Charles James Guzman

Charles James Guzman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother was called to

heaven on Sunday February 25th, 2024, at 55 years old.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 18 years Kristina Guzman, children Leeza Guzman,

Cristian Guzman, Sofia Guzman and Khloe Guzman and grandchild Nathan Guzman. Also left

behind to cherish his memories are his mother Maria Guzman and brothers Troy

Guzman+(Benjamin Thomas), Mark Guzman, James (Christine)Guzman, and many other family

and friends.

Charles was born in Agana, Guam to James+ and Maria Guzman on November 3, 1968. After

moving to the mainland and completion of high school, Charles joined the United States Army

where he proudly served and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He joined the Army One Unit

Station Training in Fort Knox Kentucky as a 19K, Armor Crewman. SGT Guzman served as a

Tank driver, loader, gunner, and Tank Commander on the M1A1 Abram tank. His assignments

included Germany, Ft. Riley Kansas, Korea, and Fort Hood Texas. Charles’ military training

included the Combat Life Savers Course, Primary Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course,

Army Retention Course, and Army Instructor Course. Charles’ awards and decorations include

the Army Commendation Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (3 oak leaf

clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service

Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal (numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas

Service Ribbon (numeral 2) and Tank Drivers badge. Charles was a great leader and was

greatly respected and revered by his peers and loved by all that got the opportunity to be his

friend.

In 1999, Charles embarked on his most fulfilling adventure as he met the love of his life,

Kristina. Charles and Kristina met through mutual friends and have been inseparable for the

last quarter century. They married in 2005 and became a family with Charles’ daughter Leeza.

Charles and Kristina also welcomed Cristian, Sofia and Khloe into their family and showed

everyone what It was to be an amazing father. He was already the best husband, thoughtful

son, caring brother, and friend so this was just another area where Charles excelled, and

everyone saw it. Whether you knew him as SGT Guzman, Charles, Charlie, Tio Charles, or any

other moniker everyone knew they were speaking to someone that truly cared for them more

than he ever worried about himself. A true man of faith, Charles would regularly attend Sunday

mass unless he was working. He truly was one of a kind. He showed what an amazing father

he could be when during the pandemic he became the teacher of 3 kids in 3 different grades at

the Guzman Academy of learning, otherwise known as virtual school. It was here that Charles

learned a true appreciation for the teaching community and got to build many lasting memories

with his children who were the apple of his eye. Charles was also fond of his toys. He loved

cars including BMW’s and Volkswagens. He loved collecting all sorts of memorabilia and

amassed an impressive Hot Wheels collection. Charles was also always wearing the latest Nike

had to offer and really put them to use as he loved spending time at the gym and getting in his

workouts. Charles also loved collecting license plates from all over the world on his travels with

the military. Charles’ most cherished collection though, was the memories he shared with his

family, his friends that became family, the strangers that became friends and everyone in

between. Charles truly loved everyone and would always reach out with a friendly text or a call

to catch up. Amongst those cherished memories are some of the best karaoke jams that South

Texas ever had to offer. Where he was belting them out or giving you a high 5 after you

butchered some Bee Gee’s tune, Charles had a way to always make you feel like the most

important person at the party.

Charles was also a proud employee of both HEB and the Frost Bank Center Security team.

Always bringing his infectious smile and positive attitude to both and loving what he did. I know

you all would watch the Spurs games hoping you’d get that glimpse of Charles sitting right

behind the Spurs bench amongst all those legends and everyone couldn’t wait to tell someone “I know him!"