Jesus R. Salinas

JESUS R. “JESSE” SALINAS passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at his home in Houston, TX after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Mineral, TX on May 28, 1935, Jesse grew up in Beeville, where he attended A.C. Jones High School, excelled in academics as a member of the Key Club while also playing football, baseball and track. He loved the discipline of the military lifestyle, so he joined the Texas State Guard when he was a junior in high school while working part time, studying and participating in athletics. He graduated in 1954 and subsequently attended Texas A&M University, from 1954-1958, where he was an Engineering major and a proud member of the Aggie Corps of Cadets.

In college, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC, and was particularly interested in aeronautical engineering, even piloting a T-33 over the Houston area with an Air Force officer. In 1956 while on a trip to Houston, he met the love of his life at Church, Maria Rosario (Rosemary) Perez. The two were married in June 1958, shortly before Jesse was drafted into the U.S. Army. Jesse trained at Fort Carson, Colorado in the 9th Infantry, 2nd Howitzer Battalion, where he was immediately chosen to lead a squadron due to his military background. He served in the U.S. Army at the Fort Sill, OK base where he was a sharpshooter and expert marksman, teaching artillery classes and drilling new recruits for the Korean War.

Honorably discharged in 1961, Jesse returned to Houston to work for the Texas Highway Department while also completing his B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Houston. His career as a Professional Engineer at the Texas Department of Transportation spanned numerous positions and departments within the Houston District including Advanced Planning, District Design, Consultant Contract Design, Northwest Harris County Residency, and finally the Houston District for Highway Maintenance where he served as Director. He retired on December 31, 1997 after 40 years of service. During his tenure at the Highway Department, Jesse served on numerous committees in organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. He was also active in his neighborhood Civic Club, the VFW, and his church where he was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jesse will always be remembered as a man of integrity, honor and character. He was a role model and leader not only for his children, but their friends as well. He was a man defined by his principles, inspiring those around him to succeed. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter, marksman, fisherman, and mechanic. In retirement, he was a loving, supporting husband, father, and family man. Known as “Honey” to his close family and friends, he will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Lupe Salinas and is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosemary; his children Vera and husband Jurgen Schroder, Carolyn and husband Scott Dalglish, Janet and husband Gus Meza, and son Jesse Jr.; his grandchildren Karl, Kristofer, Kirsten Schroder, and Gisela Schroder, Shawn and Mackenzie Dalglish, Mireya and Aitana Meza, and Brittney and Kelsey Salinas; his brothers Manuel Jr., Salvador, Robert, and Joe Salinas; his sisters Janie Gonzales, Mary Kershaw, Olga Rubio, and Patsy Salazar; and many beloved nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank all who participated in his care during the past few difficult months, particularly family friend Francis Reyes.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 30th from 5-7pm followed by a Rosary from 7-8pm in the American Heritage Funeral Home chapel, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038. The funeral service will be held the following day, January 31st, at 10am at the same location. Interment will be at 11:30am at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038.

Donations, if desired, can be made in the name of J. R. Salinas to the Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 Southwest Frwy. Ste 296, Houston, TX 77098 or www.hapsonline.org.