Johnny C. Begay

Johnny C. Begay “J.C” November 15, 1939–December 27, 2023 Johnny C. Begay “JC'' passed away peacefully on December 27, 2023 surrounded by his beloved. He was born in Shiprock, NM on November 15, 1939 to Alice and Joe C. Begay, the first child of four children. He is Tàchnii’nii Dinè’è and born for Àshįįhi Dinè’è. His maternal grandfather is Tábaahá Dinè’è and paternal grandfather is Hashk’aa hadzohi Dinè’è. He is the maternal grandson of Lee Tome (1886-1978), who served in the Navajo Tribal council from 1943 to 1957. Begay graduated high school from Ignacio, CO in 1957 and then studied at Fort Lewis College earning an Associate’s Degree in 1959. He pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western State Colorado University, and a Master’s from University of New Mexico. Begay completed 60 credit hours at the University of Arizona for a Doctorate in Education, with his dissertation remaining. He returned to his family as he emplaced high value in supporting his children, wife and grandparents. He began his career in 1965-1969 in leading and creating eight programs of the newly launched Project Head Start under the congressional bill through President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. In 1970, he began teaching at the Red Rock Day School under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and later became School Principal. He also served as Principal at Aneth Community School and retired in 1993. During his retirement, he played an influential role in establishing Red Valley/Cove High School in 2008. Begay then proceeded to politics and served for the Red Valley, Cove, Mitten Rock and Shiprock community. He served as a Council Delegate for Red Valley Chapter from 1999 to 2003 and 2017 to 2021; Red Valley Chapter President from 2003-2005; Northern Navajo Medical Center Health Board Member; Member of the San Juan Water Users District. Inheriting his family’s commitment to land and livestock, Begay was an avid rancher in Mitten Rock and Salt Creek. He also farmed 36 acres of land in Shiprock, N.M. He was preceded in death by his sons Llewellyn and Shanahan Begay; his siblings Tommy C. Begay and Betty Lameman; his parents Alice C. Begay and Joe C. Begay; his grandparents Virginia and Lee Tome; his uncles Marshall Tome, Harry Tome and Kenneth Benally. Begay is survived by his wife Grace N. Begay (63 years of marriage); his daughter Dr. Jonnye Kaibah Begay; his sibling Annie C. Begay; his grandchildren Christell Begay, Almanis Begay, Kailyn Begay, Courtney Clah, Kacy Begay, and Jacy Begay, his great grandchildren Natonabah N. Begay, Chyler Redhouse, Jaxson Pelt, Khaidance Lewis, Elijah Clah, and Khamille Lewis. Schedule of Events: 01/11/24 10:00 am - Funeral Services held at Oasis Ministries Church at Farmington, NM. 01/11/24 Followed by burial at Greenlawn Cemetery at Farmington, NM.