Gene Cura

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.

Obituary

Gener Talens Cura Jr., affectionately known as "Jojo" or "Gene," of Benbrook, Texas, passed away on June 29, 2025, at the age of 53. Jojo will be remembered for his kindness, authenticity, and the love he shared so freely with everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He valued honesty, integrity, and staying true to oneself. 

Jojo’s friends and family recall his big bear hugs, huge smile, and explosive laughter—he was always the first to greet loved ones at the door, making every gathering brighter with his presence. He made people feel instantly at home and had a special way of lifting others up—whether through encouragement, humor, or simply being there—always making others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Jojo’s passions reflected his vibrant and curious spirit. He was a fanatical cyclist, a triathlete, a creative builder, a car enthusiast, and a watch collector. Friends and family recall his infectious energy—whether training for triathlons, coaching volleyball, or helping others achieve their goals. His encouragement inspired one family member to a 100-pound weight loss and a new career. Family members remember his playful antics—biting everyone back in Parañaque (in the Philippines) —adventures and passion for sports cars. As a coach and teammate, he celebrated every victory, big or small, and always believed in the potential of those around him. He cherished simple, joyful moments, like riding bikes to French Park and playing with the ducks, reminding others to appreciate the innocence and fun in life.

He was a lifelong learner. Jojo was a proud graduate of San Marcos Academy. He studied philosophy and psychology at Baylor University, information systems at the University of Houston, and nursing at Texas Christian University. Thereafter, he served as a compassionate and skilled trauma nurse at Texas Health Resources.

Jojo’s love for his family was unwavering. He was a committed husband to Amber and a loving father to McKenzie, Madison, and Noah. He is survived by his wife, Amber, and their children, McKenzie, Madison, and Noah; his mother, Thelma; his sister, Pauline (spouse Joseph); his brothers, Rick (spouse Jennie) and Erwin (spouse Eileen); and their cherished children—his nieces and nephews: Bella, Mia, Luke, Sam, Timothy, Ethan, and Erik. He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Sr.

A memorial service to celebrate Jojo’s life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Greenwood Memorial Park Chapel, 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107. The service will be led by Chaplain Charlie Calebresse, followed by a come-and-go visitation with Jojo’s family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an education fund for Jojo's children. Please Zelle paulinewade@gmail.com, putting "For Gene's children" and your email address in the memo. More details available using the 'Donate button' in the bottom left.

Jojo’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched—as a nurse, mentor, husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed.

Invitation

We invite you to help us remember Jojo (Gene) by sharing the moments that made your connection with him unique. Did you travel together, swap Star Trek jokes, or bond over a love of cars or music? Maybe you crossed paths during his college days, at work, or while exploring new places. Whether it’s a funny mishap, a piece of advice he gave, or a small gesture that stayed with you, your memories will help us celebrate the full, vibrant life he lived. Please bring a story, photo, or memento that reflects your time with Jojo, so we can honor him together through the many perspectives of those who knew him best

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

July 20, 2025

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Gene, it’s hard to believe you’ve been gone for a few weeks. Partly because in my heart I still feel you here. I still think about how welcoming and inviting you were by introducing me to trail riding in our area. Thanks for the many memories at work, on the trails, and in the garage as we tinkered with bikes. You were a great nurse, and an even better person and friend. Rest well buddy, we’ll miss you dearly.

AJ

July 12, 2025

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Gene was an amazing co-worker and friend. We worked together in STICU from 2014-2023. Even after he moved to vascular access, Gene was always stopping by to check in and offer a smile and a big Gene hug to everyone in his path. Gene was such a compassionate nurse whom I remember as so respectful and tender with our patients. He called everyone ma'am and sir- and made sure that each patient received excellent care. There are so many people in Fort Worth and the surrounding area that were impacted by the incredible care that he provided. I like to think that he is being greeted even now by patients who experienced his tender care at end of life. Gene was more than a compassionate nurse- he was a fun and loyal friend who knew when to be serious but also when to make our work life fun! Pranks, jokes- Gene did it all. I remember when he filled someone locker with sweet-n-low packets so that when they opened it an avalanche came out. He knew how to make you smile and laugh even when times were hard. Gene loved hard and was so very proud of his kids and committed to his wife Amber. We all knew that at work as he bragged and talked about them often. I am honored to have known Gene and to keep a piece of him alive in my memory- collectively everyone who loved Gene will help his memory live on. Gene- I will miss you deeply!

