Jay J. Armes, renowned private investigator, dies at 92

Jay J. Armes, a legendary private investigator known worldwide for his daring cases, has died at 92, his son Jay. J. Armes III, posted on Facebook.

"Everyone believes that their father is a superhero. My father actually was one," he posted Thursday night, Sept. 19.

Born Julian Armas, Armes legally changed his name in 1977. Armes had been a private investigator for about 70 years and garnered plenty of publicity for many high-profile cases. Actor Marlon Brando hired Armes to find his son in 1972, who had been taken to Mexico. Armes reportedly found him in three days.

After graduating from Ysleta High School, Armes ventured to Hollywood, where he appeared in 39 films and 28 television shows.

In July, his son told the El Paso Times that Armes had been living in El Paso.

"He’s retired now," his son said. "But if you ask him, he’ll never admit it. He’s just relaxing, but he’s doing fine."

How did JJ Armes lose his hands?

His hands were severely injured in May 1946 when two railroad torpedoes he was playing with exploded.

JJ Armes action figure

In 1976, Ideal Toys made a J.J. Armes action figure. The same year, his autobiography, "J.J. Armes, Investigator: The World's Most Successful Private Eye," was published.

Norman Reedus expressed his fascination with the El Paso icon on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," saying he had the private investigator’s action figure as a child.

“He had both of his hands missing,” Reedus said. “So, you could change his hands with hooks, guns, and knives.”

JJ Armes house

In 2021, Armes’ infamous home was listed for $1.6 million and was recently demolished to make way for commercial and retail use.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Jay J. Armes, renowned private investigator, dies at 92