Justo Joaquin College Scholarship Fund

Honoring Justo's Legacy - Justo Joaquin College Scholarship Fund
 
Justo loved nothing more in this world than his son, Joaquin. Justo was more than a father, he was a mentor and a friend, and Joaquin was a willing disciple and accomplice. The two would regularly stake out movie theaters for the latest premiers or binge the newest super hero series on TV. Justo traded comics and anecdotes and Joaquin would recreate their favorite Star Wars or DC Universe scenes with elaborate Lego models. The two shared a special and unique bond between father and son.
 
Justo also greatly valued the importance of education and advocated that knowledge is power. As an educator himself, he instilled into Joaquin the importance of studying hard and earning a great education. Joaquin graduated from Plano Senior High School as part of the class of 2020 with plans to attend college and pursue his passion as a writer. With Justo's help, he moved to El Paso to attend the University of Texas at El Paso to major in Journalism. Unfortunately, after the news of Justo's passing, Joaquin has decided to pause his academic pursuits and relocate to Dallas-Fort Worth to be closer to his mother and immediate family. He plans to continue his college education in the fall at the University of North Texas and complete his Bachelor's degree.

We cannot think of a more fitting way to honor Justo's legacy than to help his son continue his higher education. We respectfully ask that in lieu of sending flowers to the family, you would consider contributing to his college scholarship fund. These funds would help cover tuition, room and board, books and fees. We greatly appreciate any and all donations and are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from Justo's friends and loved ones. 
  
Remembering Justo Fernandez

 

Justo Ramon Fernandez, age 45, passed away peacefully at his home in El Paso, Texas on January 4, 2022. Born on June 25, 1976 in Culver City, California, he called El Paso his home for the majority of his life.

He is survived by his son, Justo Joaquin Fernandez, his parents, Justo Fernandez-Gonzalez and Bernice & Richard Salcido, his siblings, Natalia Fernandez, Maclovio & Luvia Fernandez, and Rene Fernandez, and his nieces and nephews, Kylie Davila, Liam Fernandez, Camilla Harmon, and Galilea Fernandez.

 

Justo graduated as a proud Tiger from El Paso High School in 1994. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors in History. He soon completed a Masters in History from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2000. Justo began a fulfilling career as an educator, teaching high school Social Studies in EPISD for nearly two decades. He was also an instructor at El Paso Community College from 2006 through 2019.

 

Justo was a dedicated father to his son, Joaquin. He bestowed his encyclopedic knowledge of superheroes, video games and action figures to his son, his younger siblings and eventually his nephews and nieces. He was an avid sports fan with unwavering allegiances to the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Justo had a notoriously sarcastic wit that his family, students, colleagues and friends would come to love him by. Although he had a sharp tongue, he had a gentle smile, a soft heart, and would listen deeply when you spoke. Justo or “Juice” could crush you at NBA Jam, fantasy football or amateur Jeopardy. He was a loyal father, son, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed. May the Force Be with You, Justo.

 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 13th at 11a.m. at Memorial Pines Cemetery, 3061 Memorial Pines, Sunland Park, NM, 88063. Services will be handled by Funeraria Del Angel Central.