Jose Miguel Zavala Saucedo

Jose Miguel Zavala Saucedo age 49 went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 26, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at Provena St. Joseph's Hospital in Joliet, Illinois after suffering from Heat Stroke.

Funeral Visitation, Friday, May 28, 2010 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Zefran Funeral Home, 1941 West Cermak Road,Chicago, Illinois 60608.

Funeral Services, Saturday, May 29, 2010 Prayers at 9am at Zefran Funeral Home, 1941 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL. Mass of Resurrection - Celebration of Life 10:00 a.m. at St. Procopius Church, 1641 South Allport, Chicago, Illinois. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jose Miguel Zavala Saucedo who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jose was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jose knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Jose was born on September 20, 1960in La Puerta De Jaripitiro, Michoacan, Mexico. His parents were Maria Guadalupe and ┼Gaudilo. Jose was raised in Michoacan. Even as a youngster, Jose learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jose was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jose was raised with 10. ┼ Jose Miguel, Irma, Maria G. Zavala, Elva, Rosaura, Blanca Laura, Josephona, Esther, Luis, ┼Antonio Zavala and ┼Maricela. Jose had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jose, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Jose's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jose enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jose he love to play with them sling shots.

Jose was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jose was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jose came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Fernando Diaz.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jose was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jose was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jose upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a landscaper. He was employed for 20 years working in gardening. Jose was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jose to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer.

Jose was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jose’s favorites was He had two cats Whisky and Kitty He also had two birds Minerva and Fellmon. They were best friends for Kitty was 4 years and Whisky was 2 years old.

Jose passed away on May 26, 2010 at Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet , Illinois from Heat Stroke from working in the sun. Services were held at St. Procopious. Jose was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.

All who knew him would agree that Jose was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jose Miguel Zavala Saucedo did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Zefran Funeral Home, Chicago, Illinois. Concepción Rodriguez, Funeral Director.