Mr Jesus Manuel M. Jimenez

Jesus Manuel Jimenez

Born June 28, 1935 to David and Julia Jimenez, in Los Angeles, California. Manuel was the first of six children, graduating from Polytechnic High School in 1954. He also took drafting courses at LA Trade Tech and advanced math classes at East Los Angeles College.

He married his wife, Olga, (Bonnie) of 62 Years in 1954. They had first son Michael in 1955, followed by their daughter Christine in 1958, and 10 years later Vincent was born. They bought their first of three homes in El Monte in 1958. At age 18 Manuel began his career working for the Davis Wire Corp. where he stayed for 43 years, retiring in 1996. Manuel was very involved in his children’s lives attending many baseball and softball games, tennis tournaments, Boy Scout events, and earning the Order the Arrow award. He also attending choir performances, plays and sporting events. Every summer he made sure the family went on special trips – the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Mexico, San Francisco, Santa Barbara for the fiestas and of course, Disneyland.

Known for his bright smile and his great zest for fun and laughter Manuel loved family gatherings, dances, listening to music, going out with his lifelong friends and hitting Las Vegas whenever the opportunity arose. He enjoyed team bowling with his family and in-laws and playing board games – especially when he was winning. Manuel and Bonnie were very involved in Democratic politics, culminating in Bonnie’s election to the El Monte City Council and Vice Mayor. Throughout the campaign Manuel kept a small sheet of paper in his pocket – handicapping the race and giving constant predictions on the success of the campaign – of course he was right!

Manuel was most proud of his Grandchildren Nikie, Robert, and Alany and his great-grandchildren Antonio, Michelangelo, Guillermo and Giancarlo and their many accomplishments. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his brothers and sisters Theresa, David, Rudy, Lupe and Connie. His sister Nikie preceded him in passing. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Godfather and Friend.