José de Jesús Vega |
| Posted 2008-10-31 by Pat Wilson |
| Vega, José de Jesús José de Jesús Vega, a leader in the Hispanic academic and religious community for over sixty years, Dr. José de Jesús Vega died on October 23, 2006 at the age of 95 from complications arising from Parkinsons. Born in Mexico and most known in Arizona for his scholarship and activism, Dr. Vega was the author of various books and articles on Mexican history and culture including a weekly series for several years in the Spanish-language Prensa Hispana. He received numerous recognitions for his work, including Arizona's Profiles of Achievement, Historian of the Millennium Award in 1999; and the Director's Award from the Arizona chapter of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) in 1990. Dr. Vega received his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and taught at Arizona State University and Phoenix College for many years until his retirement in 1976. While at Phoenix College he inaugurated academic study tours to Mexico and organized some of the earliest academic conferences focusing on the then-blossoming Chicano Movement. Dr. Vega also served as vicar for San Pablo Episcopal Mission Church for several years, building a vibrant spiritual community in that Phoenix parish. Together with his wife, María Luisa Vega, Dr. Vega was a pioneer in Latino civil rights. In 1951, he was recognized by Time Magazine for his work in establishing child care - including medical services - or children of migrant workers in Texas. In 2002, the newest public elementary school in McKinney, Texas was inaugurated and named 'Jose and Maria Vega Elementary' in recognition of their contributions. He is survived by his wife María Luisa, his three sons José de Jesús, Jr. (Krystyna); Luis Alfonso (Paula); and Carlos Alberto - together with four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A vigil was held at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuaries, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, Arizona [602-249-2111]. The Bishop of Arizona, the Rt. Reverend Kirk Smith, celebrated a service of thanksgiving for his life on Saturday 28 October 2006 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. Published in The Arizona Republic from 10/26/2006 - 10/27/2006. |
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