Jesse M. Gonzales

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 Jesse M. Gonzales 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, Jesse was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jesse knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Jesse was born on June 27, 1925 in Long Beach, California. His parents were Florencia and Nichanor Gonzales. Jesse was raised in Los Angeles, California. Even as a youngster, Jesse 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, Jesse 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. Jesse was raised with seven siblings. He had Henry, Mike, Frank, Jess, Bertha, Eddie and Bobby. Jesse 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 Jesse, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Jesse's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jesse enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jesse took part in football and golf. He was a member of St. Joseph Club. In his spare time he liked football, drinking and the beach. Jesse's memorable achievements included getting a football letter.

In school, Jesse 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, Jesse was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Jesse’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Physical Education.

Jesse 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 Jesse 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 Jesse came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rufus, Joe, Carlitos, Manuel Rios, Mercy Lizarraga and Annie. Later in life, he became friends with Carlitos, Bob, Manyo Rios.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jesse reveled in the security of his family. On April 23, 1950 Jesse exchanged wedding vows with Juliet Ceclia Vigil at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Los Angeles, California. One of Jesse’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.

Jesse 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. Jesse 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. Jesse was blessed with two children, two sons, Frank and Nick Gonzales. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Paige and Bryan Gonzales.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jesse 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, Jesse 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, Jesse upheld his standards. His primary occupation was produce salesman. He was employed for 65 plus years by Coast Produce Company. Jesse was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Jesse was a Navy 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 U S Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor - Fleet Training Base, San Clemente, California. Jesse saw action for World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Seaman Second Class. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including a Asiatic Pacific, American Area Victory Medal WWII.

Jesse 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 golf and water sports on TV. Jesse 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 Jesse to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Jesse played football. Recreational sports included football. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and golf.

Being generous with his time and energy, Jesse liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Jesse was a member of the football team. Throughout his later years, Jesse was an active member of the St. Joseph's Boys Club.

A civic-minded person, Jesse was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Jesse was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the St. Joseph's Boys Club and Teamsters Union 360. During these years, Jesse applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Jesse. 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 St. Joseph for 20 years and St. John the Baptist for 40 years. During that time, he was on the St. Joseph's football team.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jesse 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. Jesse had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included going to Hawaii.

Jesse was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jesse’s favorites was Patunia, a Boxer dog. They were best friends for 15 years. His family was rounded out by his dog Lady, cat Munster and two squirrels.

When Jesse’s retirement finally arrived in 2000, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golfing. In many ways, Jesse loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jesse passed away on July 12, 2010 at home in Baldwin Park, California. He is survived by his wife Juliet, sons Frank and Nick, grandchildren Bryan and Paige. Services were held at St. John the Baptist Church in Baldwin Park, California. Jesse was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.

All who knew him would agree that Jesse 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. Jesse M. Gonzales 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.