Ben Montoya and Jermain Jennings

Our dearest family member and friend has suffered a tragedy that has left him emotionally devastated and  unfortunately financially in need.

Jermain (JJ) Jennings and Ben Montoya Jr from Rio Rancho, NM loved one another and loved by countless friends and family members. They were recent  Newlyweds who had big dreams of traveling the world and starting a family. As many faithful say God
tends to have different plans for you than you have for yourself. On the early morning of September 28th both JJ and Ben became victims of gun violence and were taken by surprise and shot multiple times at close
range. Due to the continued investigation and criminal proceedings, details cannot be discussed. What can be said is Jermain died from his 2 gunshot injuries and was pronounced dead within two hours of this heinous incident. As for Ben, he was shot 5 times and airlifted to the New Mexico Regional trauma center, where medial staff worked tirelessly to treat life threatening injuries to save him. Ben remained in a medically induced coma for the next two weeks and as he started to regain consciousness, he immediately asked for JJ. To the dismay of friends present, he was told of JJ’s fate.
Ben and JJ appreciate prayers, love, and strength from all. Ben is seeking justice for JJ and appreciates kind gifts to assist in this pursuit and in paying outstanding expenses and medical costs.

The following is the eulogy Ben shared with the congregation at Jermain’s funeral services and he wants to share it with everyone so
they are reminded how precious love and life is. Love one another!
Intriguing, Captivating, Intelligent, caring, handsome, eager, Strong, sensitive, SASSY, adventurous, SOCIALITE, Curious, thrill seeking, honest, authentic, respectful, responsible for himself and others,
trustworthiness, unique, A Great sense of style, genuine, passionate, generous, CHALLENGING, LOYAL, Spontaneous, SNAPPY, Reliable, Admired, Protective, direct, Hard Working, Unselfish, and of course
LOVING.

My mother in law, Sharmine Jennings, raised and nurtured a wonderful son who grew up to be an amazing man. Because these qualities I mentioned are just a short list of characteristics that describe Jermain AKA J.J.

I want to thank Mama Shar for giving me her blessing on New Year’s Eve over 3 Years ago to marry her son.

Jermain came into my life almost 5 years ago with his dashing smile and charming ways. It was during a time when I was simply existing and not living life. He broke down my barriers and TOOK his place in my heart
entwined his soul with mine. He helped me find meaning and purpose again in life. He showed me how to have fun and be carefree again. He made me feel important and valued once again. He showed a genuine
interest in what I did in life and what I had to say, hanging on every word in our intimate conversations. Before too long, I was sharing with him new life experiences, we were traveling to places I’ve been too but new to him, we introduced each other to our closest of friends and family. I found myself feeling invigorated looking forward to what more of life had to offer. We had challenging times in our relationship that
were beyond our control, but we never threw in the towel but found a way to work together to control how we reacted to what was dealt to us. I never gave up on him and he never gave up on me.

After we were married this past June 29th, he asked me one evening he asked why I love him and married him. I told him all that I just shared with you and more. I would always tell Jermain that he is my happily ever after.

On the morning of September 28th , my life, my happily ever after, was taken from me in the most horrific of circumstances. I pray to God to
help me through what has happened. Even during the nightmare we faced together, Jermain and I held each other, locked hands and kept telling each other how much we loved each other. Our grip was so strong that I felt the love we had for one another flow between us. We held on to one another to the end.

I stand here today with the deepest sorrow and despair I have ever felt in my life. Missing him more than I have missed anyone. Angry and confused on why this all happened. He truly is my soulmate, and I pray
to the Almighty that he takes care of him in heaven and calms my restless heart and gives me strength to live here on earth without him.

Jermain was divinity in human form and being with him made me a better man than I ever thought I could ever be. I LOVE YOU JJ WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL. I promise you, mi amor, that until we are
reunited again, I will live every day the lyrics of our wedding song you chose for us, “MAKE IT TO ME.” “Even though time may move slow, I have one vacancy”(and you already know), “You’re the One Designed for Me!”