Jeremias G. Aguilar

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 Jeremias 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, Jeremias was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jeremias knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Jeremias was born on June 23, 1938 at home in Michoacan, Mexico. His parents were Avestreberto and Petra Aguilar. Jeremias was raised in Mexicali, Mexico. Even as a youngster, Jeremias 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, Jeremias 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. Jeremias was raised with 8 siblings, Ruben, Beto, Salomon, Sergio, Elvira, Ofelia, Tonia, and Maria. Jeremias 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 Jeremias, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jeremias reveled in the security of his family. One of Jeremias’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Jeremias was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jeremias would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jeremias was blessed with four children and four step-children. His natural born children Tony and Jerry Aguilar, daughters Angie Aguilar and Gloria Aguilar Franco, and his four stepchildren Ramona Herrera, Freddy Valdez, David Hernandez and Diane Hernandez.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jeremias 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, Jeremias 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, Jeremias upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a farm worker. Jeremias was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Jeremias approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening. Jeremias was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jeremias used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jeremias had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Some of his favorite vacations included visiting family.

Jeremias was a lover of animals and cherished his pets.

Jeremias passed away on March 11, 2016 at Hinds Hospice Home in Fresno, California. He is survived by his wife Lupe, sons Tony Aguilar and David Hernandez, one daughter Diane Hernandez; four sisters Elvira, Ofelia, Tonia and Maria, two brothers Ruben and Beto; 26 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Services were held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Jeremias was laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery in Fresno, California.

All who knew him would agree that Jeremias 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. Jeremias G. Aguilar 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.