Jess D. Murillo

Jess David Murillo, 76, passed away on September 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on September 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at GameDay in Urbandale.

Jess was born on June 25, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Jess and Lupe Murillo. He grew up in the Valley Junction neighborhood of West Des Moines, graduated from Valley High School, and later earned his business degree from Drake University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.

On May 27, 1972, Jess married the love of his life, Kathy (Fiscel) Murillo. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, sharing more than 54 years of marriage.

Jess spent much of his career working in business and accounting, but his greatest joy was always his family, especially his grandchildren. Anyone who knew Jess knew how much he loved sports—all sports. Football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, soccer, and especially softball were never far from the conversation. Go Hawks! Go Cowboys and Bears! Go Yankees and Cubs! And of course, the DMACC Bears. He knew the stats, followed the schedules, studied the strategies, and could talk for hours about players, games, and plays. More than anything, though, sports became another way for Jess to love and support his family.

Nothing brought him greater joy than cheering on his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and rarely, if ever, missed a game. Whether it was a text before a game wishing them luck, a message afterward to talk about how they played, or simply being there in the stands, Jess made sure his grandchildren always knew he was watching, supporting, and cheering them on. Their games were never just games to him—they were some of his favorite moments and memories.

Those who knew Jess will remember his deep love for his family, his passion for sports, his quick wit and often sarcastic, sometimes wonderfully inappropriate, sense of humor, and the genuine interest he took in the lives of the people he loved.

Jess is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Matt (Maggie); his daughter, Allyson (Mike); and his grandchildren, Regan, Avery, Rylee, Jake, and Weston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Lupe Murillo, and his brother, Richard Murillo.

Jess will be deeply missed, and life will not be the same without him. His family will carry forward countless memories of his love, encouragement, humor, unwavering support, and the many games spent together with him proudly cheering from the stands. While they will miss seeing him there, they have no doubt that he will still be cheering them on at every game from above.