Jimmy Saucedo Zarate

Mr. Jimmy Saucedo Zarate, 76, of Houston, Texas, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior while surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Jimmy was born on December 22, 1948, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston. Jimmy was preceded in death by the absolute and eternal love of his life, Irma Olivares Zarate. Jimmy and Irma loved to tell how their beautiful love story began when they first met at the legendary Pan America Ballroom in Houston on January 19, 1969, and then married in 1971. Jimmy and Irma leave behind their 3 beloved children, and their loving spouses, and 6 most cherished, beautiful, and accomplished grandchildren, who all hold dear, precious, and priceless memories with their wonderful Dad and Grandpa Jimmy.

Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Ursula Nicole Velvin (Zarate) and husband, Randy; his son, Jimmy Nathan Zarate and wife, Yvette; and his son, Jarrett Neil Zarate and husband, Onur; grandchildren, Lance Dylan Velvin, Liv Nicole Velvin, Jimmy Nathan Zarate Jr., Zoey Jane Zarate, Amri Jayde Zarate, and David Christian Zarate. More fond memories of Jimmy will live on in the hearts of his beautiful niece, Marcellita Montes (Zarate), his 3 handsome grand nephews, Isaiais Pumarejo, Isaac Pumarejo, and Giovanni Montes, and his numerous beloved cousins and their families. Also remaining to cherish Jimmy’s memory are his sisters-in-law, Yolanda Zaccaro and Ana Olivares, brothers-in-law David Garza and Edward Olivares, nieces, Marisa, Lisa, and Denise Garza, and nephew, Mario Zaccaro. Jimmy was also preceded in death by his in laws, Lupe and Mena Olivares, his beloved mother, Angelina, his father, Marcelino, his brother, Mario, his Aunts Mary and Adela, his Uncle Martin, and “Little Grandma” Herminia Alaniz, who raised Jimmy and whom Jimmy loved without end.

Jimmy worked hard throughout his life, spending over 30 years as a grocery warehouse selector and forklift operator, and over 35 years as a recognized top selling food and beverage vendor at Houston’s sports arenas, including the Astrodome, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and NRG. Sports and concert vending was Jimmy’s favorite and most special job he enjoyed during his life. From 1969 to 1971, Jimmy proudly served with the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. Jimmy also cherished 2 close, life-long friendships with Donald Gates and Arturo Garza, whom he spoke about often. Jimmy was a spontaneous, generous, and family-oriented man who would give anything he had to people in need. Jimmy loved watching sports, going to the movies, spending fun times with his children and grandchildren, telling stories and spinning far out tales, while sharing his kind smile with anyone around him. Jimmy also loved to see and play with his beloved grand puppies, Boss, Lacie, Evie, Linkin, Rosie, Shea and many more. Jimmy will forever be remembered as a strong, loving, and supportive dad, a hard worker, a good friend, and a giving, caring, and most fun-loving grandpa.

Dad and Grandpa Jim, you will always be our family’s pillar of strength. We will honor always your, and our beautiful Mom and Grandma Irma's legacy of strength, love, family values, dreaming big, and never giving up.

Please join us in celebrating Jimmy's full and blessed life!

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the immediate family welcomes all extended family and family friends to join them for visitation in the Colonial Chapel at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, from 5 to 8 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, a funeral mass will be held at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX, at 12 noon, preceded by a short viewing period from 11:30 am to 12 noon. A final blessing and entombment will commence at 1 pm at the Abbey Mausoleum across the street from Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.

Immediately following, all Jimmy’s family, relatives, and friends are invited to enjoy a complimentary buffet-style meal and desserts at our family-owned restaurant, Mean Grille, located at 3995 Richmond Ave, Ste. B in Houston, TX 77027.

Also, please share any memories and/or pictures of Jimmy with his family, either online or in person. Sincere thanks to all for your love and support.