Jose M. Chapa, a longtime resident of Gilroy, passed away on 4/22/15. Jose was born in Corpus, Christi, TX to Maria Conception Martinez and Guadalupe Chapa. He had one sister Dominga and three brothers Lupe, Juan, and Manuel Chapa, who resides in Los Banos, CA. Jose's parents were migrant farm workers, who worked all over the Southwestern part of the U.S. At the age of 17, Jose joined the military and served in the army for 5 yrs during the Korean conflict. After being discharged from the army, he moved his family and parents to California for better opportunities. Jose worked at Gentry for about 10 yrs. In 1969, Jose became a community worker for CRLA.

CRLA is a non-profit legal and political advocacy group that promotes the interest of migrant laborers and the rural poor. Having been a migrant worker himself, Jose became involved in the migrant farm workers movement with Bobby Kennedy, Cesar Chavez, Chino Vasquez, Senor Antonio Del Bono, and other political leaders who dedicated their lives to improving not only the lives of farm workers, but the working poor.

Jose was a member of St. Mary's Church and also a member of Christians groups at San Pablo De Colores church in Watsonville, CA.

He leaves behind his daughter Diana Chapman, son Alfred Chapa and Rodolfo Chapa. He has 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Jose's happiest moments were when he was with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jose will be missed, not only by his family, but by his friends and church members who he respected and loved greatly.
Friends are invited to attend a viewing at Habing Family Funeral Home located at 129 4th Street Gilroy, 95020 on 4/27/15 from 6pm-8pm and a service at 7pm. A mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 11 1st Street Gilroy, CA, 95020 on 4/28/15 at 10am. You are welcomed to join the family afterwards for a luncheon at the Veterans Hall on 6th Street.