John Paul Chavez warrior spirit succumbed to his battle against leukemia on August 18, 2024. He spent the majority of his formative years in Las Vegas, NM. But John loved the beauty and majesty of the land of his forefathers in Chacon and Guadalupita located in Northern NM. Being in the wilderness was John's happy place. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or camping he thrived in the mountains. He loved sharing the experience with his father and regaling everyone he came in contact with about his adventures. Anyone who knew John in school was aware of his unmatched athletic prowess. In both football and wrestling, his teammates and coaches knew that they could rely on him to help dominate their rivals. That camaraderie bled into John's personal life. There was nothing he wouldn't do to protect and care for those he loved. John had an amazing talent for making others laugh. Despite, his amazing strength, John had a tender heart. Like a big teddy bear, his hugs could melt away your sorrows. John loved his children and his family very much. And no matter where life took him, he carried the weight of their love. Although he has finally found his peace, John will be greatly missed. In the last year, John volunteered to help the needy and assisted in giving Las Vegas new generation of athletes the pearls of his expertise. He always took pride in his years at West Las Vegas to the point of having it branded into his skin.

John is preceded in death by his Great Grandmother Senaida Romero, paternal grandparents, Palemon and Elisea Chavez, maternal grandparents, Sam and Josie Martinez, and his best friend and brother, Angel Arroyo. Those two can now finally unite and watch over those they cared for.

John is survived by his parents Jose Palemon Chavez and Susan Montoya. Siblings Joseph F Chavez, Stephanie Chavez, Clare & Alex Romero, Mary Jo & Kyle Baird; children, Andrea, Jonathan, Alissa, Kirsten, JP, Kendra Watson, and Kyana Martinez; grandchildren, Landyn Chavez and Megan Romero and the mothers of his children, Louella Martinez and Sharon Montano. Along with numerous loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his loving companion Amanda Patron who look forward to seeing him again in the afterlife.

Rosary will be recited on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7:00pm. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 9:00am both services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM with Father Rob Yaksich as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Guadalupita Cemetery in Guadalupita, New Mexico with the following serving as Pallbearers; Victor Abeyta, Ray Sanchez, Joseph Chavez, Jose P. Chavez, Evryn Robertson, Marcos Chavez, Jonathan Chavez, and Pablo Garcia. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Andrea Chavez, Alissa Chavez, JP Chavez, Kirsten Chavez, Leila Blair, and Sean Cunningham.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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