FLORES, Aurelio Johnson (A.J.)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona Tuesday, October 16, 2012 “A. J.” Aurelio Johnson Flores, age 85, entered into rest on Oct. 9, 2012 at his home in Miami, Ariz. Born on Jan. 27, 1927 at 53 Grover Canyon in Claypool, A.J. Flores was the eighth of 17 children of Aurelio and Rosa Johnson Flores. A. J. served in the U.S. Navy stationed to the Commandant 11th Naval District in San Diego, Calif. as a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class. His Navy service took him to Peal Harbor, Marshall Islands, China, Marianas Islands, Korea, and the Philippines. A. J. was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. A. J. met Irene Altamirano in Phoenix while she was employed by Diamond’s department store and they were married Feb. 5, 1949. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage together before Irene’s passing in 2007. Together they raised one daughter, Arlene “Lucia” Flores, who was the center of their lives. Shortly after their marriage, A. J. and Irene moved to Miami to help A. J.’s father with his construction business, the A. M. Flores & Sons Construction Company. The old A.P.S. building in downtown Miami was one of the last construction projects A. J. and his father worked on together. He spent his entire life in the construction business remodeling and building custom homes in the area. As a businessman, he also owned and operated Flores Building Materials for many years in downtown Miami. A. J. was very active in community service. He served on the Miami School Board, and many years as councilman and was Mayor of the Town of Miami. During his tenure he was instrumental in the building of the new Miami Senior Center, helped initiate the Dial-a-Ride program, and the outdoor basketball courts. He received many honors, including recognition for his dedication and commitment to the Seniors of the Town of Miami and the basketball courts were named the A. J. Flores Courts as a tribute to his service. A. J. was known for speaking his mind on political issues and not backing down on his stance. His brash sense of humor was very familiar to his many nieces and nephews and he loved to laugh when they returned the smart remarks. He loved to play the guitar, visit with family and friends, spending time in the beautiful home he built for his family, fishing in the White Mountains, and traveling. A. J. is survived by his daughter, Arlene “Lucia”; brothers, Raymond, Joe, Lupito, Charlie, and Richard Flores; and one sister, Josephine “Fina” Williams. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene; brothers, Albert and Gilbert Flores; sisters, Mary Martinez, Lola Flores, Rosie Lopez, Teresa “P.G.” Runyan, Nardie Arellano, and Stella Vargas. Funeral services for A.J. Flores have been entrusted to Miles Mortuary.