Jesus Gonzalez Sr.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Jesus Gonzalez, Sr. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Jesus was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Jesus was born on January 22, 1931 in his mother and father's house on a ranch in Los Desmontes, Municipio de Cualcoman, Michoacan, Mexico. He was the son of Erasmo Gonzalez and Natalia Mendoza. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Jesus was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jesus's personality throughout his life.

Though Jesus was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jesus was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jesus worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jesus was raised with 5 younger sisters, Elodia, Martiniana, Guadalupe, Josefa, and Teresa. Jesus and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Jesus was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Jesus was always tactful. One thing Jesus will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Jesus had a number of interests and was an active child. Jesus took part in horse riding and he was also a Jaripeo performer. In his spare time he liked to ride horses and bulls in the Jaripeo.

For Jesus, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. In Mexico he only went to primary school, but he also went to the seminar for one year. He did not go to any other schools because his parents passed away when he was about 14 years old. At that time he worked very hard to raise his 5 sisters. Nevertheless, he seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jesus was also adept at details. Jesus was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things.

There was one thing that all of Jesus's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jesus was such a popular person throughout his life. But Jesus was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jesus was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Jesus was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jesus was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jesus was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jesus made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were all his cousins. Later in life, he stayed best friends with his entire family (cousins, aunts, uncles, and close family friends).

Jesus was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Jesus cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On February 15, 1952 Jesus married Maria Isabel Cardenas Chavez at La Iglesia Los Desmontes (La Capilla) of Los Desmontes, Municipio de Cualcoman. Compassionate and devoted, Jesus worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Jesus and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Jesus was blessed with 10 children. He had 4 boys, Adalberto, Uriel, Carlos, and Jesus, and 6 girls, Alicia, Socorro, Maria Luisa, Maria Del Socorro, Graciela, and Veronica Isabel. They were also blessed with 30 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Jesus was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Jesus was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Jesus would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Jesus, and he expected the same from those around him. Jesus was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Jesus was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give other people fits were situations that Jesus handled well. His primary occupation was as a campesino (farmer) and albañil (cement mason). He was employed as a campesino for 43 years and an albañil after the age of 43. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for the people around him.

A methodical man, Jesus enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were dancing.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Jesus well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of the Catholic church San Judas Tadeo and Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Jesus was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had everything from dogs, cats, chickens, horses, cows, etc. Jesus had pets for all his life.

Since it was easy for Jesus to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Unfortunately for Jesus, he retired around 2001 because he got sick. His new life involved relocating to San Jose, California to be closer to his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being with his family and spending time with loved ones.

Jesus passed away on January 28, 2010 at his home in San Jose, California. He is survived by his wife Maria Isabel, 7 children, 30 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 5 sisters. Services were held in the Chapel of Roses at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Jesus was laid to rest in Guadalupe at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Jesus was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Jesus was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Jesus Gonzalez, Sr.