Charles "CJ" James Archibeque

Charles James "C.J.” Archibeque of Greeley, Colorado passed away on Friday September 1st, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. C.J. was born on September 18, 1967 in Greeley, Colorado to Charles and Laura (Montoya) Archibeque. C.J. was the only boy in a house full of girls and lived in Greeley all his life. C.J. is a 1986 graduate of University High School and his love of baseball took C.J. to the University of Northern Colorado on a baseball scholarship. C.J. received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and his Master’s degree in Special Education. In 1995, C.J began his career with the City of Greeley Cultural, Parks and Recreation at the Greeley Recreation Center. C.J. was then promoted to Program Manager for the Jesus Rodarte Cultural Center where he worked until this past July. Throughout C.J.’s time at the Rodarte Center, he was very instrumental in building several quality after school programs with Weld County School District 6 to provide outreach services for underserved youth. Because of C.J.’s influence, leadership and hard work, these programs are still going strong. C.J. is known throughout this community for his passion and advocacy to help those in need, especially children. C.J. was very active in community service and dedicated hundreds of hours to boards and commissions. He was currently serving on the United Way of Weld County board, he was a board member of Intervention community correction services, University Schools Board of Governors and most recently C.J. was going to take his father’s place as a board member with Northern Colorado Catholic Charities. On July 4, 2014 C.J. married Ermelinda (Erma) Portillo. After 11 years of courting, he finally found his true love. Their love was one of a kind, they had a special bond, it was an unconditional love and it was very unlikely you would find them apart. For those who knew C.J., knew he had a heart of gold and was always trying to make the world a better and safer place. He lit up the room wherever he was. He had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, and a great sense of humor. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with open arms. C.J enjoyed outdoor activities like camping, hunting and fishing; like his dad. He always had an entertaining story when he returned, like the "one that got away”. C.J was a lifetime Bronco fan and enjoyed season tickets with his friends. C.J. will leave a huge void in our lives, our hearts and our community. C.J is survived by his wife Ermelinda (Erma) Archibeque, his mother Laura Archibeque and 6 sisters, Carla (Tony) Esquibel, Lori (Jerry )Trujillo, Lisa Archibeque( Russ Stephenson), Karen (Louie) Esquibel, Julee (Joe) Martinez, Nickie Archibeque (Tony Pena) and special friend Mary Moreno. 8 sister-in-laws, 9 brother-in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Although C.J. was an only son, he had lots of brothers; his brother-in-laws, his first cousins "Band of 7 Brothers”, his close friends and his nephew Lucas Trujillo, with whom he had a special bond. C.J was proceeded in death by his father Charles Archibeque, brother-in-law Robert Soares and nephew Erik Esquibel. Visitation will be on Sunday September 10, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Adamson. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017 both at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1311 3rd Street, Greeley, CO 80631.