Jacob Ortega

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jacob Ortega who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jacob was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jacob knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Jacob was born on February 16, 1937 at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His parents were Charlie and Eleanor Ortega. Jacob was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Even as a youngster, Jacob learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jacob was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jacob was raised with six siblings. He had three brothers, Carlos, Paul and Bernie and three sisters, Margaret, Margarita and Angie. Jacob had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jacob, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Jacob's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jacob enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jacob took part in baseball and marbles. In his spare time he liked comic books.

In school, Jacob was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Jacob was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Jacob’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1955. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Jacob’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Jacob’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Jacob saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his AA in Admin. of Justice.

Jacob was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jacob was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jacob came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Didi Cardinal, Lerdy Gonzalez, Peter Garcia and Curly. Later in life, he became friends with Larry and Carmen Padilla, John and Frances Molina, Joe and Eppie Bowman and Mark Diamond.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jacob reveled in the security of his family. On April 4, 1959 Jacob exchanged wedding vows with Marie Sena at the Assumption Church of Los Angeles, California. One of Jacob’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Jacob was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jacob would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jacob was blessed with five children, one son, Anthony and four daughters Jeanette, Patricia, Loretta and Michele. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Adrian, Amanda, Aaron, Melissa, Anthony Jr., Monique, Lisa and Robert Jr.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jacob was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jacob was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jacob upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Law Enforcement. He was employed for 14 years by the L A School Police Dept. Jacob was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Jacob was an Army veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the 159th Transportation Batt. 8/55 to 8/58 in Korea and Ft Eustis, Virginia. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of SP4 (T).

Jacob approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were crossword puzzles, genealogy, camping, fishing, hunting. Jacob was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jacob to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Jacob played boxing. Recreational sports included fishing and hunting. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing.

Faith was important to Jacob. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Holy Innocents for 17 years. During that time, he was church usher.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Jacob could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Jacob; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included L A Sheriff's Dept Cert of Appreciation for 11 years Reserve Duty.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jacob used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jacob had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Santa Fe, New Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jacob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jacob’s favorites was Smokey, a Great Dane. They were best friends for 1 year. His family was rounded out by his dogs, Huera and Chico.

When Jacob’s retirement finally arrived in 1987, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Victorville, California to be closer to Santa Fe, New Mexico. In retirement, he found new pleasure in building a sinking boat (Titanic) camping and fishing. In many ways, Jacob loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jacob passed away on July 15, 2011 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Fontana, California. He is survived by his wife Marie, his children Anthony, Jeanette, Patricia, Loretta and Michele, daughter-in-law Vangie, son-in-law Benny Tirado and Art Lerma, grandchildren Melissa, Anthony Jr., Monique,, Lisa, Robert Jr., Adrian, Amanda and Aaron, grandchildren-in-laws Monique Ortega and Randy McDonald, great-grandchildren, Brianna, Serenity, Raina, Alexandria, Christine, Jenna, Reyann and Aiden, brothers Carlos and Paul and sisters Margaret and Angie. Services were held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Jacob was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

All who knew him would agree that Jacob was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jacob Ortega did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.