Shannon Rapert

July 12, 2025

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I was such a beautiful celebration of life for my Gene “Jo-Jo” Cura; I also write lyrics & poetry; I was inspired by his wife Amber to write this in honor of Gene:

Bethany Cura-Lockhart

July 11, 2025

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Gene was an amazing friend, colleague, and personal bike mechanic. He was so selfless and took care of everyone around him. I looked up to him and I will miss him to the end of days.

Aram Oraha

July 11, 2025

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In the short time I knew Gene since working for THR, we formed a great friendship. He got me into mountain biking with the other guys from work. He'd be the guy to stop and check on me when I flew off my bike then joke about it lol. Miss ya Gene, rest easy.
- (the other filipino, "Jean")

Jay Unite

July 10, 2025

3

I met Gene in Houston just before I married Ning. My car broke down on a highway in Houston and Ning suggested we call her cousin Gene. He helped me put a new battery in my car and we stayed the night at his place. When Ning and I married, we hung out at family events and watched football when we gathered at the house in Ft. Worth. I always carry his smile and his good nature in my heart. Love you Gene!

Tony Lockhart

Tony Lockhart

July 10, 2025

2

My cousin Gene “Jo-Jo” was a vibrant spirit always welcoming with open arms .i will always remember him for his upbeat laughter. He loved the sports and outdoors; he continued to inspire me especially as a tri-athlete; during those times I was starting a 100 lb weight loss journey and because of his motivation I am now a full blown Fitness Professional including the 100 lb weight-loss as Zumba Instructor; thanks to his sports-minded encouragement I now teach all formats and I am a personal trainer mainly with my 5th year with the YMCA Brooklyn & Queens.
Thank you for helping me save my health & finding myself; I will miss your vibrant mind, body. & spirit. I continue my mission to help others with their longevity through your spirit.

Bethany Cura Lockhart

July 10, 2025

1

Gene was such a wonderful person. He would always come in to work and welcome me with a smile. He always spoke highly about his wife and kids. Very supportive and just a great person to have around. He will be deeply missed. It was a blessing to know him. Rest in peace my friend.💕

Natasha Roussell

July 9, 2025

3

In Loving Memory of Gene Cura

I’ll never forget how kind and welcoming you were when I first started in TICU. You were always the first to offer help, encouragement, and a warm smile—and it made all the difference.

One of my favorite memories will always be our group trip to Hawaii—crazy, fun, and full of laughter. What I’ll never forget is how you and Ren spent over an hour trying to convince a girl who couldn’t swim and was deathly afraid of water(yes, me!) to try paddleboarding—in shallow water, no less! 🤣 Not only did you talk me into it, but you stayed right by my side to make sure I felt safe the entire time. That moment speaks volumes about who you were: patient, supportive, and always looking out for others.

I’m so grateful that God allowed our paths to cross. Your spirit, compassion, and that unforgettable smile touched everyone around you. You’ll forever live on in our hearts and memories.

Rest in peace, Gene. 🙏

Shamekia Wells

July 8, 2025

2

Gene was such a nice and upstanding guy! I worked with him at THR. Although my time there was only a little over a year, he was always helpful and friendly. This is sad news for sure. Prayers for his family.

Brooke Rasberry

July 6, 2025

3

Gene’O was one of a Kind.
We met via me responding to a disturbance call on his unit. Since then we’ve talked about everything under the sun, motorcycles, bicycles, martial arts, medicine and of course family. He loved his family more than anything. God speed Gene’O. Until we meet again🙏🙏🙏❤️

Steve Price

July 5, 2025

3

Getting the chance to know Gene at Texas Health was a great honor. Whenever I ran into him working, he always had a huge smile and joke to share. He could brighten any day. Gene will be greatly missed. Praying for all his family and friends during this difficult time.

Joa Christensen

July 5, 2025

5

Gene, though our hearts are broken, our lives were blessed and made better for knowing you. Your presence added so much to our work family in STICU, and that’s what we are, a family. 20 yrs in the Trauma ICU, we saw so much together, and we helped each other through some very difficult times. Your smile and humor made the weekends at work feel like home. (Thank you for always being excited about my frequent potluck parties:)
We saw each other through it all, good times and hard seasons of life. You lived your life in a big way, and we will always remember our time together with you.
All our love!

Mandy Morrison

July 5, 2025

5

I am glad to call Gene one of my best and truest friends. No other person could give joy to others as he has. You will be missed immensely!

Tate Viehmann

July 5, 2025

7

Gene was the kindest and most genuine person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. No matter what kind of day I was having he always made the day better. He loved his family so much and my heart goes out to them. Thank you Gene for being such a great friend. I will miss you dearly.

