Jose was born in Zacatecas, Mexico on March 30, 1927, to a large family. His mother and the younger of his siblings eventually relocated to Nayarit, Mexico where two siblings, Miguel and Abel, and their respective families still reside. For many years Jose supported his family in Mexico with whatever he could spare.
Jose came to the United States at 17 and for several years worked as a migrant farmworker. In the following years Jose worked in construction and at the canneries out of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties and as a delivery person for Ozuna Products out of San Jose.
Jose started his time in the retail business at Brazil’s Market in San Jose and continued until retirement from Pink Elephant Markets in San Jose. Jose had a strong work ethic which he passed on to his children.
In the 1950’s Jose met and married the love of his life, Dora. They raised nine children together, seven boys and two girls. Eventually the family would grow to include twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was also “Uncle Joe” and “Tio” to a host of nieces and nephews, including many in his native Mexico.
In 1973 the family moved to Turlock, California. This began a series of moves between Turlock and Modesto. In the first few years, Jose purchased several small properties, and those homes were rented out for income. Eventually, with the help of two of his sons, Jose purchased a ranch in Turlock.
Jose was a long-time boxing and baseball enthusiast. He could recall with precise detail who fought who in some of the great boxing matches going back to the 1940’s, even the types of punches and in what sequence used by each boxer in the match.
In baseball Jose could remember players and statistics quite vividly and still liked to start up a conversation about games that took place decades ago or just yesterday. Jose regularly attended his sons’ baseball games and at one time coached his son’s little league team when the regular coach was unable to. The team went on to win a championship.
After Dora’s passing life changed dramatically for Jose. He eventually sold his ranch and moved to a smaller home. He passed quietly at the age of 94 on September 7, 2021.
A visitation for Jose will be held Monday, September 27, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riverside chapel, 900 santa fe ave, hughson, CA 95326. A rosary service will occur Monday, September 27, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Riverside Chapel, 900 santa fe ave, hughson, CA 95326. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Riverside Chapel, 900 santa fe ave, hughson, CA 95326. A graveside service will occur Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Mota family.
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