Jesus S. Valenzuela

BORN MARCH 5, 1925

PASSED JUNE 18, 2011

In Loving memory of Jesus Sotelo Valenzuela, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will always be remembered for his courage, hard work ethics and never surrendering attitude. Growing up in Los Angeles, California, he was the last surviving member of his family. Born in Arizona to his parents William and Victoria, he was the 6th son in a family of 8 boys. William, Edward, Thomas, George, Benjamin, Jesus, Samuel and Diego. He served his Country Honorably in the United States Army during WWII and the Korean Conflict reaching the rank of Master Sergeant.

He had many passions in life and was always willing to take on any adventure his family would request. He loved his family, friends, baseball, carpentry, coaching and his horse’s. He was affectionately referred to as “Pops”. He retired from Hughes Aircraft in the 80’s.

He was a featherweight boxing champion in the Military and in the amateur league levels. When his fighting days were completed, he found a new life in the boxing ring as a referee.

He also played in the Pacific Coast Semi Professional Baseball League at the position of catcher and won many awards. He continued his contact with baseball as a very respected umpire and coach.

His favorite professional teams were the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He trained and owned many horses, however, his personal favorite, was a mare named “Vieja”.

He is survived by his wife Maggie Valen and their 4 children Jesse Valenzuela (Lynne), Jonathan Valen (Rita Hinkley-Valen), Valerie Claphan and Susan Oster (Glenn).

(Spouses in parenthesis)

Included are 9 Grand Children, Orie Valenzuela (Kayli) Erin Holmes (Terry), Amy Price (Brandon), Kenny (on Active Duty U.S. Army) Timothy Claphan, Ashley Claphan, Michael Claphan, (Brittanie), Jordan Oster, and Jenna Oster.

His posterity continues with his 6 Great Grand Children, Nataya and Lincoln Valenzuela, Keatin, Austin and Tinleigh Holmes and Lucy Claphan.

He will be greatly missed however, all his loved ones that have passed before him will greatly embrace him.