J.J. Reyes

Joaquin James (J.J.) Reyes peacefully passed away on August 25, 2023 in Seattle, WA surrounded by his loving wife, Christina and sister, Dana.

J.J. was born in Sunnyside, WA on October 10,1970 to Joaquin “Jake” Reyes, Jr., and Marjorie “Margie” Stahlhut.  He was a blond-haired, blue-eyed ball of energy who kept his family on their toes from the moment he could walk.  If there was something that caught his eye, odds were it would end up in his hands and broken. 

J.J. was blessed to be cared for by his mother, his father, as well as his paternal grandparents, Joaquin “Apa” and Maria “Ama” Reyes.  They provided a foundation of faith, love and respect.  J.J.’s foundation was something he lived every day. He loved people and they loved him.  

J.J. graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1989 and soon after began a lifelong career in the tire business.  J.J. was blessed to become manager of Commercial Tire in Sunnyside and Yakima, having spent several years in that capacity.   J.J. was forced from work due to illness but was proud of his 30+ years of service to the Yakima Valley/Sunnyside community.

In 1992 J.J. welcomed his first-born son, Joaquin Justin Reyes.  What love he had for his Justin.  A second son, Hunter James Reyes, was born in 2005.  The sparkle J.J. had in his eyes and love he had for both of his sons was second to none.  He would do anything for his boys.  We know he is looking down on them and will protect them in the years to come.

In 2017, J.J. met the love of his life Christina Burton.  They were married two years later and remained in love until the very end. Christina was a true blessing to J.J.  She remained by his side, cared for him and loved him until God needed J.J. more than she did. 

J.J. enjoyed life to the fullest.  He was an accomplished baseball player in his youth and continued to enjoy the game in his later years by playing softball and watching his beloved New York Yankees.  Other hobbies he enjoyed were camping, fishing, watching sports, and bbq’ing with family and friends.

J.J. is survived by his wife, Christina; parents, Jake Reyes and Margie Stahlhut; mother-in-law Maureen Franz; children, Justin and Hunter Reyes; stepsons Daniel Burton and Christopher Polk; fur babies, Pepper, Sugar and Teddy; siblings, Celeste Louthan (Noel), Christopher Reyes (Annie), and Dana Moya.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Natalie Andrini, Vincent and Olivia Louthan, Kahlani and Stephen Schloss, Richelle Garza, MadiLynn Moya, Ciera and Jacen Reyes, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and life-long close friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joaquin and Maria Reyes; maternal grandparents, James Stahlhut and Dorothy Huffman; paternal aunts, Eva Perez and Dora Driscoll, maternal aunt, Kathy Schreiber; and fur baby Zoey.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of J.J.’s family and friends who continued to pray for and provide comfort to J.J. while he was fighting the fight. You are all loved and appreciated. 

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, September 4, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.   Burial will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign J.J.'s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.   

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