Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez Jr., a longtime educator, coach, and Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Laredo, died unexpectedly on December 23, 2025. City officials confirmed his passing and described him as a dedicated public servant whose work touched generations of young athletes and families across Laredo. Gomez was 61 years old.
Gomez was born and raised in Laredo and spent most of his professional life serving the community where he grew up. Before entering city government, he spent nearly three decades in education and coaching with the United Independent School District. He spent 19 years at United High School, where he served as an assistant coach in multiple sports before becoming the head baseball coach. Over 10 seasons as head coach, his teams compiled a 251-88-5 record, won five district championships, and advanced to the playoffs every year, according to records cited in local reporting and his published obituary.
Former players and colleagues frequently described Gomez as a coach who emphasized discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. While wins and championships marked his career, those who worked with him noted that his focus remained on student development both on and off the field. After 29 years in education and coaching, Gomez retired from the classroom in 2016.
That same year, Gomez began a new chapter in public service by joining the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department. He initially served as athletic superintendent, overseeing city sports leagues and facilities. After three years in that role, he was appointed interim director and was officially named Parks and Recreation Director in November 2019. As director, Gomez led a department responsible for more than 90 parks, as well as multiple recreation centers, sports fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other public amenities throughout the city.
City officials said Gomez brought the same passion and organization he displayed as a coach to his work in municipal government. His leadership coincided with a period of significant expansion and planning within the Parks and Recreation Department, including upgrades to neighborhood parks and the development of large-scale projects intended to serve the city’s growing population.
Among those projects, the Buena Vista Sports Complex became one of the most prominent. Gomez played a central role in advancing the multi-million-dollar development, which city leaders described as one of the most ambitious sports and recreation investments in Laredo’s history. Although the project faced delays over several years, colleagues said Gomez remained committed to completing it and worked closely with city management, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Following his death, city leaders honored his contributions by naming the championship field at the Buena Vista Sports Complex the Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez Championship Field. During the complex’s grand opening ceremony, officials publicly recognized his leadership and vision, stating that his legacy would continue through the facility and the thousands of children and families who will use it in the years ahead.
In official statements and public remarks, colleagues consistently highlighted Gomez’s character as much as his professional achievements. City leaders described him as approachable, dedicated, and deeply invested in the well-being of Laredo’s youth. His work was often characterized as service-driven, guided by the belief that access to safe, high-quality recreational spaces plays a critical role in community health and opportunity.
Gomez is survived by his wife, Michelle Gomez, and other family members, who were frequently acknowledged by city officials for their support of his public service career. Those who worked closely with him said his family was central to his life and that he often spoke about them with pride.
The City of Laredo said Gomez’s impact will continue to be felt across parks, ballfields, and recreation centers throughout the community. While his position will eventually be filled, officials emphasized that his influence on local sports, youth development, and public recreation cannot be easily replaced. Through decades of coaching and public service, Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez helped shape the lives of countless young people and left a permanent mark on the city he served.
