Judge Juan Jose “J.J.” Martinez passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 a t his home in his sleep surrounded by his beloved wife and children. Born in 1945, he was 77 years old. He graduated from Texas A and I University in Kingsville, TX in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology and in 1970 with a Master of Arts in Psychology, Counseling and Education. In 1978, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM and ultimately, his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1982. He was appointed in 1997 as the first full time Juvenile Judge for Cameron County and in 1999 as Associate Judge for Cameron County Family Court. He was a teacher, an educator, a Judge and a licensed attorney serving the State of Texas for almost 30 years. He was a strong advocate for Chicano rights and the poor, and a champion of the people. As a juvenile judge, rather than to punish young offenders, he urged and inspired challenged, at-risk youth with his philosophy and protocol of prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and education so they could prosper to become positive contributors to society. A legend in the Cameron County Courthouse, his stories continue to be shared throughout its sacred halls to this day. He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan Balli Martinez and Consuelo Nunez Martinez, his brothers, Orencio Martinez, Daniel Martinez and his oldest daughter Lynda Martinez. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Gabriela Carlos Martinez, and his children, Juan Jose Martinez, Jr., Belinda Martinez Garcia (Eloy Garcia), Laura Martinez Barbosa (Alberto Barbosa), Dr. Juan Diego Martinez (Dr. Milagros Martinez), Consuelito Martinez and Luiz Gabriel Martinez and his grandsons, Joaquin, Noah and Benjamin Martinez, Valeriano Jose Barbosa and his granddaughter, Gabriela Cristina Barbosa. He is also survived by his sisters, (his twin) Maria Gloria Cuellar (Raul Cuellar), Sulema Valenzia, Olivia Rodriguez and Donna “Petra” Casares; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Cremation will follow in accordance to his wishes. All individuals attending services are encouraged to socially distance and wear face covers or masks. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Judge Juan Jose “J.J.” Martinez 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.