Jess Saenz

Jess Saenz grew up in La Colonia de Independencia, a community of Mexican farm workers that formed on the edge of an orange orchard, along a Union Pacific rail line coursing through miles of citrus groves in Orange County in the early 1920s. La Colonia began as an independent collection of immigrants on a sliver of land-and its three blocks remain unincorporated to this day.

Colonia geography and social obstacles conferred a substantial dose of personal independence to Jess. The setting of his dad’s business and the people it attracted asses a fighting spirit as he learned early on to stand up for himself and to protect his family.

After Anaheim High School, in 1943, Jess became one of the 40 men of La Colonia who signed up for war.

The Army gave him nearly three years in Europe that culminated in weeks of difficult days and nights in the Battle of the Bulge. America’s victory there left Jess in Germany into 1946, serving as an MP in his day job and organizing a night club for dancing in his spare time.

After WWII he met Manuela Pallares, fresh from Mexico and new to La Colonia. They married and lived in a shack behind the Saenz home until he finished building their new house next to his dad’s pool hall and poker room. Jess must have loved the freedom of building an entire house, free from building inspectors-besides Nellie.

Jess’s and Nellie’s four kids were raised in La Colonia, yet in time the family migrated a couple of miles south to a small house on a big lot in Garden Grove, next to their good friends Esther and Manuel Rodarte. There, Jess went to work in his spare time, remodeling and adding needed rooms. (In fact, he kept working on the house most of his life; he and Nellie, together, fully reroofed the place with new shakes when they were 80 years old.

Jess chose carpentry as a career just after returning from Germany. On the job, he did everything- from layout and framing to cutting roofs and stairs, to finish work. He made himself a pro and happily reached out to help younger men coming up to also do well.

Early on though, the carpenter’s union would not admit Jess into their ranks. He was told join the laborer’s union. He did, but he also joined other Hispanic carpenters to successfully challenge union policy. Once a member, he attended meeting regularly and stepped up to participate his local’s leadership for his entire career.

Action and teamwork to achieve change and betterment marked his life. Through various organizations (LULAC, United Farm Workers, MAOF) Jess worked or farm workers, helped students earn scholarships and training in trades, and encouraged high school kids to work at school and shun drugs. And more. He didn’t just talk or send money. He drove there, stood up and got things done.

At home he grew produce and propagated grapes. Everywhere, he enjoyed dancing with Nellie and he loved to be with her and hear about his grand and great grand kids.

Jess Saenz lived a productive and helpful live. He was respectful and respected.

His wife, Manuela, and son, Robert, both have passed away in the year prior to Jess’s own passing. He leaves behind his daughters Lucille, Joanne (Mark), and Elizabeth; grandchildren Jacob and Emily Evans, Joseph Evans, Sarah Evans and David Miller; and great grandchildren Zach Evans, Luke Jenner, Levi Evans, Jess Jenner, Gwen Evans, Clint Jenner, and Ellinore Jenner.

A visitation for Jess will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dimond & Shannon Mortuary, 10630 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A rosary will occur Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, 10630 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Columban Catholic Church, 10801 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Cyn Rd, Orange, CA 92869.

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