Jose P. "Joe" Hinojosa

March 15, 1941 - June 10, 2022

Rev. Jose P. Hinojosa, Sr., 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 10, 2022. He was born to Pedro and Maria Hinojosa on March 15, 1941. He attended Rio Hondo High School, where he graduated in 1960, and was a member of the Mighty Bobcat football team. He played in the first ever Homecoming game in 1958. He was voted Most Handsome, and Most Popular during his high school years. But his most memorable experience in high school would have to have been when he was sitting in American History class one day and saw a beautiful girl walk by the doorway, his first thought was, “I am going to marry that girl one day.” That beautiful girl would one day become his girlfriend and later his wife for 61 years. Jose served in the U.S. Army right after high school from 1961 till 1967, after basic training he married the love of his life, Irene Quintanilla, on his 20th birthday on March 15, 1961. He was stationed in Korea, West Germany and bases in the United States. Upon receiving his honorable discharge Jose and Irene settled in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he began an apprenticeship training with the US Army Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center which he would complete in May 1972. Upon completion he was recognized as a Journeyman Aircraft Engine Mechanic. During this apprenticeship he was officially commended by the Department of the Army for submitting a suggestion that resulted in design and fabrication of a plugging plate for air testing T53 Inlet Housings. Eventually he would begin his own business, Buyers Quality Service. He would repair appliances and had obtained all the warranty contracts for the Western Auto stores in the area. He would also sell appliances in his business office. On one night in July, 1976, while watching the 700 Club with Pat Robertson, Jose gave his life to Christ and was never the same again. He would, one day, feel the calling to start a ministry in Rio Hondo. He sold his business and his house and moved his family to begin the new ministry which was called Faith In Christ Fellowship Church. He served as pastor from 1979 until his last breath. He loved Jesus Christ and would share the plan of salvation with whom ever he came in contact. While living in Rio Hondo, Jose worked at General Dynamics and later was the Director of Operations/Transportation for the Rio Hondo ISD. During football season you would find him under those “Friday Night Lights” watching the Rio Hondo Bobcats. He would follow the Bobcats and enjoyed sitting with his old friends and reminiscing of their old glory days on the football field. In 2018, he organized a reunion for the 60th Anniversary of the 1st ever Homecoming game. Jose is survived by his loving family, wife of 61 years, Irene Q. Hinojosa, three daughters; Gloria (Omero+) Reyes, Elizabeth Hinojosa, Diana (Lionel) Campbell all of Rio Hondo and his only son; Joe P. (Billie Jo) Hinojosa, Jr. of Burleson, Tx. He was such a proud grandpa to; Ashley Hinojosa, Joe P. Hinojosa, III, and Jordan Hinojosa of Burleson, Tx.; Tzipporah Campbell, Hadassah Campbell and Azenath Campbell all of Rio Hondo. Jose was little brother to Estela Hinojosa and Manuela (Johnny) Rodriguez both of Rio Hondo. He is also survived by a niece whom he considered like daughter; Sylvia (Eddie) Garza. Dear to his heart was his praise and worship leader for over 30 years whom he considered like a daughter; Edna Q. Claus. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 3pm till 9pm with a prayer service at 7pm at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace. A funeral chapel service will take place on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 1pm and departure to Mont Meta Cemetery will be immediately following with Military Honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #205. Honored to serve as pallbearers are; Lionel Campbell, Joe P. Hinojosa, III, Jordan Hinojosa, Jacob Garza, Roque Rodriguez, and Lorenzo Villanueva. We would like to give special thanks to our dear, special friend, Dr. Suja Perakathu and special neighbor, Chuck (Charlie) Dorham for always being there for us and supporting our husband and father. We would, also, like to thank Dr. Stephanie Garcia, Dr. Sarhill and Dr. Yardley for the medical care they gave. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Harlingen.