Jose David Leija, 70 of San Benito, TX passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones on February 27, 2022. Our Cowboy, as he was called by many of his friends and family also Papa by his grandson. David grew up in San Benito, El Jardin where many of his good friends still remain, especially one good friend Jojo Maeberry. He graduated from San Benito High and attended Pan American University. He loved fishing, hunting, sports, and his collection of coins. He was well known for remodeling homes and was a custom cabinet maker. He also help build several hotels at South Padre Island. He will be dearly missed by us all. He will forever live within our hearts and we will always love and cherish the precious moments that we shared with him. May you now rest in peace our Cowboy /Papa. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymundo Leija, brother, Antonio Leija and nieces, Kathryn Koite and Hilda Leija. Jose David Leija is survived by his mother, Maria Leija ; wife, Janie Leija, daughter Jessica (Juan Garza) ; sons, David Leija Jr. and Rey (Rachel) Leija ; sisters; Sylvia Koite, Elena Gonzalez, Rosa (+Ramon) Rodriguez, Bertha (Ernesto) Esparza and Susan (Ruben) Sanchez ; grandsons, Isaiah R. Guerrero, Gabriel, Matthew and Noah Leija. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1001 US-77 BUS, San Benito, TX with interment to follow at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park, 26873 N. White Ranch Rd, La Feria, TX. Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Antonio Leija, Raymond Rodriguez, David Leija Jr., Rey Leija, Rick Gonzalez, Julian Roa Jr., Juan Garza and Juan Jose Rivera. Honorary Pallbearers will be Isaiah R. Guerrero and Rodolfo Villafranco. All individuals are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines by socially distancing a minimum space of 6 feet apart and face covers or masks are recommended. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Jose David Leija at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.