Jimmy "Daddy" Maldonado

Jimmy Maldonado (Big Daddy) went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 28, 2020.  

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father Paul Maldonado and his sister Geraldine Estrada.

He is survived by his mother Mickey Maldonado, his brothers: Michael (Merillyn) Maldonado, Charlie (Margie) Maldonado, and Anthony (Gaby) Maldonado; his sisters: Pauline (Rick) Gallegos, Grace (Pat) Candelaria, Debbie (Anton) Vargas, and Sarah (Jimbo) Gurule; his goddaughters: Laurie Maldonado and Stephanie Paz; and several nieces and nephews.

Jimmy’s words in the morning would be “Good Morning; Happy Faces; no sad faces; God gave us another beautiful day." Jimmy had his 2 sisters Debbie Vargas and Grace Candelaria as his caregivers for the last 35 years--he loved them both so dearly. Jimmy used to always kid around when he called his siblings and said, “This is Big Daddy calling” and he was the youngest boy LOL!

Jimmy coached YAFL football from 1988- 2005. From 1988- 1989 he was Assistant Coach for West Mesa Mustangs. In 1990 he coached the West Mesa Roadrunners. From 1991-1995 he coached the Highland Hornets and in 1995 won the National Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1996-2002 he coached the Rio Grande Ravens and won back-to-back Super Bowls in 2001 and 2002. In all these years he coached three of his nephews from freshman to seniors. This game was the love of his life and he gave his everything to all the kids. Everyone knew him as Coach Jimmy…. They all loved him so much.

In 2003 Jimmy coached the Rio Grande High School Freshmen and won the City Championship. In 2004 he was the JV Coach at Rio Grande High School and in 2005 JV Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach. Now tell me that wasn’t an accomplishment well done for a quadriplegic!!! Jimmy we are so proud of you.

Jimmy was also the family DJ and always DJ’d at all our graduations, weddings, birthday parties and any special occasions. He was the life of the party as he was prepared with his collection of 200 CD’s before technology changed. He loved playing Yahtzee and didn’t like losing. He was also an avid Pittsburg Steeler fan, loved the LA Dodgers and Boston Celtics. Jimmy enjoyed playing all sports throughout his childhood with family and friends.

One of the most wonderful things was his love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will always be remembered for his devoted love for his family and all the people he touched throughout his life…

Jimmy’s Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 12:00 at Calvary Church located at 4001 Osuna Rd. N.E. 87109. His Life Celebration Service will begin at 1:00. Committal will follow at Fairview Memorial Park 700 Yale Blvd. S.E. 87106.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Maldonado Jr., Patrick Candelaria Jr., Alex Grine, James Gurule, Elijah Estrada, and Elliott Estrada.  

Honorary Pallbearers are Josiah Montoya, Jayden Jones, Brian Candelaria, Emilio Gallegos, and Joseph Maldonado.  

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