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William Joseph Juzang

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Re: William Joseph Juzan

Posted: 10 Aug 2003 6:50PM GMT
Classification: Obituary
Albuquerque Journal - August 7, 2003
Reprinted with permission

Ex-Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Bill Juzang Stressed Education
By Paul Logan
Journal Staff Writer
Bill Juzang taught his nine children that a good work ethic and college were essential tools for dealing with racism.
A former Air Force chief master sergeant, then a civil service employee at Kirtland Air Force Base, Juzang died July 25 at his Albuquerque home of cancer. He was 75.
A private service has been held, said the eldest child, Judge Angela Jewell.
"Education wasn't even an option," said Jewell, a family court judge. "He would say, 'You're going to college. Even if there's no scholarship. Then you work your way through.' Whatever it took."
All his children went to college. Jewell said each of her siblings ended up with a good career.
Juzang, about 5-foot-9 and 146 pounds, was known as a man of principle and honor.
He used to tell his children that even though a person might be poor, he or she can work hard and have pride and integrity, Jewell said.
William Joseph Juzang was born in Mobile, Ala. His surname is French. He also had African-American ancestors. Juzang considered himself black.
Juzang, known as "Billy Boy," grew up poor. He was working at age 11 at the family's store, helping make deliveries.
It was at a time of "whites only" and "coloreds only" signs in the segregated South.
After high school, Juzang enlisted in the Air Force. He served for 22 years, including a tour in Vietnam.
To help keep his ever growing family clothed and fed, Juzang took extra jobs as a bartender, maintenance worker and mail carrier.
"Dad was very vocal about the things that happened, things like segregation," Jewell said. "He recognized that racism was alive and well and he handled it by working hard."
About half his children were born in Albuquerque, where he lived for more than 45 years.
Juzang practiced what he preached to his children, earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration.
Juzang, a military man and a Catholic, was a strict disciplinarian. He used to say he wasn't into becoming a popular dad like those on television situation comedies, Jewell said.
"Dad took his parental responsibilities very seriously and passed that along," she said.
Jewell said her father's colleagues told her about how he would listen to others' woes and give his help and guidance.
"They would say, 'Your father is a very kind and compassionate person,' '' she recalled.
Juzang used to take his children on camping and fly-fishing trips here and when he was stationed in other countries, she said.
"He loved to expose us to other things, other environments, other cultures," his daughter said. "We all have a love of travel to this day."
Of his children, only Vicki DeVigne and Jewell live in Albuquerque. Jewell's husband is Judge Tommy Jewell of children's court. Another sister, Wanda Cooper, is married to former New Mexico Lobo Michael Cooper.
Survivors include his other children, Guy Juzang, Vicki DeVigne, Maxie Juzang, Ivan Juzang, Tracy Britton, Trina Juzang and William Juzang II; former wife, Mary Juzang; and close friend and companion, Nymfa Winters.
Memorial contributions may be made to Juzang's favorite charities, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, Salvation Army, NAACP and Disabled American Veterans.

Copyright 2003 Albuquerque Journal
SubjectAuthorDate Posted
Lorie 7 Aug 2003 3:51AM GMT 
NMFireHorse 11 Aug 2003 12:50AM GMT 
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