Michael James Martinez

Michael James Martinez, 56, of Irving TX passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023, with best friend, Julie Saucedo and big sister, Esther Sisneros at his side. Born on October 14, 1967, Michael was the sixth of seven children born to the late Nestor Joseph Martinez Jr. and the late Mary Lou Welch Martinez. Mike had a passion for cars, working for various Ford Dealerships in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. His commitment and hard work were evident as he served in the delivery department of renowned establishments like Sam Pack's Five Star Ford, Don Davis Ford, Park Cities Ford and Westway Ford. Mike never met a stranger. When asked to describe Mike, both coworkers and customers alike described him as their friend. To know him was to love him, and he loved deeply in return. Among his favorite things of all time was being a grandfather. Adrian and Andrew were his life, and they owned his whole heart. Mike's favorite thing to do was to take them to Walmart to get a toy every time they came over, followed by spoiling them with all their favorite foods and snacks, then letting them climb up into Grandpa's bed to drift off to sleep. His other favorite things were barbeques over at Nestor and Dar's, impromptu casino trips with Julie, numerous "adventures" (wink wink) with Wayne, his camping and fishing trips with Wayne and and Patrick, sitting outside on pretty days visiting with Lorie, Robin, Nick and their surrounding neighbors, long conversations with Iggie in Colorado, even longer conversations with Patrick during the day, sitting around the firepit in the evenings with Tony grilling steaks at their apartment and Darlene's enchiladas and green chili. Preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Frances Welch Castillo and Barbara Ann Pembroke and nephew Aaron Martinez, Mike leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his son, Christopher Torres and grandsons, Adrian and Andrew Torres. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Nestor Martinez lll and his wife Darlene, his sister Esther Sisneros and her husband Steven, his little brother Patrick Martinez, sister Lorie Martinez; nephews, Tony, Richard, Peter, David, Daniel, John Paul and Nathan; nieces, Anita, Shannon, Crystal, Robin and Kayla; Julie Saucedo, his best friend of thirty-one years, and Wayne Fields, his best friend of 34 years, both with whom he shared countless adventures and laughter. As Mike requested, family and friends are invited to a public viewing to pay their respects on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, an Eulogy at 11:30 am at Guerrero Dean Funeral Home, located at 500 E. Main Street, Grand Prairie, 75050. Also at Mike's request, there will be a small gathering at Nestor and Darlene's after the service. 1537 Walnut St., Grand Prairie TX 75050.

Michael James Martinez

October 14, 1967 - November 27, 2023