Joel Ricardo Montijo

Joel Ricardo Montijo, 22, of Amarillo, TX passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Pastor Brian Gibson of HIS Church officiating. Interment will follow at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are made by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Joel was born August 12, 2002, in Amarillo, TX to Francisco Montijo and JoAnne Valadez. He worked as a car salesman at Mazda in Amarillo. He was an exceptional sales professional at Mazda alongside his work family. He was truly beloved by this group of family he befriended. He was fierce, loyal and funny. When walking into a room he always brought a positive energy and a contagious smile. His sudden departure left a void that can never be filled. Joel touched many lives with his energy, humor and unconditional love. As we grieve this devastating loss, we are coming together to honor his life and say goodbye with the dignity and care he deserves. He was passionate about sports, body building and his overall health. He trained at Texas Elite Fight Club for a while. He was goal oriented. He talked about his future and loved his family. He cared about everyone in his life. Joel’s famous last words, “Would you like to buy a car?”

He is preceded in death by his sister, Irene G. Montijo; grandparents, Irene and Ricardo Valadez, Francisco Montijo Cruz, and Augustine Rodriguez; his aunt, Elizabeth Gutierrez; and uncle, Juan Ortiz.

Joel is survived by parents, JoAnne and Mark Rodriguez of Amarillo, TX and Francisco and Angelina Montijo of The Colony, TX; brothers, Francisco Montijo Jr (Rose Huerta), and Victor Gutierrez, of Amarillo, TX, Joshua Rodriguez of Hereford, TX, Alejandro Montijo, of Phoenix, AZ, Tremain Brashears, Donovan Bustos, of The Colony, TX; nephew and niece, Caleb and Alejandra Gonzalez of The Colony, TX; two sisters, Mercedes Gonzalez of The Colony, TX, and Raquel Rodriguez, of Big Spring, TX; two uncles, Augustine Rodriguez and Raul Valadez; grandmothers, Maria E. Rodriguez, Guadalupe Garcia, and Mercedes Aguilera; and two aunts, Norma Ortiz and Linda Vallejo.