Arturo Jimenez Montoya

Arturo Jimenez Montoya, son of Ramon Montoya and Apolonia Jimenez, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Arturo was born on February 22, 1948, in Indio, California, and grew up in Gonzales surrounded by family and friends. He attended Gonzales Elementary and graduated from Gonzales Union High School, where he was an A+ student and participated in basketball, baseball, football and track.

At a young age, Arturo began working after school at the Gonzales Union 76 gas station, where he was hired on the spot for his strong work ethic, good manners, and neat appearance. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service and as a mechanic.

Arturo was a man after God’s heart, always showing compassion to those in need. He was a true free spirit who never liked staying in one place for too long. He traveled far and wide, never letting life’s obstacles keep him from moving forward. Wherever he went, strangers had a way of quickly becoming friends.

One memory that perfectly captures Arturo’s heart was the time he picked up a hitchhiker on his way home from work and brought him home to share a warm meal before helping him on his way. That was simply who Arturo was-someone who saw a person in need and did what he could to help.

Arturo had an uplifting spirit that people remembered. His cheerful “Good Morning” could put a smile on your face, and his unmistakable, contagious laugh was uniquely his. He also had a wonderfully curious nature and loved being outdoors, looking up at the sky-the stars, the moon, and, whenever he was lucky enough to find one, a rainbow.

Arturo cared deeply for the people around him and did what he could for those he loved. He lived with a free, adventurous, and resilient spirit, and the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he leaves behind will remain with us forever.

Arturo is survived by his children, Lillian Cisneros Diaz (Jose), Imelda Espinoza (Eddie), Amelia Montoya Maldonado and Arturo Philodios Montoya (Jennifer); his grandchildren: Vincent Metoyer, William Metoyer, Gabriel Metoyer, Diego Diaz, Christian Espinoza, Julian Espinoza, Mark Montoya, Alonzo Maldonado and Arturo Govani Montoya, Jr.; and his twin great-granddaughters, Scarlett Rose and Marley Marie Metoyer.

He is also survived by his siblings, Maria Elena Montoya, Daniel Montoya, Yolanda Jimenez Montoya Gonzales (Rick), Lilia Jimenez Torres, Sandra Jimenez Leon (Jose) and Sonia Jimenez Regalado. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Fernando Javier Jimenez.

Arturo always enjoyed running the race, and now he has arrived home.

“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Arturo’s Cremation Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 3:00–5:00 pm at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas, CA 93905