Garza family,My deepest condolences at this very sad and difficult time. Knowing Cathie from work, she must surely know that we are walking with her and the entire family during this time of grieving and hopefully, healing as strength is found. We are put here for each other and please know that we are here for Cathie and her family.~Jean Fricke

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on behalf of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so sorry for your loss. With Love,Suanne and John FunkDave and Heide MaginnGary J. DoerflingerPaula and Roger Carlin

Please accept our sincere condolences. Words alone cannot express our sympathy on the untimely passing of your beloved husband, father, brother and friend. To say that his time with us was far too short is an understatement. The reality is that he will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him. I believe it must be a Garza trait, that one of love, and honesty. I will fondly remember the warmth in his smile, and the love he had for those around him. God Bless.

The sadness of the passing of your loved one is felt by many. May the thought of knowing that friends share in your sadness be of comfort to you.Your Friends,Jerry Slagoski Sr. and Family(Friends of Branch 7)

Mary, Kathy and all the rest of the Garza family -- please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, brother, friend. Serapio will be missed by all, but just to know that he is no longer suffering brings peace to my heart. The loss of one we love is not easy, but our faith tells us that we can expect all the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ when we get to Heaven, and I have no doubt whatsoever that J.R. is looking down upon all of us and saying to us, "Do not grieve for me, I am fine and will wait for each one of you when the Lord calls you home." May all of you receive the peace of Jesus and His Father God. May you be blessed with peace in your heart for knowing that you were with him by his side at all times. He knew he was loved by his family, and ultimately that is what really helped him in his journey home to His Heavenly Father. Take care and know that we in San Antonio are praying for all of you. Mary, remember to say: "My God, my Rock, deepen my faith in you so that I might be strong in the face of the storm." I love you all and my heart is sadden because I couldn't be with you, but do know that my love and my spirit are with you, exalting God's Holy Name. May God bless all of you and may the Blessed Mother Mary cover all of you with her mantle. I know that J.R. fought the good fight but His Father in Heaven saw how much he was suffering and told him, "It's time for you Son to come home to me, your Father. Well done, my good and faithful servant. I don't want you suffering anymore." Serapio, we will miss your jokes and your friendly smile, take care until we meet again.Love you all,Cousin Edna Cardona

We like to extend our sympathies to Serapio's wife, daughter, brothers, sisters and their families. Junior is no longer having to suffer in this world, but he is now with the Lord, and in a better world. He lived a good life and will be rewarded in heaven for this. Te vamos a hechar de menos primo, Dios te cuidara!

Mary, Cathie and husband, and the rest of the Garza family, we were saddened to heart Jr passed away. We know he fought a good fight, but we know he is now resting in peace with our heavnly father. We are truly sorry we were unable to be with you during this difficult time, but know that our prayers are with you always. We will miss his jokes and friendly smile, but we will always remember him. May God and our blessed Mother be with you throughout this difficult time. Take care. We love you all.Arturo & Grace (Pacheco) CruzCibolo, Texas

It was at the Garza Family Reunion (2006)in Texas that we met Junior and some of his brothers and sisters after so many years of not seeing them. And, even after all those years, Serapio had not changed that much...a dedicated family man, intelligent, hard working, quiet, spiritual, and friendly. He had a positive attitude about himself, even while battling the disease that took his life. Recently, he had confided in me, "I'm not afraid to go...I've had a long life and I'm leaving it up to the Lord." Cousin Serapio will be missed by our family. We extend our sympathies to his family--wife and daughter, and his surviving brothers and sisters and their families.

Cathie and Mike - my prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God give you peace and knowledge your father truly is in a better place. We know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and pray for eternal rest.

Junior you were a TRUE friend. I will carry your memory with me all the days I remain on this earth. When I look at my yard, windows, halloween displays and in particular my Christmas displays which you babied so much for me, I will see you in my sights. I ask God to take you into His house where someday we can all glorify Him and enjoy our selves. Peace to you Mary, Cathie and Mike, and to you Mel and all the brothers and sisters and relatives. Junior, or JR, or whatever your name was, until we meet again friend.

JR WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN, HE WAS ALSO A VERY CARING MAN. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. JAMES MET JR ON THE GOLF COURSE AT PETRFYING SPRINGS AND THEY HAD A GREAT FRIENDSHIP. WE ALSO MET JR AND MARY AT THE GOLDEN CORRAL WHERE THEY ATE LUNCH FREQUENTLY. WE BECAME VERY GOOD FRIENDS AND ALWAYS MADE THE COMMENT ON HOW HE TOOK SUCH GREAT CARE OF MARY. WE OFFER OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS WIFE, MARY AND HIS DAUGHER, CATHIE. JR WAS A MAN WHO LOVED LIFE AND ALWAYS HAD TIME TO TALK TO PEOPLE AND HE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY DURING THIS TRYING TIME.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm a friend of Betty's and know now much she cared about her brother and her entire family.What a blessing Serapio was to all and what strength he showed.In grace,Carole

It is as hard to express sympathy for your sorrow as it is to fill the void that must be felt by those closest to Serapio. Judy and I only want you to know that we are praying that those family members and friends that are able to be with you in your time of sorrow will be able to bring you comfort and love during this most difficult time.Cousin Juan and Judy Ramos

Dear Cathy,I so loved going to Aunt Betty's and being able to play at Garza's house! Thinking back on those times I can't remember ever seeing your Dad without a smile on his face. The picture above is evidence to that! Please know that I am thinking about you and your Mom and praying for God's peace, strength and comfort to surround you both. With Love,Lisa (Newman) Hales

We feel your pain, Katie and Mike. I only met JR once - at the Corgi Club puppy match in June '08. He really loved the dogs...all of them, but especially his "grand-dogs", Riley and Leo. I could tell he was enjoying that day being with you both and the dogs - he was always smiling and enjoying the relaxing day. I'm so glad you brought him with you that day and that I was fortunate enough to meet him - even for just that once - and will always remember him.

Although I never "met" Junior, I had the honor of speaking to him on the phone a few weeks ago while he was talking to one of his many siblings, Betty. The love that vibrated, even through the phone lines, was enough to grab me and fill me with joy! I send my warm thoughts and prayers to all of the Garza family while they celebrate the life of Junior, a beautiful member of a loving family that I am honored to know. Peace be with you all. Love, Wendy