Javier Armando Martinez

JAVIER ARMANDO "JAVI" MARTINEZ

EDINBURG - Javier Armando "Javi" Martinez, 13, entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 11, 2017, in Edinburg surrounded by his family. Javi is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Eliodora B. Perez; an uncle, Alfredo "Bear" Martinez; and a cousin, Lexing Morales. Javi excelled academically at South Middle School in Edinburg and loved being outside. On any given day, one could find him climbing trees, swimming, or riding his bike with his big brother. He enjoyed spending the day at the beach and was especially fond of fishing. Javi was an avid gamer. He spent countless hours exploring post-apocalyptic nuclear wastelands, creating new worlds and defending them against enemies, and carrying out secret military operations.

On May 19, 2015, Javi, 11, began his journey battling Ewing's Sarcoma. Tumors on his ribcage, spine, and hip were identified, and treatments began. Chemotherapy and radiation, along with a positive attitude and a thirst for life, helped him overcome this disease and Javi was officially cancer-free by the end of summer 2016, shortly before his 12th birthday. Alas, just a few short months later, the cancer returned in a more aggressive form, including additional tumors on his jaw, and in his chest and brain. Javi resumed treatment, including new medications and trials; however, due to the severity of his condition he was ultimately placed in hospice care in the comfort of his home. His dedicated parents, Joey and Yoli, and devoted siblings, Victoria and Gustavo, provided 24-hour care for him. He loved being doted on, and, in true Javi-fashion, even got a bell to call on them for chocolate milk, gummy candy, ice cream cones, and the occasional watermelon trolebus. Javi especially enjoyed escaping deranged kidnappers, unlimited soup and salad, driving without a license, consuming buckets of popcorn, and watching movies on "sibling fun nights." For 908 days, Javi never relented. He fought until his last moments, until he earned his angel wings.

Javier is survived by his parents, Joey and Yoli; three sisters, Vanessa (Israel), Veronica (Claudio), Victoria; a brother, Gustavo; his favorite nephew, Paulo; his favorite niece, Amalia; his pets, Butter  and Super Hermoso; his paternal grandparents, Fernando and Anita Martinez; maternal grandfather, Israel Perez; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Monday, November 13, 2017, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Rd in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.