Chayanm "CJ" Garcia
All gave some, but CJ gave all—his heart, his strength, his purpose.
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Chayanm “CJ” Garcia
It is with broken hearts and immense gratitude that we celebrate the life of Chayanm “CJ” Garcia—an extraordinary soul whose courage, kindness, and indomitable spirit left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him. CJ passed away on March 30th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that can never be measured in years, only in the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.
CJ was a warrior—not just on the battlefield, where he served with honor and distinction as a U.S. Army armor officer in Afghanistan—but in life. He was the one who stood at the front lines of every challenge, not only for himself, but for everyone around him. To know CJ was to know someone who would fight for you, believe in you, and lift you up when you couldn’t stand on your own. He was the kind of man who charged into the fire, not for glory, but because he couldn’t bear to leave anyone behind.
Born in Salinas, California, CJ grew up navigating adversity, shaped by both hardship and heart. He came from a rich cultural heritage—Korean and Mexican roots—and carried that blend of grit and soul in everything he did. His life was one of constant motion, always evolving, always pressing forward. He earned a degree from UC Santa Barbara, a law degree from UC Hastings, and a Master of Business for Veterans from USC, but CJ’s education wasn’t confined to classrooms. His truest lessons came from lived experience: on the streets, in the desert, in the courtroom, and in the hearts of those he mentored.
CJ was more than a decorated veteran or brilliant attorney—he was a lighthouse for people searching for purpose. His positivity was magnetic. He had the rare gift of making you feel like your dreams were not only valid, but urgent and possible. Whether you were a colleague, a brother-in-arms, or someone who just crossed paths with him once, CJ had a way of seeing the best in you and drawing it out with quiet strength and fierce loyalty.
He was humble in his greatness and generous with his time, his wisdom, and his love. He didn’t just talk about service—he lived it. And for those who were lucky enough to stand beside him, we knew what it felt like to be truly seen, supported, and inspired.
CJ’s absence leaves a silence that echoes deeply, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he uplifted. He is survived by his family, his dear friends, his military brothers and sisters, and a wide circle of people who carry his light forward.
We will miss his laughter, his grit, his stories, and his unshakable belief that anything was possible. But we will carry his spirit with us—every time we take the harder path, every time we rise after a fall, every time we choose love and courage over fear.
Rest easy, CJ. You led from the front. We’ve got it from here.
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I spent a deployment and after with CJ (He was my Platoon Leader) and am 100 percent thankful and honored to have served with amd call him my brother. I will most def miss him. Truly breaks my heart to have seen this.
I love you brother, rest easy, until Valhalla. God is blessed to have this warrior standing at the gates of heaven. Doing what he does. Protection, spreading love, and being a blessing.
Anyone willing to call and talk to me. My number is 765-271-5613
I could tell that CJ had the same ethical approach in doing business and truly cared about delivering quality and care to his clients. From a business owner of over 18 years I understand that something as simple as this, is not so common. Working with CJ reinvigorated my professional journey and infiltrated my mind with enthusiastic energy and creative thinking. Knowing that there were still people out there like CJ made me feel like anything was possible. I thought, "I want to be friends with this guy"!
A cherished person and example to so many. I will pray for the repose of his soul and for the healing of his family and friends.
CJ was a real one.
From the very first conversation, he treated me with respect and compassion, always making time to listen and ensure that I felt heard. His dedication went beyond just providing legal advice – he genuinely cared about me as a person, never seeing me just as another case but as someone who deserved justice and dignity.
In a world that can sometimes feel cold and impersonal, CJ reminded me that there are still people who care, who will stand by you no matter how difficult the journey. His belief in me gave me strength when I had little left, and for that, I will always be grateful.
More than a lawyer, he became a true friend. I will forever remember his warmth, his integrity, and his unwavering belief that everyone deserves a chance. Siempre voy a recordar como siempre me decías - Janet es que somos chingones. Nosotros también podemos! Your way of inspiring me to not be afraid and keep going.
Rest in peace CJ You have left a lasting impact on my life, and your memory will always be with me. Till we meet again friend.
¡Te quiero con todo mi corazón!
I have no words to tell you. I love you very much. I thank God for having you by my side, my accomplice, my confidant, my life partner. How proud I have always been of you. You were the best brother that God could give me. You leave a very big void in my heart, but as you told me, we will always be fine today. I just have to tell you. Rest in peace, little brother. I stay here to take care of your children as well as my mother and our sister. Just guide my steps to do everything right for our family. Thank you for being a father to my daughter. We miss you all my life.
I love you
Thank you for always being there for me from my birthdays to my wedding, and even in the courtroom. You were always by my side, without judgment.
You inspire me to do better and to be better. I’ll continue to keep pushing forward, because I know that’s what you would do.
I never got the chance to tell you this, but Chelsi's pregnant. I remember every word you said: “You just wait till you have kids—it’s going to change your life!” And I know it will.
So, brother, I love you, and I will miss you forever. I hope you’ll be watching from above to witness the birth of my child and bless them the way you’ve always blessed me with love, strength, and unwavering belief.
Thank you for taking me on my first surfing lesson. Thank you for being so positive when I had doubts. Thank you for believing in me.
You weren’t just my lawyer you were my brother, my friend, my family. And now, my guardian from above.
I love you brother.
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