Jose de Jesus Reyes

Jose de Jesus Reyes, born January 1st, 1963, reached the end of his earthly journey, on October 20th, 2026 at age 63. He passed away surrounded by his wife, children and son-in-laws: Maria de la luz Reyes, Abigail (Abner Perales), Jose de Jesus, Jamie (Benjamin Wilson), Elvira (Maximino Rios), Abraham and Angela.

Jose, also known as “Chuy” or “Joe,” was a proud Mexican born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to parents Alvaro Aguilera Alvarez and Maria Virginia Escobar Carreon— sibling to, Juan Andres, Bertha, Virginia (✝), Alvaro, Gerardo, Guillermina, Dominga, and Angel (✝). After the passing of his parents, Jose along with his sister Dominga were adopted into the Reyes family by their Tia Dolores (Yoya) and Tio Nicolas (Nico), raised in La Feria, Texas with legal siblings, Antonio J., Jorge A., Martin B., Diana D., and Noel A.

His love for the arts was evident throughout his life. He loved to dance, he learned trades like woodwork and welding, making his own home inventions, and he surprised us with his drawing skills helping his children with school projects late into the night. But most of all, he loved to sing his heart out and play guitar. In his home in La Feria, his parents recount hearing him sing beautifully from the second floor late at night. His children will always cherish the memory of him blasting his speakers and singing along loudly outside on their home’s back porch on any given night, but especially during the most special holiday to us, New Years.

He had an immense love for music, his children, family and friends, but the love Jose had for the Lord was passionate and profound. Many remember him as a happy guy who loved rock n roll and to have a good time. Many more may remember him as a devout Born-Again Christian, sharing the gospel with friends, family, and any stranger who cared to listen. After giving his life to Christ Jose spent his early twenties preaching from town to town in Mexico, with Jose Escobar Carreón, o el Tío Che, a stage of his life he recounted fondly. Later, he fell in love with Maria, and in December of 1988, they got married, and laid roots in Weslaco.

Joe worked at the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers for over 30 years, first as a sugar boiler and later as an industrial mechanic. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed what he did and the people he worked with, some turning into life-long friends. His son-son also worked for a time in the power plant department, something that made him proud.

In 2017 a work-related injury left him paralyzed. Jose had back surgery that would unfortunately leave him with the high possibility of never walking again. However, through sheer will & perseverance (and natural hard-headedness), he beat the odds and learned how to walk again, showing his strength. This is one of the many examples that reflected who he was: determined. Up until his passing no battle was big enough or hard enough to make a man like him quit.

In the years before his passing, Jose had the pleasure of spending every holiday with his children in the home he built. He had the honor of walking his two older daughters down the aisle. He traveled to Austin, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Ciudad de Mexico, Atlanta, Cancun, and many more places. He was always ready to venture onto any destination, but he was also a homebody. He liked to stay home and hangout. He loved watching movies, novelas, documentaries, T.V. shows, occasionally saying, “...I finished Netflix”.

During his last months Jose lived under the loving care of his children and son-in-law. He enjoyed eating vanilla ice cream cones, cherry or lime slushies, eating watermelon and drinking coconut water. He enjoyed sitting outside & feeling the sun. He often meditated, and focused on getting better, yearning to meet his future grandson, Nathaniel Joseph. Even though we didn't get to see them meet on this earth, they are probably meeting now, crossing paths, as we await the arrival of Jose’s first grandchild.

Jose de Jesus Reyes was a man with a tender heart and tough skin. He had hands so big and warm that they could heat up the entire world. He had a work ethic and drive so strong, willing to move mountains through life’s disadvantages. Jose was always happy and grateful for all that God had given him, and for the people placed in his life that helped him along the way. In turn, he was always a helping hand to others, with a true heart of gold. He was a strong man and fought until his last breath and will forever be remembered through his wife, son-in-laws, siblings, and friends who fondly share stories of his life. And through his six living children and grandson who will carry on his legacy. May he forevermore, rest in peace.

In keeping with Jose de Jesus’s vibrant spirit and the joy he brought into the lives of those around him, his wish was that no one wear black to his funeral. Instead, he wanted everyone to wear bright, vibrant colors as a reflection of the lively spirit and colorful life he lived. As his family and friends gather to honor his memory, they are encouraged to celebrate his life with the same brightness, warmth, and love that made him so special. Rather than mourning only his passing, may the colors worn that day serve as a beautiful reminder of the life he lived and the love he leaves behind.

During this difficult time, the family of Jose de Jesus Reyes is gratefully accepting donations to help support them as they navigate this loss. Any contribution, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated and will serve as a meaningful gesture of kindness and support. For those who wish to help, donations may be made through the family’s GoFundMe page at the link below.

(https://gofund.me/2097422c4)

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and generosity shown to them during this difficult time.