Jesus Antonio Valdez

On November 10th at 9:25 am I lost my best friend due to covid. I want to tell you a story about my dad. His name was Jesus Antonio Valdez, he was a pillar to many. He was so very modest, humble and kind. My father was a hard worker as a floor installer most of his life. He was the greatest “tata” and grandpa. He was not only proud of his 7 grand kids but he truly spent precious time with them and made them feel special. Whether it was picking them up from school, or just playing catch, he did it all. They were his purpose in life. My father touched so many lives with just his presence, it was the warm feeling of love, it was the hug he gave, it was his laugh and making people feel a loving way. He didn’t have to do anything, he just had to be there and you’d feel as if it was sunny on a dark day. These past few years of moving back home him and I were inseparable. We played on a city softball team together, he helped me with the restaurant I opened, he would come over cut my grass and trim my palm trees because he knew I was busy or tired. He’d help me chop the wood for the oven. There were just so many things we did together and I hold those memories close. Life was so good when he was here and now it feels like it was too good to be true. We were on top of a mountain together but I now find peace knowing he was so happy on that mountain when he left this earth. He got to see the success of our restaurant and I but he also was a huge part of building that success. Not a lot of parents get to experience that with their children and that will live with me forever. My dad has left physically, on to be with god but I know he is still here, his spirit lives on through me and when I have kids through them. My kids won’t meet my dad but he will meet my kids, he will know them before they are even born. He was there for my first breath in this world and I was there for his last, kissing him, holding him, letting him know he wasn’t alone and that my fiancé and his girlfriend were also there on his side. I miss and love you so terribly much but you’re still here, you never left. Until we meet again my viejito! Te quiero mucho.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsonmortuaryyuma.com for the Valdez family.