John Paul Mendoza

John Paul Mendoza, 45, of Odessa, TX, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024. JP was born on June 8, 1979, in Andrews, TX, to Paulino R. Mendoza and DeAna Nunez Martinez. A ‘97 graduate of Odessa High School; he was a true Broncho fan. John Paul, better known as JayP or DJay XL, spent much of his life bringing a variety of music to everyone around him through his love of DJing. Many who knew him will remember his humor, his laughter, and the love he had for his family. He touched many lives with his kind, loving, and silly personality. He will truly be missed by so many, especially by his three nephews and three nieces. There will never be another like him.

John Paul Mendoza is survived by his maternal grandmother, Simona F. Nunez, mother and stepfather, DeAna and James Martinez of Odessa, TX; stepmother, Arazelia ‘Shellie’ Mendoza of Odessa, TX; sisters, Rachelle Nunez Mendoza of Odessa, TX, Catherine Nunez Mendoza of Odessa, TX, and Valerie Nicole Martinez and husband, Robert P. Martinez, of Odessa, TX; as well as Tio Bear’s cubs, whom he loved more than anything, Robert Heath Collins Jr., Siera Janai Collins, Jorge Juan Collins, Leilani Hope Mendoza, Patrick Ian Martinez, and Laila Aria Martinez, plus great nephews and niece, all of Odessa, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his father, Paulino R. Mendoza, Jr., maternal grandfather, Juan G. Nunez, and paternal grandparents, Paulino Mendoza, Sr. and Gonzala R. Nieto.

The family will be accepting visitors on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, beginning at 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Martinez Funeral Home & Crematory (1040 S Dixie Blvd, Odessa). Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (907 S. Dixie, Odessa) with Rev. Carlos Rodriguez. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens (6801 I-20 Bus, Odessa). 

Pallbearers include brother-in-law, Robert P. Martinez; sister, Catherine N. Mendoza; nephews, Robert H. Collins Jr. and Jorge Juan Collins; extended family members, Gregory Ryan Rodriguez, Marcus Reynosa, Joshua Gilliland, and Larry Samuel Endsley;

Honorary pallbearers’ nephew, Patrick Ian Martinez, and great nephew, Zeya Jaii Garza. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John Paul’s life.

The family would also like to thank the many nurses at Davita Kidney Care in Odessa for their care and support of John Paul for many years.