Julio A. Garcia - Early Years, Family, Education, Military

Early Years, Family, Education, Military

Garcia was born in Laredo to Julio Garcia (1910–1974) and the former Antonia Rubio (1914–1987). His father was employed by the Texas Mexican Railway, and his mother created the first neighborhood group and the first savings and loan association in Laredo. Garcia graduated with honors in 1959 from the Roman Catholic-affiliated St. Joseph Academy in Laredo. Thereafter, he procured his Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Laws degrees from the Catholic St. Mary's University in San Antonio. After St. Mary's, Garcia was a second lieutenant in the United States Army artillery. In 1964, he married the former Rosario Flores (born October 8, 1941), an educator and philharmonic singer. The couple had three children: Leticia (born 1964), Cristina (April 22, 1967—February 20, 1999), and Julio, Jr. (born 1970). Leticia and Julio became attorneys and practiced law, both criminal and civil, with their father at the former law office at 2602 Arkansas Street.

Mrs. Garcia was named the "Outstanding Educator" of 2007 by the Texas Homeless Network, which cited her decade of teaching homeless children at Bethany House in Laredo. Retired from the United Independent School District, she was thereafter affiliated with Texas A&M International University in Laredo. She is a pioneer in bilingual education and the open classroom concept.