Jesse Rojas

Jesse “Kiko” Rojas was born on August 13, 1966. He passed on January 22, 2025, and now lives in the Kingdom of Heaven with his mother, father, sister Alice, and oldest brother and military hero, Jesus. He was the youngest of 11 children who were born to Norberto and Alejandra Rojas. He is survived by his siblings Olga, Raphaela, Stella, Yolanda, Joey, Delia, MaryAnn and Emma. He is also proud godfather to Isla and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Kiko attended local elementary schools in Mendota, California. It was during these years that he developed his lifelong love of sports, a love that would not only impact his own upbringing, but shape him into the man and coach we all admired. As a young boy, he learned to play several sports, first in school then onto adult leagues as he grew. Kiko’s greatest impact was easily during his time as a coach for Mendota Unified School District. Over time, coaching softball truly became his passion. The usually reserved Kiko would instantly light up at the chance to talk about the “ladies” on his team and all the potential he saw in them. “We would always call our softball players ‘ladies,’” said fellow coach Paul Valenzuela, “and that they should act and play like one.” Affectionately known as “Coach Kiko,” he served in this role for over 15 years. In 2017, he helped lead the girls’ softball team to their first Central Section Division VI Softball Championship. For Kiko, this was a huge highlight of his long coaching career. Kiko beamed with pride for all his teams - not only for this single championship, but for how hard every single one of his players worked to push past their challenges and realize their full potential. Many testimonials have come in from current and former students, highlighting the impact Kiko had on them, both on and off the field.

“Every year, Coach Kiko was always telling me how great of a player I was, even when I started doubting myself and getting in my head…That honestly was what really kept me going and believing in myself.”

- Bethany Oliva

“Coach Kiko, thank you for always believing in us and teaching us so much, on and off the field…You made a difference in all our lives, and we’ll never forget you.”

- Gabriela Gonzales

“I was given the chance to play for him, and I can honestly say that I have never in my life encountered a coach like him…I can say that he loved what he did, but above all, he loved each and every one of us.”

- Brenda Martinez

Kiko’s co-softball coach, Paul Valenzuela, shared fond memories of being on the road with Kiko. After games, he and Kiko would sometimes notice a few of the girls not ordering any food when they stopped for a bite on the way home. “We would both call them over and buy their food,” recalled Paul. “We would tell them no explanation was needed for not eating. I told Coach Kiko that we are not coaches, that we are teachers of life.”

Even as a man of modest means, Kiko did not hesitate to help those he cared for or show his unwavering support. In addition to buying meals, it was important to him that his “ladies” knew he was always in their corner, encouraging their endeavors even outside the softball field. “He knew I was a big fan of Fresno State and the women’s basketball team there. And surprisingly, once in a while, he would come to practice and surprise me with an FSU shirt,” said Bethany. “He also always sponsored me for the sports I was in and would even make me some gear for them.”

Bearing witness to the success of the students he mentored meant more to Kiko than any sum of money. He understood and lived by the words of the Apostle Peter (1, 4:10): “Each of us has received a gift; use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” In caring for his family, Kiko contributed to the household expenses and helped care for his father for over 30 years. The Apostle Mathew wrote that “no one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (6:24). Throughout his life, Kiko gave unselfishly to fulfill and advance God’s mandate.

One cannot tell any semblance of Kiko’s life story without mentioning the many years he spent with TomaTek. He worked at TomaTek since 1989, as a forklift driver who was proud to be badge number 85. Over the years, Kiko mentored many new employees who praised him for his patience, teaching skills on how to operate machinery, and his work ethics that inspired others to raise their own work standards. Even with his outwardly quiet personality, Kiko made countless friends at TomaTek. When he wasn’t out driving good old forklift #3675T (which he wasn’t opposed to hiding in the yard so no one else used it), you might have found Kiko taking his break in the shop going over highlights of last night’s game, or maybe prepping a few pounds of carne asada to barbecue and share for lunch. He viewed his friends at TomaTek more as family than mere co-workers. “[He] taught me a lot at work and showed me the ropes as I began to work with him. And everyone knows he had to have things done a certain way,” remembers good friend and co-worker Randy Preciado. Some of his other fond memories included “weekend trips, even just to go shopping for household items, [and] making trips to JR Sports or any sporting goods store to see what Giants, Rams, or Laker item he would get.” Throughout his illness, Kiko privately shared how much he missed his friends.

If you were lucky enough to have Kiko as part of your inner circle, you would know that this usually “shy guy” was also incredibly funny. He loved to tease his softball players and friends, but had tough enough skin to take a joke in stride. “One time, he told me that back in his high school days, he went up to bat in crutches and hit a home run. He said he took the crutches and stepped on every base until he made it home,” remembers Heidi Henriquez. “I was a gullible kid at the time and believed him until he told me he was just messing with me. I always think back to that day and find myself laughing at the thought.”

Kiko loved listening to oldies on his weekend drives to the coast, always remarking that new music just wasn’t as good as the stuff he grew up on. “He was the human Shazam,” said Randy. “He knew every oldie we put on or knew about the artists. On our trips, I would always have to have an oldie playlist going because the new artists were not good.” He would often come back from those weekend trips with some beach swag or Giants gear for his little nieces and goddaughter. When he knew he was going to see those little nieces, Kiko would always make a stop at the store first to load up on cookies, cupcakes or banana pudding to spoil them.

In the end, we can all learn about goodwill and loving kindness from Kiko. God placed Kiko in Mendota to do the Lord’s work—to serve and raise the citizens of one of God’s humblest communities. Kiko leaves a legacy that we should all strive to achieve in our personal lives. On January 22, 2025, God called Kiko to Heaven. His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of the master.” (Matthew 25:21).

God almighty, we give you thanks for bringing Kiko into our lives. Amen.