Jose Lamas

Weslaco: Jose V. Lamas, 70, passed away on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco after a brief battle with cancer.

On May 30th, 1950, Jose was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, to Nicolas and Maximina Valdez Lamas. Jose grew up in Weslaco with eight siblings. While Jose was a kid, the family would migrate up north to work in the fields. Jose loved nature and developed an excellent work ethic from this experience. After graduating high school, he earned his Bachelor’s and then Master’s Degree in Education and Science from Pan American University.

Jose met Zelma Cavazos while working at Weslaco ISD. They were married in 1986 and raised two daughters together. Jose went to work for Science Academy of South Texas as a Biology teacher for the next thirty-two years.

Jose was passionate about his chosen career and was an expert in his subject, Biology. Jose also loved to work in his garden at home. He decided to take gardening to another level while helping the kids learn about Biology and started a garden at the Science Academy School grounds. The project was a huge success and soon became a learning center and homegrown fruit and vegetable source. He planted tomatoes, cabbage, onions, papayas, and cantaloupe. Another upside of this project was that the kids got some exercise out of it. Other schools around the valley took his idea and started similar projects, giving countless kids and hands-on opportunities to learn.

Jose was never afraid to work. While working for the Science Academy, he taught at South Texas College and Texas State Technical College. Jose was also brilliant and channeled his intellect into becoming a successful financial advisor. He helped many clients expand their portfolios and retirement plans.

Jose loved his students and wanted all of them to succeed. Jose was selfless and went above and beyond the expectations of a teacher. He was a great husband, father, and provider. Jose was ambitious, funny, and kind-hearted. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, coworkers, and anyone who had the chance to get to know him and his kind heart.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Maximina Lamas, and sisters, Teresa and Eduvina Lamas.

He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-four years, Zelma, daughters, Priscilla Ramos (AJ “Aldo”) of San Antonio, Chantell Lamas of Austin, brothers, Jesus Lamas of Weslaco, Fernando Lamas (Gracie) of Santa Rosa, Ignacio Lamas of Weslaco, Cruz Lamas “Cuni” of Laguna Vista, sisters, Maria Ramos (Primitivo “Junior”) of Alliance, NE, and Lucia Valenzuela of Weslaco, sister in law, Maggie Lamas of Weslaco, and brother in law, Rafael Valenzuela of Weslaco. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces and is expecting his first grandson in the coming months.


Visitation will be Thursday, February 4th, 3-8 pm, with a rosary at 6 pm, followed by a time for sharing stories. A memorial mass will be held Friday, February 5th, at 2 pm, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco. Due to COVID-19, the family asks that you practice CDC social distancing guidelines, please wear masks at ALL times, and refrain from having any physical contact with the family (hugging, kissing, shaking hands…etc.).