Jose E. Moran

Jose Enrique Moran Jr. was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, take-charge attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease in the role of problem-solver. He was the type of person who could execute plans well, and had the drive to step onto center stage and take on whatever challenge confronted him. Jose always sought the scene where the action was occurring. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, he was undoubtedly an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Jose was born on April 6th, 1979. He first greeted the world in Glendale, California at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. His parents were Jose and Leticia Moran. One of his fond recollections he had with his mom was her cooking. He grew up in Pasadena, California. Always able to express himself well, Jose was always able to be open and direct in his communication and was eternally optimistic in his outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, he was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that would help him throughout his life. During his early years growing up, he hated grade school because he always had to be at the end of the line because he was so big and tall.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Jose was able to relate well to others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. He was raised with five siblings. Jose had one older sister, Lett, three younger brothers, Ricky, Pablo and Saul, and a younger sister, Luisa. Jose was very close to his brothers and sisters. They had a special relationship. When he was younger, he locked his sibling in the closet and was playing with matches. He always felt bad about it after. He had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

Jose enjoyed spending time with relatives while growing up. Peps' grandparents were Enrique and Maria de Jesus Garcia. His grandmother wore the pants in the marriage and grandpa adapted to it. Peps' extended family included Uncle Joaquin and Aunt Diane and their children Adrian, Vanessa, David, Angel and Jacob. He had fond memories of his cousin Adrian coming down for the low rider show, but his car was stolen and he was very upset.

As a young child, Jose showed his creative ability in many ways ranging from his various hobbies to his ability to develop new twists on old games. He always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. A take-charge person even as a child, Jose liked being actively involved. Some of his favorite pastimes while growing up were taking things apart and then putting them back together.

Jose was outgoing and animated. He enjoyed doing just about anything with his friends, especially playing games like playing school and board games - Sorry and Monopoly. He attended Loma Alta Elementary School. Some of Peps' biggest accomplishments during this time included the explorers. He once was in honor roll and was student of the month.

Friends and acquaintances found Jose to be an easy person to get to know. Some of his best childhood friends were Jose Jimenez. His childhood home was in the city playing in the front yard with his siblings. He enjoyed going to Santa Monica beach and Venice beach with the family.

Known to most people as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Jose was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He satisfied his curious nature by utilizing a hands-on approach to learning. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Sierra Vista High School in 1998. Jose loved his math class. While in high school, he won a math award and a writing award. He enjoyed being a part of the explorers program.

While it was obvious that Jose had many of the tools necessary to ensure success in the classroom, he also knew that there were plenty of things to do and enjoy outside of school. Those close to him were well aware of his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. People appreciated these traits in him. He was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for who they were. When Peps and his friends got together, they would hang out at the park or front yard.

There were other types of relationships to develop during those teen years for Jose as well.

The teen years bring more freedom, but also more responsibility. Jose was not intimidated by either. His drive and enthusiasm for life led him to accept and even embrace them in stride. He learned about work when he was employed at Michaels. His first car he drove was a BMW. Peps was also involved in the community during his high school years. He used to be an Alter Boy at Saint Andrews church in Pasadena, California.

Jose continued to enjoy pets throughout high school, as was evident with his relationship with Bruno, a pitbull and Kilo, a boxer.

For Jose, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with his relationship with Ariadna Araceli Moran. Jose was cruising the strip with his truck and so was Ari with her friends and they spotted each other on their way back home. Jose came to pick her up from her home and her dad was in the front waiting to see who this guy was.

They always spoke as if they knew that they were going to get married.

He exchanged vows with Arie on October 29th, 2005. It was a small wedding held at the Las Vegas Garden of Love Wedding Chapel. The service was officiated by Reverend Shawn A. Jewell. We all got together and went to Red Lobster.

Following the ceremony, Jose and Arie managed to get away by themselves for a little while and enjoy their honeymoon.

Jose was attentive to Arie's feelings. He did his best to be charming to everyone, but this relationship was special. He brought into it his gift for being able to give freely and generously. This was just one of the things he did to create a happy home. Their first residence was a three bedroom house in Peaceful Hills. The couple also shared their home with their pets, including Diva, their blue hair pitbull who always looked after Cristina, their youngest daughter. A good listener with an engaging personality, Jose was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. The couple incorporated both old and new friends into their relationship. Some of their friends during this time included Milo and Ariana Segura. Going out to the strip and having some drinks are fond memories he had.

Jose was a generous man who valued that same quality in others. So it is little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. He was a member of several community groups. He was a gifted problem-solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Jose worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals.

Very much like a kid himself, Jose identified with the inquisitive and creative side shown by just about all children. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his offspring acquire many skills, including those often considered common sense. Jose was blessed with two children, Cristina Leticia and Claudia Araceli. Because he was always so in tune with his children, Jose was often pleasantly surprised by how much pride they could bring to him which included learning to go potty and saying their ABC's. The children were always wrestling with him and trying to hang on his shoulders.

As with other aspects of their lives, Jose tried his best to provide the children with a safe and nurturing home. Their house was large and spacious, they loved to play in the backyard. He also tried to share his enjoyment of other aspects of his life. One area in particular was his love of pets, which he did by allowing them to have Diva, the pitbull. She always wanted the children to rub her tummie. The children experienced going to Bonnie Springs and getting to pet all the animals.

Jose was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, one of his strengths was his ability to think on his feet. He could be a leader who made decisions that had great impact. Jose could read body language well, so he was able to read into situations and motivate others more effectively, based upon his observations. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Jose could multi-task, and he was endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment.

Jose never seemed to be afraid of work and was often willing, even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. Years ago, Jose worked as a laborer for the union. His primary occupation was working as an equipment operator. Labor for the labor union, and operator for heavy equipment. Though he rarely sought out any accolades for his achievements, he would humbly accept any recognition that came his way. Receiving his diploma for equipment operator was one of his major accomplishments during his career. Going to his house and watching the boxing fight were some fond memories with his workplace friends.

Jose enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. Some of his favorite hobbies were collecting pennies, shooting, fishing and bowling.

Throughout his life, Jose developed many likes and passions, things that put a smile on his face. Jose's favorite season was winter, and his favorite color was blue. His favorite state was California. When it came to dining, he particularly enjoyed flautas with guacamole, white menudo and Birria was is favorite coffee drink. He also liked to read, especially The Purpose Driven Life. Jose's favorite movie was "Due Date" and his favorite show was the history channel or national geographic. Jose liked all kinds of music, especially Rock.

Because he was not afraid to be assertive and aggressive at times, Jose was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic about these activities and his confidence served him well. His favorite sports to watch were football, basketball and baseball. His favorite teams were the Raiders, the Lakers and the Dodgers. Jose also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity.

Jose held close to traditional values, and as a result, his faith was very important to him. Jose was Catholic. He was a member of Knights of Columbus.

Jose Moran left us on May 18th, 2011. He passed away at UMC Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 32 years old. The cause of death was a car accident. He is survived by his wife and children. Services were handled by Palm Mortuary and Cemetery.

Jose was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A direct communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his many friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. He enjoyed his life to the fullest because of the limitless experiences it had to offer. This is how everyone will remember Jose Enrique Moran Jr.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.