5/27/1938 – 7/22/2026
Lawrence
With profound gratitude for his life and quiet sorrow at his passing, we announce the death of José de Jesús Castillo Aponte. José passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, in Lawrence, KS, at the age of 88, surrounded by the love of his family.
José was born in Barrancabermeja, Santander, Colombia, on May 27, 1938, to Jorge Castillo and Marina Aponte. His childhood was shaped by the early loss of his mother and the strength of his father, a hardworking man who sacrificed deeply to ensure José completed his primary education. Through the life-changing generosity of anonymous benefactors, José was later able to attend boarding school for his secondary education. Those formative years forged the resilient, determined character that defined his life.
Through hard work, he earned a Chemical Engineering degree from the National University of Colombia in 1966. Around this time, he met Ismaelina Rueda, the love of his life. Shortly after graduating, the couple welcomed their first son, Jorge.
In 1970 José made the courageous decision to move to the United States with his family to further pursue his education. He earned a Master of Science in Management from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton. During their time abroad, their family was complete with the birth of their second son, Carlos.
Upon returning to South America, José discovered his true calling: university teaching. He spent several years inspiring students in Venezuela before returning to Colombia in 1982 to establish himself as a respected consultant and academic. In 1988, he reached the pinnacle of his academic journey, earning a Doctorate in Human Resources from Universidad de los Andes.
Firmly convinced that people are an organization’s greatest asset, José dedicated his professional life to unlocking human potential. As a professor, consultant, and author, he shared his wealth of knowledge generously. His enduring academic legacy includes six published books that continue to guide and inspire new generations of professionals.
Jose and his wife moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1997 and lived in multiple cities in Florida afterwards. They proudly became US citizens on September 15, 2006, and moved to Lawrence, KS in 2021.
José will be remembered for his calm spirit, profound wisdom, unshakeable integrity, gentle sense of humor, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Just as the kindness of strangers once unlocked his own future, José spent his life multiplying that gift for many others. His story stands as a beautiful testament to how a single act of generosity can transform generations.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ismaelina Rueda of Lawrence, Kansas; his children and their families: Jorge and Olga of Bogotá, Colombia (and their son, Juan David), and Carlos and Jacquelyn of Lawrence, Kansas (and their children, Ashley of Denver, Colorado, and Hunter and his son, Hudson, of Lawrence, Kansas).
A memorial Mass celebrating José’s life was held in a heartfelt ceremony of faith and remembrance. Family and friends gathered in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.
May he rest in eternal peace, and may his memory forever remain a source of light and inspiration.
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