Jose G Trujillo

José Guillermo Trujillo (Willie), 75, of Denver, CO passed away, peacefully, in his sleep at home on February 28, 2024.   José was born the second child of Inez and Isaias Trujillo in Las Vegas, New Mexico.  Jose is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen, brother’s Isaias Jr, Armando, and Freddie.  He is survived by his wife Judy Hudson Trujillo, son’s Anthony Trujillo (Ashley), Michael Hudson Trujillo, and Christopher Hudson Trujillo. Grandson Dalton Trujillo.  Sister’s Grace Leyba (Floyd), Libby Lujan (Isaac) and Dorothy Trujillo. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Jose had a passion for learning.  He attended Loretto Heights College, went on to get a degree from Metro, attended law school at DU for 3 years, earned a Master’s in Public Administration from CU Denver, became a certified Realtor, and took night school classes to get Property Management certified. 

In addition to his honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corp, José had a wide range of jobs over his lifetime. As a young man working at a Cheeto’s factory, as a realtor, later managing several programs for returning Vietnam Vets, providing Spanish language work assistance, to being the Director of Operations at Denver Zoo where he retired after nearly 2 decades. 

Jose’s contributions to the community include being a consultant to de-escalate tensions regarding the resettlement of Vietnamese refugees during a time of political turmoil. Jose also held an important role in the DAs office as a translator and Victim advocate. He was very active in Colorado politics, as well as sitting on many boards and commissions, including serving on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Board.

José was an avid outdoorsman - from the golf course, fishing, hunting, and camping, he also loved motorcycles and hanging out with friends at the VFW.  Despite these numerous activities, José always made sure to make it home for dinner with his family at 6pm. 

José was known for providing a warm welcome and a positive presence.  José would always make you feel at home, being a kind visitor, and made sure you didn’t miss his unforgettable laugh to either start the room of laughter or simply amplify it to another level.  

Jose and Judy were blessed with almost 43 years of marriage. In their marriage, they were devout Catholics and deepened their faith in many of their travels including Mission work with Franciscan Friers in Zambia, taking pilgrimage through the Holy Land in Israel, and trip to Italy and the Vatican. They also enjoyed traveling with family to Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, and many other locations around the world. 

José undeniably cared about family and set forth an example of a family man.  As you can see in his sons, wife, and extended family members, the respect and love they had for him. A man of integrity, honorable and wisdom. José was close with his sons, Tony, Mike and Chris, who inherited many of his characteristics as a leader, hard worker, and always putting family first.  Through his contagious laugh, warm smile, and his stories that never end, his family continues to carry on his legacy that will never be forgotten.