Jay J. Armes, a world-renowned private investigator and native El Pasoan, passed away at 92, according to a Sept. 19 Facebook post shared by his son, Jay J. Armes III.
“With a heavy heart, I post this message to my family, friends, and others. Although I always knew someday, I would have to do this, the difficulty of this moment has not fully set in,” his son shared in the post on Thursday, Sept. 19.
“My father Jay J. Armes Sr. has been called to be with our Lord. He passed peacefully and was surrounded by his family.”
Born Julian Armes, Armes legally changed his name in 1977, and after graduating with degrees in criminology and psychology from New York University, Armes quickly began his career as a private investigator which spanned nearly 70 years.
“Everyone believes that their father is a superhero. My father actually was one,” his son wrote.
Over his career, Armes became a legendary figure, gaining global recognition for solving some of the most high-profile cases of his time. One of his most notable successes came in 1972 when actor Marlon Brando hired Armes to track down his son, who had been kidnapped from his home in Beverly Hills, California and taken into Mexico. In a matter of three days, Armes tracked him down and returned the boy safely.
Despite facing significant challenges, including losing both hands in a childhood accident, Armes quickly adapted. With the aid of two prosthetic hands, his success with cracking down some of the toughest cases, only enhanced his unique image.
After high school, Armes ventured into Hollywood, where he claims to have appeared in 39 movies and 28 television shows.
Moreover, in 1976, children’s action figures based on his image, were manufactured. Measuring 10-inches tall, dressed in beige slacks, a turtleneck sweater, and a vest, Armes became the only private investigator in history to have an action figure modeled after him.
Though Armes had officially retired by the time of his passing, his son shared in an interview with the El Paso Times this past July that Armes continued to maintain a low profile in El Paso, and even served on city council for a few years.
“Although my father will be missed, his impact on others and this world will last for many years to come,” said Armes’ son.
Rumi Sevilla is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]
