Author: Robert Gutierrez, Jr.
February 11, 2020
Imee, Josiah and I just want to take this brief time to thank all of you for your condolences, expressions of love & support, and most of all, for your fervent prayers for us during this season of grief. It’s become somewhat chic today to mouth the sentiment, “thoughts & prayers are not enough.” But for us, the Gutierrez Familia, they mean everything! Your love for us during this trial has been overwhelming. We are going to miss Jaguar sorely, but are comforted that he is in the very presence of Christ, and that he will experience the resurrection of the righteous when Jesus returns.
I know that my words concerning my nephew will be inadequate, but I do have to let you know that he was one of the most extraordinary, yet humble warriors I have ever encountered. The tributes coming in from those who served with Jag only confirm what I always knew in my spirit – that Sergeant First Class Javier “Jaguar” Gutierrez was a man among men.
“Hero” doesn’t even begin to describe Javier. He’s going to remain for many years, a template for true manhood & masculinity, as well as faith, devotion, family and courage. He loved this nation so much that he lived and breathed patriotism. I remember being floored by my last in-person conversation with Jag. After more than a decade of military life, and also being in frequent peril from his Green Beret duties – he still talked about that life with wonder and delight. He still found it glorious, and viewed his service of defending America as an honor and privilege. It was his dream, since he was a youth to serve in the armed forces. He never got over the excitement of having his dream come true.
I’ll always remember Jag as a fun-loving person, a trait he had since he was a boy, and an attribute that never left him. Jag had quite a sense of humor, and found humor in lots of things. (He would even laugh at my recycled jokes from the 80s that made most others cringe!) Javier always enjoyed being in the company of others, especially kinfolk. Jaguar was not the typical teenage boy that went through the phase of not wanting to be around their parents or older folks. He LOVED being around his mom & dad, as well as his grandparents! He was not ashamed of hugging or kissing them in public. He made his cousins, aunts and uncles feel valued, not just tolerated. The bond Javier Jaguar had with his sisters was unbreakable, and it was a joy to behold. He could tease them (and they, he) and joke around with them without offense because they were secure in their bedrock love for one another. To call Jag a “family man” is a huge understatement.
He was madly in love with his wonderful wife (and she with him), and they maintained that “head over heels” love till his last breath! What’s more, he loved his children with all of his heart and soul. He never wavered in his devotion to them, and cherished each moment he had with them. So much of what he did was for them and his bride Gabby. Jag loved Gabby and the kids like Christ loved the church. His parents were so proud of Jag, and for good reason – he was an incredible son to them and brought them only honor.
His most obvious attribute, however, was his love and devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who knew Jag can strongly testify to his allegiance to the Son of God. Testimonies as to his character are enough to prove this. Yet he gladly shared his faith with others when asked about his beliefs. He loved gathering with the saints at whichever local church he was a part of. His frequent travels did not deter him from worship and fellowship with fellow believers. We spoke a number of times about spiritual things and found him to be very inquisitive, intelligent, articulate, as well as a reservoir of deep faith and devotion. His heart was for Christ Jesus: his person & work, his teachings & examples, and his kingdom agenda.
If I should be given long life here, and my memories fade in old age, the memory I’ll be left with Jag is that he was a passionate Christ-follower. Thank you Jag Zerreitug, for your service. You were, as I’ve already said, a man among men, but most of all, a man of God. I love you, my nephew. Rest now in Christ’s presence. Say hello to grandma and grandpa for me, and yes of course, I’ll see you when I get there.
Soli Deo Gloria.
FindJoy 