Jess Hurtado Villegas

Jess H. Villegas is treasured and cherished beyond measure! His charm and joy lit up the hearts and lives of everyone he came into contact with. Although he faithfully served his country overseas, he was most admirably a resilient fighter as the patriarch of his family here at home. His complete fidelity to his family was manifested through hard-work and loving devotion. As Blessed Mother Teresa says love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home, Jess Villegas lived this virtue of love in his life daily with loyalty, dignity and grace. This love was unassuming in its nature, never wanting anything in return, but given cheerfully from the wellspring of his heart. It is said that the good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good, and Jess manifested this at the core of his being (Luke 6:45). We are deeply humbled that the Lord has given us the gift of a life so fearfully and wonderfully made, and rejoice with all of heaven that the Lord faithfully took him by the hand, accompanied with the Blessed Mother, on the feast of the Ascension of Christ into heaven. We proclaim with St. Augustine of Hippo, thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee, and are at peace in knowing that Jess amazing heart, which loved so fervently and beautifully, is now at rest. It took only a couple of seconds in his presence to know the gift he was. Now, we have a lifetime of memories and his legacy to relish in for all of eternity. We pray, united with Jess, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want... He restores my soul... Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).