James Guzman

James Cruz Guzman, age 73, of San Antonio, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 5, 2020, after battling health issues for the last few years. James was born on March 2, 1947 in Asan, Guam to the late Gonzalo Mendiola and Rosario Cruz Guzman. James married the love of his life and his best friend, Maria Cruz Guzman, on July 27, 1970 in Guam. Together they began a partnership that would span 50 years, see the births of four sons, and live a lifetime of memories that will live on in the hearts of those he knew and loved.

James joined the United States Army where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. James saw combat in Vietnam where, during battle, he was wounded. Through his acts of bravery, despite his injuries, James was awarded a Purple Heart. After 14 dedicated years, James was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant.

James was an accomplished bowler, by today’s standards you would consider him a professional. He competed in many countries all over Asia. In his older years, James enjoyed the comradery of bowling with fellow veterans at the Brunswick Thousand Oaks Bowl. James also enjoyed singing karaoke, playing the guitar and ukulele, and being a master of the grill. James will be remembered as the life of the party, a man who loved to tinker with cars as a shade tree mechanic, and the husband, father and friend most could only dream of being.

James is survived by his wife, Maria, of San Antonio; sons, Charles James Guzman, and wife Kristina, of Converse, Troy Guzman, and husband Benjamin, of St. Louis, Missouri, Mark Guzman of San Antonio, and James David Guzman, and wife Christine, of San Antonio; siblings, Gene Guzman, and wife Maria, Benny Guzman, and wife Annette, and Mary Solonga, and husband Ernie, all of Guam; grandchildren, Leeza Guzman, Cristian Guzman, Sofia Guzman, Khloe Guzman, Austin Topasna, and Daven James Guzman; great-grandson, Nathan Guzman; the family of Joh and Ella Strandhagen; and by a host of other relatives and very special friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with the reading of the Rosary at 6:00 P.M.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 21, 2020 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with Father Richard Aguilar officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors with Charles Guzman, Troy Guzman, Mark Guzman, James Guzman, Benjamin Thomas, Cristian Guzman and Robert Gumataotao serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Guzman family to assist in the loss of their beloved husband and father.