Colby Webster

July 5, 2025

4

Running into Gene at work always made your day better and funnier. He always had a meme to share, joke to tell and made sure to find a way to brag about his beautiful family. He cared deeply for his patients and would find ways to go the extra mile for them even if that meant just spending time listening to the patients tell their stories or grabbing them a special meal from the cafeteria. When it was time for patients to get their physical therapy, Gene was always right behind me asking how he could help or making sure the patient wasn’t going to give me a hard time.

Thank you for 10 years of memories and memes, Gene. Miss you bud.

Niva Austin

July 5, 2025

3

Gene.
For over a decade, he was the one I called when I needed a friend at Harris. From day one, he welcomed me with that warm-hearted, infectious smile and a hug that felt like strength and kindness wrapped into one.

Gene was known for those hugs — not just a gesture, but a true extension of who he was. In every embrace, he shared a piece of himself: steady, strong, and full of care. Whether you were a friend, a coworker, family, or even a stranger, he gave freely and fully — 100% of himself, 100% of the time.

He was always there when we needed him — for a chat, a shoulder, a laugh, or more likely, one of his perfectly timed, hilarious jokes that could brighten even the darkest day.

I pray he knew how deeply he belonged to all of us — an extended family that cherished him. He never complained. He carried himself with quiet strength, always ready to share stories about the family he adored and took so much pride in.

His spirit was truly infectious. That’s what we’ll miss most — the joy, the warmth, the generosity of a man who made the world better just by being in it.

The world is going to miss Gene. We already do.

Cassaundra Gerhart (cassie)

July 5, 2025

3

Gene was the best. He always had a smile on his face and never knew a stranger. We would always share stories of our kids. He was a sweet soul and I will miss seeing and talking with him around the halls and units of the hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family and many friends as we grieve his loss! ❤️🙏

Jennifer Clark

July 5, 2025

3

Jojo was like a big brother growing up. For me he was a warm presence, a gentle giant, a kind soul, a jokester and just an all around cool guy. Jojo, I love you and miss you.

Barbara Cura

July 4, 2025

3

I met Gene after college through Amy, our mutual friend. Gene then became great friends with my husband Tom, and they quickly spent time mountain biking and cycling all the time! Gene became more than just a friend, he was family. Gene would "live" with us for periods of time and make some of the best breakfast! He would then retire to our couch for a post feast nap. When I was pregnant with my first kid, Gene would keep me company for days. Feeding me and watch MTV's Real World! My dog would be by his side, and he would even be my first visitor in the hospital when I went to have Camryn. Gene was there for family gatherings, birthdays, bike rides, graduations, weddings, illnesses, funerals. He shared a birthday with my mom, and I would always think about them on their day. Gene supported me through my mom's illness with his experience and real words. We all lost touch over the last 10 years when kids and careers started to take over. I am grateful for all the memories, but sad that it has come to an end. Rest easy, my brother, and ride on!

Elisa Mahone

July 4, 2025

3

My heart is broken, such a beautiful soul I was grateful to call one of my closest friends in an earlier part of our lives. There are no pictures of the "Jell-O cowboy" since New Year's 2000 was pre social media. You taught me the proper way to chop garlic. Showed me how small the back seat of an Acura Integra was (especially at high speeds). Offered me the eyeball of a roasted fish that I politely declined saying "I think you would appreciate it more". Movies at the Dude's house with the Ice Cream Bandit. Countless hungover breakfasts with rice, lots of garlic and scrambled eggs. Weddings, funerals, parties, laser tag, bowling and more. And then we both got busy being spouses and parents and our friendship faded to the background amongst busy lives. What I would give for one more laugh, one more bear hug, one more conversation. I love you Foo Foo Bunny and I will miss you always.

Amy Lagrimanta Buchanan

July 4, 2025

2

The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Gene, he welcomed me with a smile and hug as if we'd known each other for years. He was an immensely generous, kind funny thoughtful person. His love and pride of Amber and the kids was evident every time he spoke of them. This is such a heartbreaking loss that leaves a huge void for so many. Endless love and thoughts for Amber and the kids. 💕

Chelsea Oraha

July 4, 2025

3

Gene was just the coolest. Someone I admired and looked up to. I’m sad to hear of his passing. So glad I got to see him while visiting Ft. Worth with my love. Hugs and prayers to his family and everyone who knew this special man.

John Burger

July 1, 2025

3

Jojo’s passion and skill for cooking, whether it was spam or smoked turkey, was something he shared with dad—a true family tradition. He’d be right there in the kitchen, taste-testing and making sure everything was just right. Meals with Jojo weren’t just about food—they were about laughter, stories, and bringing everyone together around the table.

Polly

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