John Borquez

Johnny’s life’s journey began in Denver, Co on June 26, 1943.  He was the 1st born of 7 siblings to Marie Flora Borquez and Pat Zamora.  He attended Sacred Heart School, Bryant Webster, Horseman Middle School, and North High School.

When Johnny was growing up, being the big brother, he would have to hold his sister Linda’s hand and walk to kindergarten every day. His little sisters kept his dance moves fresh. The girls would keep up with the latest moves on the Bandstand show. Once they learned the new dance trends, they would teach Johnny and his friends the latest moves for the upcoming dances held at the school.

Johnny made friends in elementary school that he is still close with to this very day. His friends gave him the nickname “Chokie”. On many occasions as they became of age, this close-knit group of friends would meet often at the Northside hangout “The Keg” for a beer. As years went on and up to just recently, the boys would keep in touch by meeting for breakfast at a central location between all of them.

Johnny had a passion for the cars he had.  His pride and joy was his 1950 Chevy he nicknamed “Earth Angel”.  He kept it in immaculate condition with the help of his sister Kathy. He made her scrub the white walls of the tires with a toothbrush so that it was ready to cruise 16th Street in Denver. After cruising, Johnny would meet up with friends at the Scotchman where he would order a vanilla coke and a hot cookie.

When Johnny wasn’t cruising, at the request of his mother, Marie, he would take his little sisters to the store in his car, but every time he rode passed his friends or cute girls, he would tell them “duck down, duck down”!

Levi jeans cuffed at the bottom and a white t-shirt was a look he sported often. Johnny always said he looked like Elvis Presley. He would look in the mirror, comb his hair and say “Damn I’m Good Lookin”!

When John was 20 years old, he went on to marry Mary Ann Garcia in 1963 and had 3 children, John Jr, Tina, and Alan. Johnny and Mary Ann were married for 10 years.

While raising his children with Mary Ann, Johnny began his career as a police officer with Adams County Sheriff in 1968. Being a police officer was a natural calling for him. He was promoted to Sergeant on March 15, 1971 and promoted to Lieutenant on September 22, 1975.

Johnny was awarded with “Officer of the Year Award” in 1975 for his commitment to service, specifically responding to a call of a child who had run into a barb wire fence and a piece of the wire was imbedded in the child’s eye. Johnny cut the wire then comforted the child while waiting for paramedics thus saving the child eyesight. Johnny was awarded many more commendations during his tenure with the Sheriffs Department for his outstanding service to the community.

In 1975, Johnny went on to marry Christine Fleming which they had two children together, Jennifer and Carrie. Johnny and Chris have been married for 45 years.

In 1985, Johnny retired from Adams County Sheriff. After retirement, he began driving a semi-truck hauling sand and gravel for JFW Corporation, then hauling freight for North Park Transportation, and ultimately ending his truck driving career with King Soopers Transportation. During his time with King Soopers, Johnny served as the Union Steward and represented the truck drivers for King Soopers.

Outside of work, Johnny taught his son John Jr., the detailed mechanics of a vehicle. Johnny was very hands on and enjoyed fixing things. He also taught his girls the basics of changing a tire, checking the oil, and good upkeep on our cars. Johnny also taught his kids to always keep your gas tank half full, $5.00 stashed in your pocket, and your bank account positive. With this simple theory of his, he said if we followed this, we would not have any worries.

Family time was always important to him. He loved to have his family over for BBQs, birthday celebrations, and simple gatherings just so he could be surrounded by family and friends.

Johnny is predeceased by his parents Marie and Pat Zamora of Denver, CO., his grandparents Anastasia and Amado Borquez of Denver, CO., and his grandson Johnny William of Thornton, CO.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memory and live out his legacy, his wife, Christine, his children, John Jr., “Laura”, Keensburg, CO., Alan, Thornton, CO., Tina “ShaVon”, Thornton, CO.,  Jennifer “Curtis”, Byers, CO., Carrie “Jason”, Upland, CA., his grandchildren; Ashley, Kurt Jr, Samantha, Frank, Westley, Tyler, Riley, Reid, Brayden, Jaxon; great grandchildren, Taliyah, Ashlynn, Khalil, Khamila, Brynlee; brother Patrick, sister Linda, sister Kathy, brother Bob, sister Sandy, and brother Anthony, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 14th from 4pm to 6pm at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant St., Thornton Colorado.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 19th at 6pm at Advent Lutheran Church, 7979 Meade St, Westminster, Colorado.

Please share memories of Johnny & condolences with his family by visiting the tribute wall.