John “J.G.” Gonzales
November 17, 1948 – May 18, 2024
John was born November 17, 1948 to Johnny Gonzales and Maude Parks in Kansas City, MO. The eldest of seven siblings, he left his home in Tullahoma, TN at the age of 14 to attend St. Anthony Junior Seminary in San Antonio, TX where he gained his lifelong nickname “J.G.” After graduating from St. Anthony in 1966, J.G. attended Novitiate at Lebh Shomea in Sarita, TX where he intended to become a priest. He ultimately decided to pursue a degree from St. Mary’s University where he graduated with a bachelor’s in Physical Education in 1971. Following graduation, while visiting home in Tennessee, he found the love of his life, Theresa Urbaniak. They married in 1973 and made their home in San Antonio.
J.G. spent the next 45 years of his life teaching and coaching in the Catholic school and university settings in San Antonio, primarily at St. Anthony Catholic High School, Ursuline Academy, and Trinity University. He coached over 200 individual state champions in track & field and cross country, 9 team high school state titles, 4 university conference championships, and was Coach of the Year 5 times. He is also remembered for his contributions to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) where he served as national multi-event chair for many years as well as his involvement in Junior & Senior Olympics as a coach & official.
J.G. is remembered as a devoted father, coach, and outdoorsman who had a true passion for helping others. His generosity extended not only to his family, but also to the countless students and athletes who he inspired throughout his years. He possessed an unwavering belief in the potential of others and constantly encouraged them to work diligently, persevere through difficulty, and achieve personal success, which will never be forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two younger siblings, Deborah Ruff and H. Michael Gonzales. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Urbaniak Gonzales; his siblings, Shirley Floyd, Mark & Kate Gonzales, Ralph Gonzales, Bill & Marty Gonzales; as well as his 6 children and their spouses, Joseph Gonzales, Timothy & Maria Gonzales, Mary & Ryan Gilley, Jennifer & Matthew Brady, Daniel Gonzales, and Juliana Gonzales, and 9 grandchildren.
The burial service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78266 .
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oblate Zambia Missions at: oblatesusa.org/donate/