BELLA VISTA — Jose Jesus Martinez,

78, of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away February 27, 2023.

Jose enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Port Isabel High School. He served two tours in the Vietnam War. For his service, he earned three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, countless commendations, and served honorably in the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major after 28 years of service. Later in life, he served as the Commander for the Purple Heart Association for the State of Arkansas. Jose’s experience in the Army played a very important role in his life. He frequently pointed out that the Army taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself.

He was a talented athlete who loved playing golf, tennis, and skiing. Enjoyed traveling worldwide with his wife by his side and riding Harley Davidsons with friends. Jose fought his battle against dementia for five years. Despite the challenges, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his entire journey, he cracked jokes with his grown children, made silly faces with his grandchildren, and found time to keep the doctors and nurses on their toes. He made us smile and his sense of humor and laugh will be missed.

Known as Opa to his grandchildren and great-grandkids, he enjoyed playing soccer, fishing, and spending time with them. Most of all, his love for each was unconditional, as was their love for him.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; and stepchildren, Patricia (Timothy) Curran, Stacey McCann (Michael Fink), and Christa Neal (Lisa James); first wife, Helen Martinez, and their children, Anita Martinez, Rosa Martinez-Brown (James Booe); grandchildren, Victoria Bryant (David Bryant), Ryen (Zachary) Calhoun, Tess Dice, Emma Fink, Jessica Frontz and James Frontz; great-grandchildren, Jordyn Martinez, Evelyn Myers, Vincent Myers, Azlynn Calhoun, Virgil Calhoun, and Josephine Bryant; sisters, Bella Lang, Guadalupe (Lupita) Martinez, Raul (Beatriz) Martinez, and Jorge (Patricia) Martinez; in addition to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Valentino and Maria Guadalupe Martinez; his son, Jose Jesus Martinez II (Pepe), who died at the age of 30 in September 2003; and his stepson, Roy Thomas Neal, who passed away the age of 28 in June 1989.

There will be no funeral services as his per his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences for scientific research.