Our beloved husband, father, and friend Javier "Jav" Medrano, was called home into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the age of 53. He led a life filled with kindness, compassion, and love for his family.

Javier was born on November 10, 1970 in Quincy, Washington to Atilano H. Medrano and Amada (Villarreal) Medrano. Jav was the youngest of eleven siblings and grew up spending much of his childhood running around with his brothers and sisters. His parents worked for many years as migrant farm workers, teaching their children the value of hard work and honesty.

Jav began his music career at Quincy High School by joining the choir. There he found a passion for music that eventually led to college and a career. He graduated in 1989 and began studying at Edmonds Community College. It was there in the symphonic choir that he met his bride, Stephanie. They later transferred to Central Washington University. Javier eventually graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (minor in Spanish) and a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting.

Javier and Stephanie were married during their college years on July, 31, 1993 and later moved to Tri-Cities to pursue their respective teaching careers. They bought their first home together in 1998 and began their family. They welcomed their first daughter, Maya, in May of 1999 and their second daughter, Anna, in March of 2002. Anyone who knew Jav knew that his greatest joy was being a father to his girls.

Jav had a passion for many things in life: bird dogs, fishing, music, Spanish, good wine, good food, a well-maintained lawn, etc. However, nothing compared to the love he had for his family and the love he had for the Lord. He lived his life out loud and befriended people from many different walks of life. He was always ready with consejos for those who sought his guidance. He loved like Jesus and he loved fiercely.

Javier is survived by his wife of nearly 31 years, Stephanie Medrano, his daughters Maya (Daniel) Medrano-Bennett and Anna Medrano, his sisters Rosa (Richard) Garces, MaryLou Garza, Diana (Refugio) Martinez, Sonja (Ricardo) Arizmendi, numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, two grand-guinea pigs and three grand-cats. He is preceded in death by his parents, Atilano and Amada Medrano, his brothers Esteban (Dora) Medrano, Jose (Lily) Medrano, Noe Medrano, Ruben Medrano, Atilano (Maria) Medrano, Jr., his sister Nelda Medrano, his brother-in-law Arnold (MaryLou) Garza, and his father-in-law Stephen Mills.

Jav touched the lives of many throughout his lifetime, whether it was during his 28-year teaching career, in his various roles in ministry, or his unexpected friendships with strangers on Red Mountain. He will be missed by many, but would tell us, as he often did, "Be blessed, amigos!"

Celebration of Life will be held on June 17th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Crossview Community Church, 540 N. Colorado St. Kennewick, WA 99336

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Javier's name to any of the following organizations:

True Disciples [ www.true-disciples.org ]( http://www.true-disciples.org/ )

Pheasants Forever [ http://pheasentsforever ]( http://pheasentsforever/ ).org

American Heart Association [ heart.org ]( http://heart.org/ )

American Diabetes Association [ diabetes.org ]( http://diabetes.org/ )